Cole Harbour hockey superstar Nathan MacKinnon finally brought the Stanley Cup to downtown Halifax on Saturday.
It’s something fans have been waiting for since the Colorado Avalanche’s victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning during the Stanley Cup final in June.
Fans from as far as the Northwest Territories and Colorado made their way to Halifax to see the cup parade.
The day started off on Citadel Hill where MacKinnon fired the cannon at noon — something that’s usually done by staff of the historic site every day.
He was then greeted by fans, as thousands of people lined up on the hill and nearby streets.
“It’s awesome… it feels great to bring the cup home,” MacKinnon said.
The parade officially began just after noon. It went down Brunswick Street, and passed through Spring Garden Road, South Park Street, Sackville Street and Carmichael Street.
MacKinnon rode in a red naval fire vehicle, along with his parents and a few teammates, including Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog and player Andrew Cogliano.
Loud cheers, applauses and music from a marching band could be heard in the city’s downtown core.
“It’s nice to see him back here and have that connection with my home state,” said a fan on Brunswick Street.
“Any chance you can get to see the cup, you’ve got to take the opportunity,” another said.
The parade ended at the Grand Parade, where a stage was set up right in front of City Hall. MacKinnon was greeted there by hundreds of fans as he gave a brief speech.
Premier Tim Houston also attended the event.
“I think the message Nathan is sending to all of us is: it’s possible, whatever your dreams are, you can achieve them,” Houston said. “From right here in Cole Harbour, right here in Halifax, right here in Nova Scotia. It’s a powerful statement.”
The last time the Stanley Cup was brought to Halifax was five years ago, when fellow Cole Harbour hockey legend Sidney Crosby won with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
— With files from Amber Fryday.
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