Executive Council
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
June 30, 2008

Province Anxiously Awaits Arrival of Stanley Cup

Anticipation is in the air throughout Newfoundland and Labrador as residents across the province wait to catch a glimpse of Riverhead, Harbour Grace native Danny Cleary of the Detroit Red Wings with hockey�s most famous prize � the National Hockey League�s (NHL) Stanley Cup.

Mr. Cleary will be reunited with the Stanley Cup today when it arrives at the St. John�s International Airport at 12:40 p.m. today. Tomorrow, Canada Day (July 1), Mr. Cleary will bring the cup to Harbour Grace for a parade and full day of celebrations.

"Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are passionate hockey fans and have long-awaited the moment when Lord Stanley�s Cup would pay a visit to the province," said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "Danny Cleary�s hard work and determination have inspired sports-minded youth across the province to strive for athletic excellence and we look forward to welcoming the Cup and to paying tribute to Danny."

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said Newfoundlanders and Labradorians all over the world tuned in to watch one of their own hoist the cup after the Detroit Red Wings took the NHL Stanley Cup final.

"The win was monumental and will forever hold a place in the sport history of this province," Minister Jackman said. "These celebrations will help mark the milestone and enable residents to honour a hometown hockey hero."

The Provincial Government, through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, contributed $20,000 to the celebrations in Harbour Grace, which will also include a public viewing of the Stanley Cup and live entertainment.

The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, MHA for the District of Carbonear-Harbour Grace, said this is a proud day for Harbour Grace and the entire province.

"It was a personal highlight for me to watch the Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup in Pittsburgh earlier this month," Minister Kennedy said. "Danny Cleary played a pivotal role in that victory, and he has set an excellent example for the youth of our province."

This year marks Mr. Cleary�s third season with the Detroit Red Wings. He recently signed a contract to play with the team for an additional five years.

"I encourage residents across the province to join us in Harbour Grace for the celebrations," said Premier Williams. "The event is sure to be history in the making with a true display of the spirit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

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Media contacts:

Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 693-7291
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Andrea Nolan
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 727-0991
andreanolan@gov.nl.ca
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov,.nl.ca
 

2008 06 30                                                       9:40 a.m.

 


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