Youppi! steals the show during Stanley Cup tour stop

The Stanley Cup recently visited Saint-Boniface, Quebec, with a stop at Ecole primaire Sainte-Marie. Students and staff enjoyed a special day as the trophy was displayed in the school gym. Principal Stephane Lajoie noted the magical experience for the children and adults alike. The tour also featured Youppi!, the Montreal Canadiens mascot, who garnered enthusiastic reactions from the students, often more so than the Cup itself.

This event is part of Kraft Hockeyville's celebration in Saint-Boniface, a community built on volunteer efforts. Sylvain Bouchard, the tour's emcee, and his wife relocated to Saint-Boniface to be part of this vibrant hockey culture. Bouchard emphasized the arena's role as the "family heartbeat." The community's connection to hockey extends to figures like former educational consultant Stephane Lajoie, who worked with future NHL players and instilled lessons of discipline.

The Hockeyville tour aims to engage various community members, including seniors at Villa Mille Soleils and local firefighters. The legacy of individuals like Rejean Gervais, a foundational builder of the local arena, was honored at the L'Intermarche supermarket. These visits aim to celebrate the community's ongoing spirit and contributions to hockey.

A larger community celebration was planned for Sunday, with the Senators and Canadiens set for a Monday game. Many students and families from the school were expected to attend, highlighting the deep connection between the community and its beloved hockey team. This visit by the Stanley Cup and Youppi! offers a once-in-a-lifetime magical experience for the children of Saint-Boniface.