Kuemper brings Stanley Cup to Saskatoon

Saskatoon’s own Darcy Kuemper brought the Stanley Cup back to his hometown.

Hundreds lined up at the Saskatoon Police Service headquarters downtown on Friday to get a glimpse of both Kuemper and Lord Stanley’s cup.

Kuemper said it’s always been his dream of winning hockey’s most coveted trophy and bringing it back to the place where his dreams of professional hockey all started.

“It’s been a lot of fun. It’s been special,” Kuemper said with a grin.

“I think they were more here to see the cup, but I think it just shows how special of a trophy this is. It means a lot to everyone. Even to get a picture with it, or touch it, is obviously amazing for people.”

Before making it to police headquarters, Kuemper’s first stop with the cup was at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

The Saskatoon-born goaltender said he enjoyed bringing a smile to everyone’s face.

“Saskatoon’s a special city for me, and it’s always going to be home,” Kuemper said.

For the rest of the day, Kuemper said he will spend some time with the cup along with close friends and family members.

Kuemper has been a Stanley Cup Champion for just over a month now, but he says the feeling is still very fresh in his mind.

“All I remember is trying not to look at the clock the whole third period. I was trying my best to stay in the moment. Then the buzzer went, and it caught me by surprise,” Kuemper said.

“I’ve seen some pictures. I didn’t know I could jump that high. It was such an exciting moment. Just really special.”

Kuemper closed his chapter with the Colorado Avalanche on a high note, and will start a new one next season with the Washington Capitals.

He said he’s looking forward to the opportunity.

“It was a special group, for sure. We’ll be friends forever. We had an amazing team, and amazing group of players,” Kuemper said.

“Exciting to join another really strong team. Can’t wait to start living there and start playing for the team.”

On Saturday, Avalanche Head Coach Jerad Bednar will bring the Stanley Cup to Humboldt for the annual Broncos golf tournament.