Saskatchewan players get strong support in Stanley Cup final

As Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final approaches, three Saskatchewan-born players will have the chance to hoist Lord Stanley’s mug.

Davidson’s Brayden McNabb, Saskatoon’s Chandler Stephenson and Estevan’s Brayden Pachal – all players with the Vegas Golden Knights – have the chance to bring the Stanley Cup back to their home province this year.

Kelly McCrimmon, the team’s general manager, is originally from Plenty, and several members of the team’s scouting staff are from locations across the province — adding even more Saskatchewan connections.

Vegas is up 3-1 in the best-of-seven series against the Florida Panthers, with Game 5 set for Tuesday night.

According to the players’ family members, community support for the Saskatchewan players has made itself known in a big way.

“Everybody around us is just rooting for him and cheering for him,” Bev Stephenson, Chandler’s mom, said in a recent interview with the Green Zone.

“People are calling and texting, saying he’s playing so well (and) he’s doing so good.”

Jeannine McNabb, Brayden’s mom, said her community is also showing a lot of support for her son.

“Davidson is great. They have supported him, and it always amazes me how many kids are so excited to get a signed picture from him,” said Jeannine.

“Everybody is talking about how they are one win away. We had a plumber up, and he’s like, ‘Oh gosh, they’re only one win away.’ ”

Every hockey kid’s dream growing up is to win the Stanley Cup, but according to Colton Stephenson — Chandler’s brother — it’s just as satisfying to see your sibling win it.

“I still can’t believe he’s won one already,” Colton said in an interview with the Green Zone, referring to the NHL championship the former Regina Pats star won with the Washington Capitals in 2018.

“We used to practise (hockey) in the basement for so many years that it’s actually hard to imagine that he actually did it.”

Stephenson has helped pave the way for minor hockey players in Saskatoon, and McNabb’s success shows there’s a pathway to the NHL for kids in Davidson.

“They see that it’s a possibility because someone from their community has made it,” Jeannine said.

Saskatchewan is well-represented within the Golden Knights’ organization, and Jeannine said that’s a good thing for the future of hockey in the province.

“I think it’s great. I think it shows you what a great hockey program we’ve got here, and how the kids in Saskatchewan really love hockey,” she said.

Seeing someone you care about living out their dream is something that you will never forget, according to Stephenson’s father, Curt.

“When Chandler won it with Washington in Vegas, Colton and I were in the stands and we were crying,” said Curt.

“We just need to enjoy the moment of things when our kids are having success,” added Jeannine.