Stanley Cup’s tour across Saskatchewan continues in Davidson

Lord Stanley made its way to Davidson on Wednesday as its tour across the province continued.

Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Brayden McNabb had his turn with the Cup, and people lined street in Davidson during a parade that was led by a Zamboni.

The parade also featured first responders from Davidson as well as some of minor hockey players.

The procession made it to the AGT Centre — the sports facility in Davidson — where the 32-year-old McNabb gave a thank you speech.

“The Davidson community, since Day 1, you have always supported me,” said McNabb.

The Cup was in Estevan with Brayden Pachal on Sunday and in Emma Lake with Chandler Stephenson on Tuesday.

McNabb was in the crowd when Cory Sarich brought the Stanley Cup to the Davidson area after winning the NHL title with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“Nineteen years ago, I was here with Cory Sarich and that was a day I never forgot. I always wished I could bring it back here and do this,” said McNabb.

McNabb said Davidson helped him a lot throughout his career as both a minor hockey player and an NHLer.

“I’m very proud to be from here. As soon as you start playing higher-level hockey, everyone is watching and checking in to see how you are doing,” said McNabb.

McNabb credits growing up on a farm for the work ethic that got him to where he is today.

Bringing the Stanley Cup back to Davidson and being in his childhood arena was a full-circle moment, according to McNabb.

He said he was glad to be one of the original misfits left on the Golden Knights’ roster to see the goal all the way through.

“To be one of the original six misfits left in Vegas when we won the Cup was special,” said McNabb, who won the first Cup of his 11-year NHL career.

The whole McNabb family feels the support from Davidson for Brayden.

“I am so proud of Davidson, and touched (and) overwhelmed by everyone who showed up,” said Jeannine McNabb, Brayden’s mom.

She never could have imagined a day like Wednesday, but since Brayden was a kid, he always wanted to play in the NHL.

“He wrote as a very young child, ‘I want to be a NHL hockey player,’ and he was a very determined boy. But no, I would have never thought this would happen. It’s hard enough to make the NHL, let alone win the Stanley Cup,” Jeannine said.

Brayden McNabb still comes back to Davidson and plays in ball tournaments and is very active in the community.

Everyone gets to see Brayden McNabb the hockey player but not everyone knows about Brayden McNabb the person. Jeannine described who her son is outside of hockey.

“Brayden is quieter. He would rather have other people do the talking. He has a beautiful wife who he loves very much (and) he is a very good father and husband,” Jeannine said. “He has always wanted a family, so he is as happy as could be.”