The Stanley Cup will be heading to northern Saskatchewan.
In mid-January, it was announced that the Stanley Cup would be making an appearance at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band communities of north-central Saskatchewan. The appearance was announced as part of a joint effort with the Jonas Robert Memorial Community Centre, the municipality's sports and culture facility, and Inspire 365 to promote mental health and community engagement through hockey.
It is expected that two former NHLers will take part in the associated events, which are set to take place from February 5th to February 8th. The two NHLers are Bryan Trottier, who split his career between the New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Rich Pilon, who played for the Islanders, St Louis Blues, and the New York Rangers.
No official itinerary for the weekend's proceedings have been announced as of this writing. However, it seems that two events have associated dates. The first is a community breakfast, which will include both former NHL players and the Stanley Cup itself. The second event is a meet and greet, which will feature both Trottier and Pilon, that will take place before a La Ronge Ice Wolves game. The associated Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League game is scheduled for February 7th and it will see the Ice Wolves take on the Nipawin Hawks, which play out of eastern Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe shared news of the event through his Twitter platform:
"Exciting news for the North!Scott Moe (via Twitter)
The Stanley Cup is coming to La Ronge, giving hockey fans across northern Saskatchewan a chance to celebrate Canada's game up close.
Hockey brings our communities together, and this will be a special moment for families, kids, and fans alike.
Enjoy it, La Ronge! Saskatchewan is ready to welcome the Cup. "
An official itinerary for the event could come on Monday, January 26th. The event proper is set to start on February 5th.