Update: Visit Cyclotram for great photos from the event, and of course pictures of the Stanley Cup!
Did you know the Portland Uncle Sams (aka Rosebuds) were the first American team to compete for the Stanley Cup? Alas, Portland lost to the Montreal Canadiens in game five of a five game series 2-1 in 1916.
As a result of reaching the championship match that year, as cyclotram reveals, engraved on the Cup are the words “Portland Ore./PCHA Champions/1915–16”, listing us alongside all the Cup champions in years before and since.
Portland’s present team, the Western Hockey League Portland Winterhawks, does not compete for the Stanley Cup, but is hosting a special Stanley Cup viewing – this Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Former Portland Buckaroo player Tom McVie, who now scouts for the 2011 NHL Champion Boston Bruins, is bringing the cup to town:
As part of hockey tradition, players and members of team management from the winning team each get a day with the Cup, and as part of his day, McVie wants to share it with Portland’s hockey fans.
Fans will be able to get their picture taken with the iconic trophy, and get an up close look at the Cup which includes the names of every player to have won it engraved on its panels. Fans will also be able to participate in other hockey activities, including street hockey, an inflatable puck shoot game and much more.
The event runs from noon until 1:30pm. If you miss your chance to see the cup at Pioneer Courthouse Square, head on up to Vancouver – the cup will be on display at the Mountain View Ice Arena between 3:30pm and 5pm, also on Wednesday, August 17, 2011.
Update: The Oregonian is reporting several other stops, Tuesday and Wednesday.
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