Thousands turned out in the capital city today to see Alex Newhook strut the Stanley Cup around his home town.
Huge crowds showed up at Confederation Building, Bannerman Park, and throughout the parade route in downtown St. John’s en route to the George Street stage.
Family friend and VOCM Open Line host Paddy Daly was along for the ride during the parade.
“It’s been absolute bedlam” on Water Street, says Daly.
Meanwhile, thousands more were eagerly waiting the arrival on George Street.
The calm before the Avalanche. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/lgZgudl6ZC
— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) August 22, 2022
Among the thousands who turned out were Ukrainian Marina Sakorska, her son Andrew, and her brother Liv. Marina says the boys played hockey in Ukraine and it was their dream to see the Cup.
Fourteen-year-old Seth Hyde, who has made a name for himself calling play-by-play at local hockey games, had a busy day, emceeing an event at Confederation Building before participating in the Cup parade.
Marie Hackett, another excited young fan, summed up the overall feeling of those who came out for the celebrations. “I can’t believe that Alex Newhook made it, and I’m so happy to see him” she told VOCM News.
Marie is an up and coming hockey player in Mount Pearl.
She’s a big Avalanche fan & even has family in Colorado.
She says @AbbyNewhook is her idol & she plans to be the next Abby Newhook to burst onto the hockey scene.
I say she does it. @VOCMNEWS @590VOCM @Avalanche pic.twitter.com/DlADgwJjSJ
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) August 22, 2022
Newhook’s childhood organization, the Avalon Celtics, met with him at Bannerman Park, asking some burning questions — like if they could have his hat, or who his favourite players are — and getting pictures and autographs.
A ton of very excited @AvalonCeltics are anxiously awaiting the arrival of @AlexNewhook_ & Lord Stanley. @590VOCM @VOCMNEWS @Avalanche pic.twitter.com/FG6TfNlF0a
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) August 22, 2022
A loud and very proud welcome for @AlexNewhook_ and the @StanleyCup here at Bannerman Park. @VOCMNEWS @590VOCM @Avalanche pic.twitter.com/kfc0MfYp4k
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) August 22, 2022
The event at the park was followed by the formal parade to George Street.
The Cup’s final peaceful moment for the day was captured this morning by Newhook’s father, Shawn, before it was off to Signal Hill for a family moment.
Lord Stanley in the dining room! Let’s get er goin! pic.twitter.com/yHWHLvTB46
— Shawn Newhook (@shawn_newhook) August 22, 2022
For the family, for the city, and for all of Newfoundland: It’s Stanley Cup day!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/Sxg4diTWNJ
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) August 22, 2022
The first official stop today was Confederation Building.
