Jordan Staal Presents Stanley Cup To Thunder Bay
by Scott A. Sumner
Thunder Bay Business
Jordan Staal, Centre for the 2008-2009 Stanley Cup Champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins, brought the Stanley Cup to the Fort William Gardens on Tuesday, July 21 from 10 am to 12 noon for photographs with the public and to say a few words.
Mayor Lynn Peterson of Thunder Bay and Deputy Mayor Koen Grootenboer of Oliver Paipoonge attended to congratulate Jordan, and Bryan Wyatt, News and sports director at CKPR/Rock 94 Radio, will be the Master of Ceremonies.
“We are pleased to host this event in partnership with Jordan’s parents, and we appreciate this opportunity to share his success with all of his fans in Thunder Bay,” said Mayor Peterson.
Special thanks to Henry Staal, Jordan’s father, for all of his efforts in planning this celebration.
“ It is hard to believe this is the second time doing this for our family. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. You put skates on them, let them go and this is what happens. It is not that easy though. They work really hard at it.” said father Henry Staal. “ Last year I followed all the boys on television or live. Other than the playoffs I saw about 30 games live with father son events etc. The games were mostly on the east coast.”
How does the prospect for this year’s NHL season for theh Staal family?
“ Teams change so much. In fact we were looking at the cup last night and Erics 2006 Hurricane team is vastly different than what it is today. There are some core players but other than that they are very different teams. Even Pittsburgh has to sign all their players within
the cap which is harder after you win a Stanley Cup.” said Henry Staal. “ We have 1100 people on the floor right now waiting in line for their picture with Jordan and the cup. They are also lined down the lobby to Miles Street and Vickers. We are just allowing individual
shots of Jordan with the Stanley Cup to allow as many possible to come through. There was a woman from Chicago here just to get the picture with Jordan.” said Doug Henry, of Community Services City Of Thunnder Bay.
The fourth Staal brother Jarrod has been drafted by Phoenix and is working very hard this summer. He will go to their training camp this September. “ The boys have remained very gounded. When you have 3 other brothers you are not allowed to get egos. They get chopped down quickly as well as by their buddies.They are so busy they don’t have much time. They all have to work out all summer to be ready for their upcoming seasons.” said Henry Staal.
