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Hundreds of hockey fanatics lined up outside Royal LePage Place to get a sneak peak of the Stanley Cup and Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Justin Schultz.
Two of those persons in line on Thursday were Susan and John Brown. The couple has watched Schultz since he was playing with the West Kelowna Warriors.
"My youngest son played hockey with Justin years ago and I always saw it in him. I always enjoyed his passion for the game. He had such enthusiasm," Susan said with tears in her eyes.
The Browns had season tickets for the Warriors and they were always at the games cheering for Schultz. When he moved to the Edmonton Oilers, John bought a jersey for Susan and she had it signed.
Schultz was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins this past season in a deadline deal with the Oilers. It turned out well for Schultz because the Penguins won hockey’s holy grail.
On Thursday, Susan finally got her Pittsburgh Penguins jersey signed by Schultz when he brought the Stanley Cup to West Kelowna.
The Browns were first in line to speak to Schultz. John said he’s happy that Schultz was able to bring the cup home and inspire so many people.
"We don't need sports, but sports gives us an outlet to be away from the things that are going on in our world. We can cheer for him and we can live through him."
Susan said she’s incredibly proud of him.
“He's a great young man and he deserves all of this success and happiness in the world."
Schultz arrived with the Stanley Cup and walked the red carpet into the arena full of screaming kids and adults.
There, he spent hours signing his name on different items and snapping pictures with fans.
John — an RCMP officer dressed in his uniform on the day — said it’s important people have someone to look up to; someone who overcame adversity to succeed.
"It's important that we have heroes and we have people who inspire us. These young kids should be inspired by him because to grow up to become him and have his character and endure all the hard work he's had to go through is incredible.”
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