Monday was a special day in the Royal City. Queen's Park resident and hometown NHL hero Bill Ranford had his day with the Stanley Cup (see page 3 for our coverage of the visit).
For most of the time, the silver trophy was within spitting distance of the arena where Ranford honed his craft and began the career that led to three Stanley Cup championships, two as a player with the Edmonton Oilers and his most recent triumph, as goalie coach for the Los Angeles Kings.
But his NHL record isn't what makes Ranford special. It's his character - and his obvious affection for his friends, family, neighbours and community.
Ranford devoted the majority of his day to being the perfect host for the cup.
The Record was fortunate enough to spend most of the day with Ranford and the Stanley Cup as it travelled around town, and what struck us most was how generous and selfless Ranford was.
When his nieces and their friends wanted to drink out of the cup, in went the lemonade and out came the straws.
When his neighbours wanted a shot with the trophy and then with Bill and the trophy, there was a smiling Ranford, happy to be a part of their special day.
When local businesses hoped for a visit, he did his best to accommodate.
In giving his time, Ranford received probably the best gift of all: sharing his championship joy with the people who, in their own ways, helped support him as he reached the pinnacle of his profession.
For the thousands of Royal City residents who were able to have their picture taken with, touch, or for a select few, drink from the Stanley Cup, Ranford's efforts made a big impact.
We're pretty lucky in the Royal City to have a champion who hasn't forgotten his roots and wanted, in his own small way, to pay the city back. Consider the debt paid, Bill, and thanks for bringing Stanley to New Westminster.
