For the third time in five years, Chicago Blackhawks executive Al MacIsaac brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Antigonish, N.S.
MacIsaac is the vice-president of hockey operations for the Chicago Blackhawks, this year's Stanley Cup champions.
Management, like the players, are allowed one day to take the cup home.
“Reality is, it’s like winning the lottery. You're going to enjoy it. You're going to share it with people, hopefully your wealth. The Stanley Cup is to be shared with people. I've been able to share it with my family, my friends, and the local community,” says MacIsaac.
It's never quiet when the Stanley Cup enters a room, and after winning it three times, MacIsaac is starting to get used to it.
“It's a hat trick. I'm proud to be a part of it, in my small way,” says MacIsaac.
One of the stops on MacIsaac’s cup tour was the Canadian Association for Community Living workshop in Antigonish. The CACL is his charity of choice for the cup visit, meaning donations from local businesses will help programs here.
“Every year, at our hockey classic, he'll donate jerseys, sticks, that we auction off, and we've made thousands of dollars over the few years, with the support of the Blackhawks,” says Jeff Teasdale, CACL administrator.
MacIsaac was a top hockey player at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, named student athlete of the year in 1991.
“What I remember is a very talented player, and somebody who also focused on the academics while he was here,” says Leo MacGillivray, StFX athletic director.
His aptitude for academics helped lead him to the administration side of hockey.
MacIsaac's parents are especially proud, as their son continues to shine at the top of his profession.
“We have seven kids and they've all done pretty well, and Allan, he loves what he does and he works hard at it,” says MacIsaac’s father Don.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan MacIntosh
