Hockey Hall of Fame personnel put the Stanley Cup
on temporary display on the landing strip after
arriving at the main Kandahar base. (CBC)
Posted on 05/02/2007 9:07:50 AM PDT by GMMAC
Hillier takes Stanley Cup, former NHLers to Afghanistan
CBC News
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 Temperatures may be pushing 40 C, but all thoughts are on hockey in Kandahar Wednesday as Canada's chief of defence staff arrived with 19 former NHL players and the Stanley Cup.
Gen. Rick Hiller arrived at the main Kandahar base with the former pros, who included Bob Probert, Dave (Tiger) Williams, Ron Tugnutt, Rejean Houle and Yvon Lambert.
Along with showing off the Stanley Cup, the group plans to play a couple of ball hockey games with some of the more than 2,000 Canadian soldiers stationed at the base and get a tour of the region.
Hockey Hall of Fame personnel put the Stanley Cup
on temporary display on the landing strip after
arriving at the main Kandahar base. (CBC)
The Hercules transport plane touched down on the Kandahar airstrip Wednesday morning and a large blue case was rolled onto the sweltering tarmac.
Soldiers, hockey players and journalists clustered around as the cup was removed, under the watchful eye of one of its white-gloved handlers. At one point, Hillier kissed his fingertips and touched the gleaming cup.
The visit is believed to be the first time the 115-year-old trophy has been in a combat zone.
"We're here to meet the troops and hopefuly boost some morale up here," said Probert.
Gen. Rick Hiller, who has his hand on the
Stanley Cup, said the trip to Afghanistan
is a 'visible sign of support' for Canadian
troops. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)
Playing and watching ball hockey is an important ritual for the Canadian troops in Afghanistan, with the teams playing for the Kandahar Cup, a pint-sized version of Lord Stanley's coveted trophy.
Last month, the owner of the Ottawa Senators visited the base, donating $50,000 worth of hockey gear. Eugene Melnyk brought hockey sticks, pads and jerseys for the soldiers.
Distraction from controversy
The visit takes Hillier away from the controversy swirling around Parliament Hill.
The Conservatives have been put on the defensive in the House of Commons over allegations that prisoners captured by Canadian soldiers were later tortured in Afghan custody.
Hillier and Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor have been accused of allowing the transfer of prisoners despite the risk of abuse.
The issue made headlines following the publication of sections of an internal Foreign Affairs Department report, which said the human rights situation in Afghanistan "deteriorated" last year.
With files from the Canadian Press
FWIW, Hillier is “Chief of Defense Staff”. The Governor General is the “Commander in Chief”.
Stanley Bump!
Pass the Cup eh !
Hope Probert is behaving himself in Afghanistan.
Yep. We’ve had it long enough.
I thought that was what you intended.
The GG is really the “Figurehead in Chief”.
I concur with your assessment! The Cup will reside in San Jose!!
Assist, Protect, Defend, from one MP to another!
Who knows, General Hillier might be a future candidate for Governor General, it would be a clean break from the non-entities that the Liberals have put in the job...
I always knew there were quality people on this site.
Hadji Don't Skate.
Coach-in-chief
~ J.D.M. Stewart, National Post, Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Also see: Stephen Harper balances job, hockey dad duties
Stephen Harper laces up for
the Leaside Lions, around 1970.
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