Stanley Cup Day!

For those of you who don't follow hockey, Duncan Keith won an Olympic Gold medal, the Norris Trophy and the Stanley Cup all in one year. That is a pretty big achievement and this is only his 5th year with the NHL playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. (Thanks to my husband for the stats... ;) ) and even better that he's a local Okanagan boy. On July 17th Penticton held "Duncan Keith Day". I had the pleasure of getting to capture all of it up close and personal. I really like hockey, but wouldn't necessarily call myself a hockey fanatic (unlike my husband Lee and my cousin Gillen), but even for me this was a pretty darn cool day. I got to see the cup come off the plane, then get to see it hoisted by Duncan himself. I followed Duncan and his family to show off the cup to his parents and Grandparents, we toured the hospital, went to a massive celebration, a luncheon and then for a party back at Duncan and Kelly Rae's house.

Actually the best part of seeing the cup come off the plane was getting to see Gillen and Lee's reaction. Pretty darn priceless actually. Like two kids who just discovered Santa is real. Gillen actually said "If we went home right now this would still be the best day of my life!"

One of the highlights of the day was going to the hospital to show off the cup to the patients. It was so great to see so many smiling faces. One elderly patient stood out in particular. After being introduced to Duncan and the cup, he told Duncan that he should play for the Canucks and when Duncan told him he played for the Blackhawks, he said "Oh that's too bad." Then he refused to have his picture taken with a Blackhawks hat on because as he said "I'm a Canucks fan all the way!"

Then there was the patient who was very sick and we were told that he didn't have much longer to live. He reached out and touched the Olympic Gold medal and said very quietly, "Ok. I can go." *tear*

And I must say that Duncan handled it like a pro. I've never heard so many people demand so much from one person and so I tip my hat to you sir.

I'd like to say an enormous thank you to Duncan and Kelly Rae for having me. It was an absolute pleasure being able to capture this day and getting to know you. Congratulations to the both of you and I wish you both the best!

*** Camillia Courts Photography retains all copyright. Do no copy or reproduce any images posted.