 |
| Brooks and his girlfriend Erin sharing a moment with the Stanley Cup at the beach in Cohasset, MA. (Mike Bolt/HHOF) |
The number of Stanley Cup champions who call Boston College their alma mater is staggering. Joey Mullen won the Stanley Cup with Calgary in 1989 and with Pittsburgh in 1991 and 1992. Kevin Stevens was also with that Penguins team that won back-to-back championships in '91 and '92. Brian Leetch starred with the Rangers when New York claimed the Cup in 1994. Doug Brown can boast Stanley Cup wins with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998. Brian Gionta was with the Devils when they hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2003. Ryan Shannon has his name engraved on the Cup with Anaheim in 2007. And three members of this year's Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins were also once Boston College Eagles -- Bill Guerin (who also won with New Jersey in 1995), Rob Scuderi and Brooks Orpik.
 |
| Brooks took the Cup back to Boston College where he played from 1998 to 2001. (Mike Bolt/HHOF) |
Orpik, born in San Francisco and schooled in Buffalo before attending Boston College, had more hits than an iPod for the Penguins this season and played a key role in the Pens' Cup win this spring. On Sunday, July 19, the Pittsburgh defenceman took the treasured trophy to Cohasset, a tiny town on the junction where Boston Harbor ends and Massachusetts Bay begins.
 |
Brooks celebrated with family and friends at his parents house in Cohasset, MA.
(Mike Bolt/HHOF) |
Now, having a visit from the Stanley Cup is an exciting moment, but Cohasset has had celebrities visit before. 'The Witches of Eastwick' with Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer was filmed there in 1987, and Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn headed the cast of 'HouseSitter,' which was shot in Cohasset in 1992. But Brooks Orpik's visit, to most, was every bit as momentous.
When Brooks arrived in Cohasset, he took the Stanley Cup down to the beach where he and his girlfriend, Erin, had pictures taken. Packing the Cup in the car, Brooks took it to Boston College for 11AM to celebrate with fans. Asking for a $5 minimum donation, Brooks met more than 400 fans who helped him raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of America. In fact, the signing was to last until 2:00, but was extended by an extra half hour to make certain no one who wanted to meet Brooks and get a photo with the Stanley Cup left disappointed.
 |
| Brooks celebrated not only with family and friends but also former teammates from Boston College. (Mike Bolt/HHOF) |
Back at the house, almost 90 friends and family members waited for Brooks to return with the Stanley Cup. The catering was spectacular — a maritime feast of lobster and mussels along with hamburgers and hotdogs. Rick and Liz, Brooks' Mom and Dad, were there, as was 'little' brother Andrew, who will be attending the Buffalo Sabres' camp this fall. A number of his teammates from Boston College celebrated with Orpik and the Cup, too. A few of them played a drinking game called 'Cups Around the Ultimate Cup.' Boys versus girls, flipped cups and celebratory libations. It was a riotous time with friends enjoying themselves immensely, and a day that Brooks Orpik will remember for the rest of his life.
* * *
We awaken the Sleeping Giant the next time we get together. You'll want to party with Jordan Staal when we meet back here on Tuesday.
* * *
All Photographs are property of the Hockey Hall of Fame or Getty Images and may
not be reproduced without prior written consent. For more information regarding
use of our photographs please contact us.
|
|