Blackhawks' Bollig Brings Stanley Cup Back Home

Given just 24 hours to spend with hockey's top trophy, Chicago Blackhawks forward Brandon Bollig decided to take the Stanley Cup back to where it all began.

Bollig, a St. Charles native, began his hockey career on the ice at the St. Peters Rec-Plex with the St. Peters Spirit hockey club. Years later Bollig was in the NHL and his No. 19 was retired by the Spirit. After winning the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in June, Bollig decided to share his special day at the place his career started.

Hockey tradition allows players on the winning team to spend one day with the Stanley Cup. Wednesday was Bollig's turn and, after trips downtown, Bollig was greeted by a raucous crowd at the Rec-Plex South. The trip to St. Peters was Bollig's idea.

St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano announced a proclamation that July 31, 2013 is Brandon Bollig and the Stanley Cup Day in St. Peters.

Following the presentation, Bollig posed for pictures with members of the St. Peters youth hockey program and then the long line of visitors waiting for a chance to get up close with hockey's Holy Grail.