It's hard to believe we're already nearly halfway through August. It's just one calendar month until the Carolina Hurricanes host the Prospect Showcase . Hockey's almost here, y'all!
Without further ado, let's dig into today's stories!
Monday, Winnipeg, Manitoba, celebrated their local Stanley Cup Champion, Seth Jarvis, as he got his day with the Stanley Cup. He started the day off with a visit to the Children's Hospital of Manitoba, meeting with the children, families, and staff and sharing the celebration with them .
Afterwards, he took the Cup to Tuxedo Community Centre – his childhood ice-rink – to meet with fans for photos and the like…and yes, he had a candy bar set up inside the arena, featuring everything from gummy worms to Hairbo Tangfastics. Due to the sheer number of fans who came out, and the limited time he had, not everyone was able to make it inside – so he took the Cup outside for everyone to see while his family handed out 8×10 autographed photos to the fans.
The day concluded with time spent with friends and family – and one special guest not even Jarvis expected. It just so happened that Jordan Martinook, who was next in line to have his day with the cup, surprised his teammate in Winnipeg.
Jarvis' reaction to Martinook sneaking up on him was about what you would imagine when someone suddenly grabs you and starts shouting like a maniac in the way only Martinook could.
"How the f– did you get here?!"
Though born in Manitoba, Martinook is a native of Leduc, Alberta – where the Cup would go the following day.
Making his appearance with the Cup on Tuesday in his hometown, Martinook – now beardless since showing up for Jarvis' day just the night before – rolled into the parking lot of Leduc Recreation Centre in a green convertible Corvette . Approximately 3,000 fans had come to celebrate their neighbor and the Cup.
Additionally, Martinook was given the Citizen of Distinction Award, recognizing his work with the community over the years.
It's mid-August, but is it too early to get ready for Autumn? I don't think it is, and neither does Grandad's Apples 'N Such – an establishment which is certainly more than any average apple orchard. Located in Hendersonville, just a stone's throw south of Asheville, they recently unveiled this season's corn maze, which salutes the Hurricanes' Stanley Cup championship.
Grandad's Apples 'N Such Carolina Hurricanes themed Corn Maze via their Facebook page
This is probably one of the coolest things I have seen from businesses paying homage to the Hurricanes since they won, and having been born and raised in the foothills, it blesses my heart to see this come from the western side of North Carolina. The maze will be open daily from 8AM to 5PM, so if anyone takes the trip out to see it, I'd love to hear all about it.
Who knows, I may even feature it in an upcoming story.
Philly Hockey Now:The NHL Network released their list of the top 20 defensemen right now, but one name was missing. Will James wrote up an analysis on the snub of Philadelphia Flyers blueliner, Travis Sanheim.
Boston Hockey Now:Per a recent tier-list ranking from The Athletic, David Pastrnak is considered 'on track' to make the Hockey Hall of Fame, so Jack Studley discussed it all ! (Also, fun fact – Hurricanes Jaccob Slavin and Sebastian Aho both made that list.)
Montreal Hockey Now:Everyone knows the Montreal Canadiens' bruiser Arber Xhekaj, but less is known about his younger brother, Florian Xhekaj, who is also in the Canadiens' system. Marc Dumont analyzed his game in his recent installment of Montreal Hockey Now's Top 20 prospects series.
NHL:The New York Islanders have finally whittled down the 80,000 entries to eight for their upcoming third jersey, designed by fans.
NHL Trade Rumors:Before Kyle Davidson brought Patrick Kane back to the Chicago Blackhawks, he dropped the details to Connor Bedard, who was excited at the idea to say the least. Pretty great stuff!
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