Yorkton and Neudorf had their day in the spotlight as Stanley Cup fever was in full effect as Jarret Stoll brought the Stanley Cup home on August 16 for a hometown celebration that will never be forgotten.
The day started off with a Stanley Cup presentation in Neudorf, the town where Stoll first learned to skate and has many of his roots there. Stoll mentioned that "Neudorf is very special to me, my grandpa and grandma live there still, and it is a very small town, but its home." A generally quiet small Saskatchewan farming community was packed and full of excitement for the morning/afternoon event, before the day's festivities moved to Yorkton.
Yorkton's portion of the day's events began with a Stanley Cup parade that stretched from Sixth Avenue to the end of Broadway at the Gallagher Centre where various floats from local businesses showed their support for Jarret as well as the main attraction of Stoll and the Stanley Cup itself.
Mayor James Wilson said of the day, "Today is a great day for the community as we share in the excitement and enthusiasm with the Stoll family and especially the celebration he is having with his friends and family here in Yorkton. This is truly a reflection of the greatness that can come and does exist in our community." Wilson also went on to mention Stoll's efforts in giving back to the community stating, "Jarret is a great role model to the youth in our community giving back in charity events and is truly a great role model for our city." Wilson also wanted to congratulate the Stoll family and Jarret himself on his success and their sharing the moment with the community.
A photo and autograph session was also held after the parade with the $10 fee going to local Kidsport charity efforts. A supper banquet and dance was also held to raise money for Kidsport and to wrap up the day's celebrations in style, after speeches from former teachers and scouts of Stoll the man of honour himself wrapped up the supper with a speech of his own for all the supporters in attendance. In his speech Stoll continued in his praise for the support the community has given him as well as his friends and family and the instrumental role they have played in his successes and triumphs. After the speech the night was wrapped up with a dance with music provided by The Arkells, a Juno award winning and critically acclaimed Ontario rock group.
The event raised money for the community and its local sports program and will give kids who otherwise could not afford to play organized sports a chance to play the games they love and potentially become future hometown heroes and combined a special event with a worthy cause.
