Stanley Cup set for display in Fairbanks
FAIRBANKS — The Stanley Cup is coming to Fairbanks as part of the Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame’s Hockey Week in Fairbanks celebration.
Randy Zarnke, president of the Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame, made the announcement Tuesday evening after receiving word from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
Zarnke said the trophy will be on display on Feb. 13 at the Big Dipper Ice Arena. It will mark the first time the Cup has been to the Golden Heart City.
Final details as to what time the Cup will be on display will be announced at a later date, Zarnke said.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to bring the Stanley Cup to Alaska and specifically to Fairbanks,” said Phil Pritchard, the man who has the job of coordinating for the Cup.
“Hockey reaches all across this great country and it is great to be able to come and visit Fairbanks and the Hall of Fame,” Pritchard said from his office in Toronto.
Zarnke said bringing the Cup to Fairbanks has been one of the Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame’s goals ever since Hockey Week in Fairbanks was created.
“What better way to celebrate hockey than to bring the most beloved and treasured trophy in sports,” Zarnke said in a press release.
Zarnke and Pritchard spent many hours communicating in order to work out all the details of brining the Cup to Fairbanks.
“The enthusiasm and participation of the people of Fairbanks made it happen,” Zarnke said “We’re ecstatic to be able to bring The Cup here to share with them.”
Zarnke is hoping to have a group photo taken with Fairbanks fans wearing the their favorite jersey surrounding the Stanley Cup.
“We encourage all hockey fans to wear their favorite jersey and be on the ice for this historic photo,” Zarnke said. “Plan to arrive early. We’re expecting a big crowd.”
Following the group photo, the Cup will be on display on the upper level of the Dipper in the Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame area.
“This will be the opportunity for individuals and small groups to have their picture taken with The Cup,” Zarnke said. “We’ll keep things moving so that everyone gets a chance to pose with the Cup.”
Hockey Week In Fairbanks is sponsored by the Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame, Emerald Isle Pull Tabs, and the Fairbanks North Star Borough Department of Parks & Recreation. Travel for the Stanley Cup is sponsored by Era Alaska Airlines.