The night the Devils won their first Stanley Cup, we were so delirios with joy, we needed to get out of the house. So the eight of us packed into two cars, and drove around Bergen Country looking for a party. The first stop was logical: The Continental Airlines Arena. It was cleared out already, but we walked around looking for someone. We found Ken Daneyko, walking out with his wife. The group of eight of us, just started clapping and cheering and going crazy. Daneyko joined right in, doing the same, and then walked over to us and gave us hugs and handshakes. He told us," Thank you guys so much, this was for you. You guys stuck with us through those bad years. THANK YOU."
It was an amazing moment and it showed me Kenny was probably the classiest guy on the planet.
We weren't satisfied. During the Jaques Lemaire era, the players stayed in a hotel, even during home playoff games. So we decided to head on over to that hotel, and sure enough the players were there in the ball room, having a party! Using a contact that we have with a family member, we actually got into the party. The huge ballroom had a stage to he left, as soon as you walked in. On that stage sat what we had waited thirteen long years for. Lord Stanley's Cup. With a perfect shine on it, it sat in a spotlight. The symbol of greatness in hockey was not only with the Devils, but it was within 50 feet of me. So, we started walking around. A huge table was set up with a wide array with eats. As I reached for a cracker, I accidentally bumped into someone. Bruce Driver, who was getting some shrimp, and a cookie for one of his daughters. "Is this happening I though?" It sure was. We greeted, congratulated and took pictures of as many players as we could, before we felt too intrusive. The best moment of the night by far was the live band playing Aretha Franklin's "Respect", with an awful lead singer: Martin Brodeur. I capped off the night by actually lifting the Cup over my head, with my two friends flanked by my side, for the greatest photo I have of myself. It seems like I may be making this up, feel free to visit http://www.angelfire.com/nj/SportsVid/pics.html Lets go Devils
By Rob |
