Buffalo native Patrick Kane brings Stanley Cup to Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Fravel
  • 107th Airlift Wing
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION --  Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane visited the 107th Airlift Wing here Saturday, bringing with him the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe trophies.

Kane, a south Buffalo native was touring Western New York displaying the Stanley Cup at various stops.

Members of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station had the opportunity to meet Kane, as well as have photographs taken with the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe trophy.

"My son was absolutely thrilled," said Lt. Col. Douglas C. Eoute, whose son Lucas is a longtime Patrick Kane fan. "He was able to meet Kane and walk with him as he carried the Stanley Cup to the display table, and Kane signed his jersey."

Welcomed on stage by Congressman Brian Higgins, 107th AW Commander Col. John J. Higgins, and 914th AW Vice Commander Col. Walter O. Gordon, Kane took a moment to address the crowd which included members and family of the 107th and 914th Airlift Wings, Army Reserve, the Buffalo Sled Veteran Warriors and the Buffalo Warriors Hockey Team.

"I can carry around a Stanley Cup that's 35 pounds, or an MVP trophy that's brought along with us here today, but for what you guys do for our country, you carry our country on your back. It's purely amazing. I just want to express my gratitude for everything you do for this country," Kane said.

Kane and the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in June when they defeated the Boston Bruins for the National Hockey League championship. Kane earned the Conn Smythe Trophy, which is awarded to the most valuable player of the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs.