As most of you may already know, the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup last season. Whenever a team wins, each player gets the Stanley Cup for 24 hours. Fortunately for me, I was able to document Dave Bolland’s 24 hours with the cup when he brought it back to Toronto this past week.

Ill be honest, I havent watched a full hockey game in years but man was it ever an honor to be standing right beside and taking pictures of the legendary cup.

I basically spent every waking moment with him and that cup from Thursday evening until the early morning hours of Saturday. We went everywhere from the city councilors house to his old high school, a bakery in the neighbourhood to the Blue Goose (the local bar), his parents house to the hockey arena where he grew up playing in.  My hat goes off to Dave for sharing his success, glory and the cup with his entire hometown and community. I swear to you, every minute that that cup was in his hand, he was posing for pictures with it, or he was signing autographs. I dont know if I would ever have the patience for that but kudos to Dave.

The 24 hours that I spent with Dave reinforced the importance of one’s roots, origins and the people who have contributed to your life and where you are now. He reminded me of how important it is to give thanks.  No matter how high life takes you, never forget to kiss the ground.

The pictures I posted are only from the parade. I took 2990 pictures and Im not trying to post them all and make your computers crash. The funny story behind these pictures is that I sat on top of an old school firetruck while taking pictures in the rain while only wearing a t-shirt. It was also damn windy too. Im actually surprised Im not sick right now. As for the camera and keeping it dry, I grabbed a towel to cover it when I wasnt shooting. : )

I want to give a special shout outs to Drex for lining me up with the gig. That shit was crazy! Also a shout out to Dave Bolland for an experience Im sure to never forget.