NHL's Nicolas Hague brings inspiration home to hundreds of fans in Kitchener

NHL star Nicolas Hague of the Vegas Golden Knights brought the Stanley Cup, and a dose of inspiration, to the Activa Sportsplex in Kitchener Sunday following his team's championship win.

Hundreds of fans waited in lines that wound across the Sportsplex's grounds — some for hours — to meet Hague and see the Stanley Cup close-up. That includes Chris Gilbey, who was there for more than four hours to score a place at the very front of the line.

Gilbey believes that having an NHL champion from Kitchener means something to local players, dubbing him a "mentor." 

Hague, who was drafted to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, was born in the city. 

"It means kids now will follow him," Gilbey said, mentioning her grandchildren. "They could do anything they want," she said.

Landon Perrin, a young hockey player from Kitchener, waited for over two hours to meet Hague and see the cup. When asked what it means to him as a hockey player to see another player from his city win the Stanley Cup, he said, "It feels good." 

Stephen Bebber of Kitchener was near the end of the line. Despite that, he thought it'd be worth it.  

"It's a piece of Canadian history," he said. "So, I get a chance to come out here and see it. Hopefully I get a picture with the cup."

"Having kids that are playing on the local rep team and coming here and seeing a Kitchener player actually make it to that level is pretty inspirational."

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, who was also in attendance, believed too that Hague's accomplishment will inspire young athletes.

"I think what it is, is it's a mark of importance for young kids because it really allows them to both dream big but also know that if you work hard and you have some passion and determination — and yeah, maybe a little bit of luck as well, right? — but that your dreams can come true," he said.