Stanley Cup arrives in Kandahar

by ryan | March 19, 2008 at 08:47 pm

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Whether you support the war in Afghanistan or not, this is a meaningful tribute and support of the men and women who have been ordered into action.

Canada's top soldier, musicians and former NHL players took the Stanley Cup to Canadian troops in Afghanistan Wednesday as the defence minister wrapped up an unannounced two-day tour of the area.

Gen. Rick Hillier, country rockers Blue Rodeo and a group of former hockey players met briefly with Defence Minister Peter MacKay, who left the Kandahar base Wednesday.

The troops will also be entertained by Blue Rodeo, Montreal rocker Jonas Tomalty and Newfoundland-born singer Lori Anna Reid.

Hillier accompanied the Cup to Afghanistan in May 2007 for a ball hockey tournament with troops and 19 former NHL players. Temperatures hovered around 40 C for those games.

The owner of the Ottawa Senators travelled to Kandahar in April 2007 with $50,000 worth of hockey gear for the troops. Eugene Melnyk brought hockey sticks, pads and jerseys.