Ex-Canuck brings Stanley Cup to B.C. hometown

PORT MCNEILL, B.C. - The northern Vancouver Island community of Port McNeill, B.C., has hosted a rare visitor.

The Stanley Cup arrived in town, 460 kilometres north of Victoria, on Sunday, thanks to Los Angeles Kings defenceman Willie Mitchell.

The 35-year-old former Vancouver Canuck flew into his hometown by helicopter, carrying the treasured hardware to a ceremony at the local hockey rink.

Thousands crammed into the arena and Mitchell says the community of 2,600 was excited, but the event was just as thrilling for him.

He says Port McNeill was so supportive on his long journey through the NHL, leading up to last season when the Kings tore through the playoffs to become Stanley Cup champions.

Mitchell says he feels a special bond with the people of Port McNeill and northern Vancouver Island for helping him reach his goals.