Two-time champion Sam Reinhart brings the Stanley Cup home to West Vancouver

Two-time NHL champion Sam Reinhart got his day with the Stanley Cup and brought it to his hometown of West Vancouver.

Every Stanley Cup champion gets their day with the trophy, and Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart brought it to his hometown of West Vancouver on Tuesday.

Reinhart, who also brought the cup to West Van after winning it last year, arrived at Dundarave Pier by boat, hoisting the iconic trophy over his head, much to the delight of hundreds of fans who had gathered to give him a hero’s welcome.

“I just really want to see the Stanley Cup, and I’m excited to see Sam Reinhart,” said Cole Pruger, who came with his two brothers and cheered when Reinhart carried the cup from the boat past him and down the pier.

“To have this opportunity to come and do this again is pretty special to me,” Reinhart said to the crowd gathered there. “To have my family all here is cool as well.”

The 27-year-old credited his mom with putting together the gathering for fans, where they could have their photos taken with Sam and the cup for a donation to charity.

“West Van was unbelievable. I just said, do you want to do something for two hours? I don’t know how I will top this next year when we win again,” Sam’s mother Theresa Reinhart said, adding, “one thing about the cup is it just makes everyone happy, and it’s so nice to be around happy people.”

One of those happy people was West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager, who admits he was geeking out spending time with Sam and the Stanley Cup.

“I have to say it’s pretty thrilling. I kind of get a bit of the shakes. It really is as beautiful up close as it appears from a distance,” said Sager of the cup. “It’s so great to have Sam, the generosity of his time bringing the cup here and sharing it with all of these people. It’s fantastic.”

Many people who came to see Sam were wearing Canucks jerseys, clearly hoping one day their hometown team will win the cup, not just a hometown player.

“I’m a Canucks fan obviously. But the cup doesn’t come here with the Canucks, so I am going to see it anyway,” said Brian Taylor, who brought the Pruger brothers to the event.

“Sam is definitely West Vancouver’s favourite son,” Sager said. “He’s a true superstar in so many ways, and his skill his determination it’s just an example for all of the young people in our community.”

When the Pruger boys finally got their turn to see Sam, they both kissed the Stanley Cup.

“To see it not with the Vancouver Canucks but still in Vancouver is amazing,” said Rylan.

Reinhart’s Grade 4 teacher Peter Davidson surprised his former student by waiting in line for a photo.

“It’s absolutely incredible, it’s amazing,” Davidson said of Reinhart’s achievements. “I know how hard he worked, and he always was as great kid. And he’s leader now, isn’t he?”

Reinhart credited his upbringing in West Vancouver with giving him the foundation for his success.

“If you look at my career, it’s the environment I’ve been in has allowed me to have this success,” he told the crowd. “Growing up in West Vancouver, to be surrounded by you guys, I had every opportunity in life to succeed and be here standing with you guys again today.”