It’s every hockey players dream to hoist the Stanley Cup at some point in their career.
For Belmont native and former NHLer Brian Willsie, the honour comes during his role as Director of Player Development for the Colorado Avalanche.
Willsie, who grew up and started his hockey career in Belmont with the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs before a brief stint with the St. Thomas Jr.B Stars, will be bringing the cup home on Tuesday for a celebration hosted at the Belmont Arena.
The community is invited to stop by from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on August 23rd to congratulate Willsie and the Avalanche win as well as check out the Cup!
While Willsie wasn’t able to hoist the cup during his time as a player, he did have a lengthy professional career.
During his time with the Stars, Willsie teamed up with St Thomas native and line mate Joe Thornton to help capture the Western Jr. B. League championship.
He then began his career with the OHL’s Guelph Storm in 1995–96. Following that season, Willsie was drafted 146th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL Entry Draft, making his professional debut in the 1998–99 season with the Hershey Bears of the AHL and his NHL debut coming on January 9th, 2000 with the Av’s.
He would go on to spend time with the Washington Capitals and Los Angeles Kings for a total of 381 NHL games played with 52 goals scored.
Stanley Cup fans can also get a glimpse of the trophy on Saturday, August 27th when Nazem Kadri brings it home to London.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
*Audio provided by SPORTSNET
