Stanley Is Coming

Wednesday, 18 June 2014 at 06:40

Jake Muzzin is coming home and he's bringing Lord Stanley's Cup with him.

WOODSTOCK -- "The Cup is coming to Woodstock."

Those are the exact words from LA Kings defenceman and Friendly City-native Jake Muzzin as he spoke to Heart FM Tuesday morning from his home in Los Angeles.

Although he doesn't have an exact date or plans, Muzzin says the Cup will make a stop in Woodstock. "I haven't really thought about what to do with it, I mean I have to see some family with it and stuff but I'd like to do something where the community can come out and see it for a little bit and take pictures and stuff like that but yes -- it's coming to Woodstock."

The Kings beat the New York Rangers 3-2 in double overtime Friday night in Game Five of the series. Muzzin reflected on the moment they were the Stanley Cup winners. "It's just so rewarding, it's amazing. With what we went through this year, the run we had in the playoffs, all the sacrifice and the hard-fought battles with this team and special group of guys we have and to win it with them and to see the smiles on everyone's faces and to see guys like Regehr and Gaborik who have been around a long time, get to hoist the Stanley Cup was really special and I'm just so happy and privileged and honoured to be a part of that group."

When asked if the win was what he imagined as a child, Muzzin said "every road hockey game was a Stanley Cup game and it was easy then (chuckles) and now, trying to do it at this age it's not so easy or is definitely a lot better because I know how hard it is to win. We look back, it's only been two months but it feels like such a long time ago we were down 3-nothing to San Jose and we battled back. Just the kind of fashion that we won the Cup, it's unreal and I'm just so proud of everyone that's been a part of it."

Muzzin says he appreciates the support he received from back home through the playoffs and Cup finals. "I'd like to say thanks to everyone for all of the love and support and all the signs and tweets and texts and Facebook messages and all that stuff. I do appreciate all the support and it goes go a long way when I'm playing and things are tough, I've got a lot of people who are rooting for me. And I'd like to say a special thank you to my family for all their love and support and sacrifices that they've made to help me get to where I am today so thanks everyone and we'll see you soon."

Since their victory Friday night, the team has been celebrating and showing off the Cup to fans during the team parade, on Late Night Talk Shows and also made an appearance at the LA Dodgers game Tuesday night. According to Muzzin, he's been commemorating the win with his teammates on the golf course and at dinners. He says he's just enjoying the moment, hanging out with the guys having some laughs while looking back at the season over a few beers.