Earlier this week, the Stanley Cup was brought to one of the most hockey-crazed nations around: Latvia.
Florida Panthers defenseman and Latvian native Uvis Balinskis brought the Cup to his homeland on Monday.
One of his visits was to the Tukums Ice Hall, where Balinskis grew up playing junior hockey in the Tukums program.
“I spent a couple years here playing hockey and they took really good care of me,” Balinskis said from the ice at the Tukums Ice Hall. “I made a lot of friends here and I’m still really close to them. It’s nice I can bring the Cup here now, it’s a special place for me.”
It was one of the two stops Balinskis made at local youth hockey rinks with the Stanley Cup, also stopping by the Marupes Ice Hall as well.
Balinskis said he finished his special day with a party for his closest family and friends.
You can check out some video footage of Balinskis’ special day with the Cup below:
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Photo caption: Florida Panthers defenseman Uvis Balinskis shares the Stanley Cup with youth hockey players at Tukums Ice Hall, where he once played youth hockey. (Florida Panthers)