
It’s been quite the summer for Sam Bennett.
The Ontario native was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy after helping the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup for the second straight season.
He followed that up by signing a life-changing, eight-year contract extension with Florida that was worth $64 million.
Shortly after that, Bennett kicked off his summer by marrying his longtime love Zoe during a ceremony and reception that came with its own Panthers twist.
On Tuesday, Bennett’s amazing offseason continued when he took his turn spending a special day with Lord Stanley’s Cup.
He started by bringing the Cup to the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake Health in Newmarket, which is north of Toronto, and sharing it with patients and medical staff.
It’s the hospital where both Bennett’s mother and mother-in-law work.
“Any time you get to bring the Cup to meet some kids that aren’t doing so well and brighten someone’s day, it means the world,” he said.
Bennett made sure to spend time with dozens of patents and staff, taking pictures and signing autographs for anyone who asked.
Not far away, Bennett then made what may have been the most special visit of the day.
He stopped by Sharon Corners Retirement Living facility, which happens to be the home of a very special lady: Sam’s grandmother.
“This is where my grandmother lives now, she’s 94 years old,” he said. “Last year she was able to come to our Cup party, she actually got to drink some Champaigne out of it, which was pretty cool, but this year she wasn’t able to make it so I thought I’d bring the Cup to her.”
Bennett said he still gets texts from his grandmother after every game, and that she and his grandfather played an instrumental role in his hockey upbringing.
“They were always there to drive me to the rink when my parents couldn’t, and they’ve been my biggest supporters throughout my whole hockey career,” Bennett said.
After that, Bennett said the plan was to enjoy the rest of his time with the Cup with his closest friends and family.
“That’s the greatest part about winning,” he said. “How amazing it is to share it with your family and your friends and the people that supported you throughout your whole career. Getting to share it with them is the best part about winning the Stanley Cup.”
You can check out some footage of Bennett's special day with the Cup below:
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