This isn’t the first time Martin Lapointe has had the Stanley Cup.
First there was the time he took it to Montreal in 1997 after his team, the Detroit Red Wings, had won it. Then the right winger’s team did it again in 1998 and he got to spend another full day with the Cup, as is tradition for players and others associated with the championship hockey team.
But this is the first time Lapointe, now a pro scout for the Chicago Blackhawks, is bringing it to the western suburbs. And he wants everyone who wants to see it, touch it or get a photo taken with it to have that chance — and a chance to benefit a local family who needs some help.
The Cup will be on display from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Elite Fitness & Gym, 800 Hillgrove Ave. in Western Springs. The suggested donation of $5 a person (cash or check) will go directly to the Mueller Family Fund.
Becca Mueller, 8, of La Grange Park, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia this summer and is undergoing chemotherapy at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital. The fund helps the family with health care and other expenses.
It’s been 135 days since the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup finals on June 9. The players and coaches have each spent a day with it, and at least two of them have brought it to the western suburbs. But as the last staff members get their turns, Lapointe was motivated to share the Cup with his neighbors one more time.
“You want to see it and have it to yourself. But you can’t just lock it up in your house and look at it,” Lapointe said. “You want to share it. You want to see the smile on a kid’s face. And you want it to do some good.”
