Minnesota gets 2nd chance to host Stanley Cup on offseason odyssey

For those left out in the warm while the Stanley Cup was inside the cool and jam-packed Eden Prairie ice rink several weeks ago with NHL champion and favorite son Nick Leddy, the fabled trophy is making a second offseason visit to Minnesota as part of its annual global tour.

St. Mary's University in Winona is gearing up for a large turnout when alumnus John McDonough brings the cup to campus Friday.

McDonough, a 1975 St. Mary's graduate, is the Blackhawks' president and CEO.

The public is invited to a rally from 4:30 to 5 p.m. at Gostomski Fieldhouse. McDonough, who also helped guide the Blackhawks to the league title in 2010, will speak while the Stanley Cup is on display.

Afterward in the fieldhouse, a limited number of attendees will have an opportunity to be photographed with the cup from 5 to 7 p.m. Wristbands will be given out for the photo session starting at 3:30 p.m. Hopefuls can start lining up at 1:30 p.m. Volunteers will direct visitors to where they can park and get in line.

The Stanley Cup began its summer odyssey in the possession of Leddy, who shared it with many hundreds of people on July 12 at the home rink of his Eden Prairie High School Eagles.

Each season, players and staff members with the NHL champion are given a day or so to do with the cup as they wish.

For those who can't make it to Friday's rally, the event can be viewed live at www.startribune.com/a2480.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482