Lord Stanley’s Cup once again found a home in the City of Angels, but this past week, New Westminister was host to the toughest championship in all of sports and a pair of locals were on hand for the celebration.
Parksville residents Holly and Lorne Cooper got their picture next to the Stanley Cup as Holly’s nephew, Bill Ranford, had his turn with the hardware after the L.A. Kings beat the New York Rangers in five games. When all was said and done, the Kings played a record 26 games in the post season, the most for any team that has won the cup.
For Ranford, the King’s goalie coach, this was the third time he’s had the honor of lifting the Stanley Cup. He won it twice as a player, (with the Oilers in 1988 and 1990) and he won the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) in 1990.
It was a special occasion as the Ranford’s nephew, Brendan Ranford, was also there with the AHL’s Calder Cup, which he won with the Texas Stars. It was a nice time for all, Holly said.
“Billy is a very special person and has worked very hard,” Cooper said. “It’s nice to see him succeeding after his career in the NHL. For him to be able to be a part of winning the Stanley Cup again, it’s pretty special. Having Brendan there too made the day all the more special for all of us as a family.”