Howden bringing Stanley Cup back to Oakbank this weekend

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This article was published 20/07/2023 (975 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

by CASSIDY DANKOCHIK

The town of Oakbank will be celebrating this weekend, as their hometown NHL player brings back the biggest prize in hockey.

Brett Howden, centre for the Vegas Golden Knights, is spending his day with the cup in Oakbank, with festivities planned in the town between 12 and 2 p.m. July 23

The day will begin with a parade, starting at the corner of Main Street and Springfield Road, and ending at the arena in Oakbank. Speeches and a ceremony will take place at the outdoor arena before a photo-op inside.

Howden played two seasons with the U18 Eastman Selects between 2012 and 2014 before moving to the Moose Jaw Warriors full-time. He was selected 27th overall in the NHL entry draft by Tampa Bay in 2016.

After 248 games in the Western Hockey League, Howden made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers in 2018. Vegas traded for Howden in July of 2021, and he has since played over 100 games for the Golden Knights, including 22 games in the playoffs last season.

Howden chipped in with five goals and five assists during Vegas’ Stanley Cup run.

Organizers are asking attendees not to bring any personal items to be signed, to allow as many people as possible to take a photo and meet with Howden. A signed photo will be given to anyone who attends the event. A Springfield Food Bank bin will be on hand for anyone who wants to make a donation.

The Stanley Cup has made appearances over the last several years in the region, with Scotiabank bringing the cup to Eastman for a promotion. The cup was also in Steinbach when the city hosted Hockey Day in Canada.