Stanley Cup Coming To Monmouth County

The Stanley Cup is coming to Middletown.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk will return to Middletown Thursday, with the Stanley Cup.

He will be at the Middletown Arts Center, 36, Church St., from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Well-wishers can come to the center to congratulate van Riemsdyk and take some photos of the cup.

Van Riemsdyk played hockey at Christian Brothers Academy in the Lincroft section of Middletown, then went to New Hampshire to play junior hockey, according to a news release from the town.

“It’s been a tremendous year for hockey in Middletown. High School North captured its first state hockey title. We welcomed the Junior Titans, a North American Hockey League affiliate, to the township. Now Trevor van Riemsdyk, a professional National Hockey League player, is coming home with the Stanley Cup. It’s inspiring,” Mayor Stephanie C. Murray said in a prepared statement.

According to a tradition dating back to 1995, each member of a winning team gets personal possession of the Stanley Cup for a day.

Free parking is available in the daily lot across the street from the arts center.