AVON — For the second time in three years, the Stanley Cup is coming to the Farmington Valley.
In 2013, Avon native Ben Smith brought the Cup to Simsbury and the Westminster School after the Chicago Blackhawks won the NHL championship. On Thursday, the Cup is returning to the valley with Farmington native Nick Bonino, who played hockey at Avon Old Farms.
The Stanley Cup will be available to the public for pictures on Thursday, August 11, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Avon Old Farms School, courtesy of Bonino, the Pittsburgh Penguins center.
Bonino, who grew up in Farmington, had the game-winning goal against San Jose Sharks in game one of the Stanley Cup finals and scored 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) in the playoffs for the Penguins. Pittsburgh beat San Jose for the championship, 4-2.
As a member of the Stanley Cup champions, Bonino is given the chance to have the Cup for a day — an NHL custom that plays out year after year.
Bonino says in an effort to let as many people as possible see the Cup and get a photo, he will not be signing autographs. He also is asking those attending to consider making a donation, which he plans to give to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Bonino will be visiting the hospital immediately after the event at Avon Old Farms.
In 2014, former AOF star Jonathan Quick brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Hamden after the Los Angeles Kings won the NHL championship.
Gerry deSimas, Jr., is the editor and founder of The Collinsville Press. He is an award-winning writer and has been covering sports in Connecticut and New England for more than 30 years.


High School
2025 NCCC Winter Tournaments

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