‘A dream come true:’ Bozak, Schwartz bring Stanley Cup to Regina

Lord Stanley’s grail has made its way to the Queen City.

After playing pivotal roles in bringing the St. Louis Blues their first NHL title in the team’s 52 years of existence, Regina’s Tyler Bozak and Wilcox’s Jaden Schwartz brought the Stanley Cup to the Legislative Building on Saturday.

“It’s special,” Schwartz said outside the Regina General Hospital, where the duo visited children before heading to the Legislative Building. “This is where it all started for us and to bring (the Stanley Cup) back to so many people that helped us get here, it’s a dream come true.”

Bozak, who plays centre, joined the Blues this past off-season as a free agent after spending nine seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Schwartz, a left winger, has played his entire NHL career with the Blues after being drafted in the first round (14th overall) in 2010.

Bozak had 13 points and Schwartz recorded 20 during the Blues’ playoff run, which culminated in their 4-1 defeat of the Boston Bruins on June 12 in Game 7 of the final.

Saskatoon’s Brayden Schenn was also a part of the Stanley Cup-winning squad.

“(Winning the Stanley Cup) is the one thing you dream about growing up, especially in (Regina) as a kid playing hockey,” Bozak said.

Hundreds of fans lined up outside the Legislative Building for a chance to grab a photo and an autograph from the two hockey stars.

One of those fans was Tanja Ignatiuk, who has been a Blues fan for 35 years.

“I don’t know whether to laugh, cry or pee my pants,” Ignatiuk said. “It was so thrilling. I’m thrilled with the crowd that came out today. I had no idea there was so many St. Louis Blues fans.”

She said that while growing up, a lot of her family members were Maple Leafs fans but she wanted to do something different. When she heard about the possibility the Blues could be moving to Saskatchewan, she hopped aboard the bandwagon. The move never transpired.

“The more I followed (the Blues) I could tell they were really keen on Canadian players and it stuck with me,” Ignatiuk said.

While she kept her cool while waiting in line, once she got up there to meet Bozak and Schwartz, things went a little sideways.

“I totally messed up my introduction and I’m sure they think I’m an absolute nut-bar,” Ignatiuk said. “But I’m OK with that. I waited 35 years and to see two Saskatchewan boys bring it to our hometown, I’m elated.”

Dave Nelson has been a long-time Blues fan himself, but his love for the team began when he and his wife were living in St. Louis.

“It’s a dream come true, it’s surreal,” Nelson said. “It was a celebration with our family, we’re all Blues fans.”

Nelson and his wife, Evelyn, now live in Caronport and made the drive to see the Cup.

She said it was tough to follow the Blues living in Saskatchewan because they aren’t shown on television all that often.

“We still do it. We follow them every day,” Evelyn said.

Angus Blelloch has been a Blues fan since the franchise first began in 1967.

“I picked them because of the Blue note and the expansion came on and I liked the jerseys best of all,” Blelloch said.

He said it felt good to finally see the Blues win it all.

“I got teased a lot (for being a Blues fan) and every year I had to make an excuse for a while, for 52 years,” Blelloch said. “It was all worth it, especially now.”

The two players had a private event Saturday afternoon where they took the Stanley Cup.

Saskatchewan Stanley Cup Selfie. pic.twitter.com/80WFVUvQZ9

— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) July 6, 2019

Always time for the kids. #stlblues #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/hdaVlzdWGW

— St. Louis Blues 🏆 (@StLouisBlues) July 6, 2019

Regina loves the Blues. And the #StanleyCup. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/YpDsWq1gQO

— St. Louis Blues 🏆 (@StLouisBlues) July 6, 2019