Ken Appleby along with the Long boys, Briir, Khov and Kaedyn. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.
Ken Appleby shared the Memorial Cup with his hometown on Friday.
The day started with a visit to the North Bay Police station where Appleby served a 2 minute sentence for theft, as he and his Oshawa Generals defeated the North Bay Battalion in the OHL Eastern Conference final this spring. Appleby was cuffed and even got some photos inside the cells at the Police Headquarters.
Cuffed! Memorial Cup champion goalie Ken Appleby is briefly cuffed during his tour of the North Bay Police Headquarters with the Memorial Cup. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.
The Memorial Cup champion then traveled to Burgeworld on Hammond with the trophy in tow, for breakfast and another Memorial Cup viewing.
After that, it was a short stop at a local radio station, then Appleby by police escort, traveled to the ACT picnic area near the government dock on the North Bay waterfront where fans were allowed to take photos with Kenny and the cup and get the North Bay native's autograph.
"It's pretty special to win it but to be able to bring it back to my hometown to share it with North Bay along with my friends and family, that's an even better feeling," Appleby said.
Kaedyn Long was among the 100 plus fans who came down for event. The 10-year-old was excited to meet Appleby because his father Marc Long, played for the Oshawa Generals back in the 1990's.
"It’s cool because my Dad played for Oshawa back then and now Appleby brings it back to his home town and stuff, it’s pretty cool," he said.
A handful of Trappers rep coaches made their way to the event. Current Midget AAA Trappers Head Coach Mike Reise recalls the days when Appleby dominated the Great North Midget League tending the nets for the Trappers back in 2010-11. He's very proud to see Appleby have a day with the Memorial Cup.
"I think it’s a great day for North Bay sports and for all the kids around here they know that they can reach a goal and he’s a North Bay guy that went through the system and loved to be able to be part of the program and he had some great days back in Trapper land,” noted Reise, who recalls Appleby scoring an empty net goal against the Soo North Stars that season.
Appleby takes a photo at Cecil's Brewhouse & Kitchen with owner John Lechlitner. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.
After an hour of photos, autographs, and media interviews, Appleby then proceeded to Cecil's Brewhouse & Kitchen and had a pint.
The tour continued to the Troy Armoury and concluded with a hospital visit.
It was a memorable day for the former North Bay Midget AAA Trappers goalie who will cherish this day and his time with the Memorial Cup.
Check the video of his special day:
