Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito takes Stanley Cup on hometown tour of Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee may not have a National Hockey League team, but on Wednesday, Aug. 14, the Stanley Cup made an appearance in the Cream City.
Whitefish Bay native and current Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito presented the Cup at the atrium of Fiserv Forum.
"It's almost like organizing a wedding," said Zito.
Every member of the Stanley Cup winning Florida Panthers gets one day with the Cup that is usually jam packed with events in their hometown. That's just part of what makes the 132-year-old trophy so special.
Zito's turn is a thoroughly Milwaukee trip. The Cup first made a stop at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
"It's because of all of them. It's because of all of those entities and people. It's important for me to show appreciation, respect and thanks," Zito said.
He also brought the Cup to his alma mater, University School of Milwaukee -- taking pictures with his high school teammates and the next generation of Wildcats.
"It's a magical place and I couldn't be more appreciative. And I wanted to bring it back so these kids can see it. To have some fun and celebrate with the community," Zito said.
"It's pretty inspiring. Just knowing that someone who walked in the same hallways I have, it just means I can do what he's done," said Leia Schaefer, University School of Milwaukee senior.
"It makes it seem more like a reality. Like it's not easy to do, but it's more reachable than people think," said Tyler Cook, University School of Milwaukee junior.
The Stanley Cup's Wisconsin tour will end with Bill, his family and friends having a party where they can drink out of the Stanley Cup.
CBS 58 asked: what's on tap? Zito responded, "Have a couple of local Milwaukee beverages I'm sure."
