Thunder Bay hockey fans will have another opportunity to get up close with the Stanley Cup next month when hometown NHL star Jordan Staal brings the championship trophy back to the city for a special community celebration.
The free public event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, where residents and visitors will be able to have their photo taken with both the Stanley Cup and Staal.
The event is being hosted through a partnership between the City of Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, and the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.
Doors will open at 10 a.m., with the official event running from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Mayor Ken Boshcoff said the event gives the community a chance to celebrate one of its most accomplished hockey players.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jordan Staal and the Stanley Cup back to Thunder Bay,” Boshcoff said. “Jordan continues a proud tradition of hockey excellence in our community and has given local fans a unique opportunity to celebrate one of hockey’s greatest achievements. It’s exciting to welcome him home and give residents the chance to see hockey’s most iconic trophy up close.”
Organizers are expecting a large turnout and are encouraging attendees to arrive early.
While fans will have an opportunity for photographs, organizers noted that autographs will not be available because of time limitations. Entry will be based on arrival and the lineup could be closed before the scheduled end of the event if capacity is reached. Attendance does not guarantee a photo opportunity.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (doors open at 10 a.m.)
Location: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Drive
