Video – Photo Gallery – Calder Cup Champion Blake Smith Brings Hockey’s Historic Trophy Home to Cobourg

For Blake Smith, lifting the Calder Cup in his rookie professional season was a dream come true. But bringing the historic trophy home to Cobourg to celebrate with family, friends and the community made the accomplishment even more meaningful.

The Toronto Marlies defenceman spent Monday sharing the American Hockey League championship trophy throughout the area as part of a long-standing hockey tradition that allows every member of the championship team one day with the Calder Cup.

“It was awesome,” Smith said during an interview at his parents’ home in Cobourg.

“I mean, your first year pro, you never expect to win. When you do, it’s obviously an unbelievable feeling. The year couldn’t have ended any better than that.”

Winning a championship at any level of professional hockey is difficult, but Smith said the achievement carried even more significance after enduring the demands of a full AHL season.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You hope it comes more than once, but you never know,” he said. “It’s hard to win in any league in professional hockey.”

With 32 teams chasing the same goal, Smith said the championship was earned through months of sacrifice.

“The travel can definitely be tough. We’re all over Canada and the United States. But that’s part of the journey and part of what makes it so special when you finally do win. All the grind throughout the season, the tough travel and everything — it’s all worth it once you win this thing.”

The Marlies captured the Calder Cup Final in five games, defeating their opponent four games to one. Although his father was unable to attend the championship-clinching game, the rest of Smith’s family was in the stands to witness the moment.

“I got to see them up in the stands and then after the game I got to see them in the tunnel with the trophy,” Smith said. “It was very special being able to share that moment with them. You work all year — really your whole life — and to win it and have family by your side is very special.”

Looking at the names engraved on the century-old trophy has also left an impression on the young defenceman.

“The first couple of days it’s tough to grasp,” he admitted. “Then you start looking at the names on it. There’s a lot of great players who have won this. It’s pretty elite company to be with. Hopefully I can get to the level some of these people have reached in my career. That’s the goal.”

For Smith, hockey has always been a family affair.

His father played professionally, while two uncles enjoyed lengthy NHL careers. Two cousins continue to play professional hockey, and his brother currently plays for the Hershey Bears. The brothers even had the opportunity to face each other this past season.

“I never really expected to play against him,” Smith said. “That was a special game. Family means a lot to us. We’re a very tight family and we all share hockey memories around the campfire in the summer.”

Those conversations, he said with a smile, are usually centred around hockey.

“Most of it’s hockey,” he laughed. “Just telling stories. It was a different era when my dad and uncles played, but it’s awesome to learn from them. We all love hockey and we all love talking about it.”

Smith credits his family not only for helping shape him as a hockey player, but also as a person.

“They’ve taught me everything in life and in hockey,” he said. “Family means everything. That’s what you do it for.”

His day with the Calder Cup reflected those values.

Smith started the morning by bringing the trophy to his training gym, where young athletes had the opportunity to see and celebrate with it. From there, he stopped at one of his favourite local restaurants, Cucina Urbana, before taking the Cup to Grafton Creekside Golf Course. The day concluded with a celebration at Kelly’s and an evening gathering with family and friends at home.

“It’s eventful, but it’s nice getting to share this moment with everyone in the community,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Although originally from the Oshawa area, Smith said Cobourg has become home since moving to the community several years ago.

“I’ve only been here for three years, but I love this town,” he said. “It’s a great little community and a beautiful place. To be able to share this moment with the residents here, friends and family is awesome.”

As dozens of local residents posed for photographs with one of hockey’s oldest championship trophies throughout the day, Smith said there was nowhere else he would rather have spent his special 24 hours.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. “It’s a fun day and a busy day, but that’s how I wanted it. It’s awesome to bring smiles to everyone’s faces in the community.”