First Nations Community embraces Jordan Nolan

By Mike Verdone, Sault Star

SAULT STE. MARIE – A Stanley Cup celebration for Jordan Nolan began late Friday morning and continued throughout the day at Garden River First Nation, just east of Sault Ste. Marie.

Nolan won the Cup in June for a second time as a member of the Los Angeles Kings.

The 25-year-old struck a familiar pose when he climbed out of a half-ton truck at the Garden River Fire Department at about 11 a.m. to begin the festivities.

The six-foot-three, 227-pounder pulled the cherished NHL trophy out of the back seat of the truck and hoisted it high over his head, while sporting a huge smile.

A round of applause and cheers went up from the crowd of more than 100 well-wishers who were awaiting his arrival.

Nolan said the outpouring of support from the community is something he cherishes.

“It’s very special. They show a lot of support during the season and they’re always reaching out to me. So, to bring it (the Cup) back here to them is definitely very special.”

The Kings forward took time to greet and chat with all the fans — young and old — who approached him, allowing them to get their pictures taken with him and the coveted hardware.

He considers himself lucky to have won two Stanley Cup rings so early in his career, while most professional players never even make it to the NHL finals.

“I’m definitely pretty fortunate. It doesn’t seem like it when you’re in the moment and you’ve won two already … I’m going to look back one day and say I was pretty lucky.”

Fire chief Steve Nolan said Jordan’s accomplishments the past few years are “phenomenal.”

“The community is all behind him, his family is behind him. This is what it’s all about,” he said. “We’re extremely proud. We couldn’t be more proud.”

NDNSPORTS STAFF