Stanley Cup coming to Public Square

By Seth Lekso, Wilkes-Barre Citizens’ Voice

Teddy Richards is following through on his promise earlier this season to bring the Stanley Cup to Wilkes-Barre.

Richards, who served as the Pittsburgh Penguins assistant equipment manager during the team’s championship run this past season, grew up on South Hancock street in Wilkes-Barre and got his start in hockey parking cars for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Because Richards — who recently took a job as the head equipment manager for the NHL’s Florida Panthers — was a full-time traveling member of the Penguins staff this past season, he’s entitled to spend a full day with Cup, just like each of the coaches and players.

Richards — who became the first Wilkes-Barre native to have his name etched onto the 34-pound Cup — has graciously decided to share his day with friends, family and fans in the town where he grew up.

The Stanley Cup will be on display on Public Square for the public from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 7.

“It is incredibly gracious of Teddy to make the Stanley Cup available to the people of his hometown,” Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins CEO Jeff Barrett said in a news release.  “Teddy began his career working as a stick boy in our locker room back in 1999, and is now immortalized on the most famous trophy in pro sports.  We couldn’t be happier for his accomplishments, and couldn’t be more thankful that he is giving everyone here the opportunity to celebrate with him.”