10 March 2017Stanley Cup to go on display at Rideau Hall for trophy's 125th anniversary_ (Via Rideau Hall) _ OTTAWA ** — ** On the occasion of the 125thanniversary of the Stanley Cup®, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will welcome Canadians to Rideau Hall to see both the original bowl and the Stanley Cup on ** Thursday, March 16, 2017 ** .Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of the governor general, will be the first place the public will have a chance to view the Stanley Cup in the National Capital Region. The trophy’s return to Rideau Hall, in honour of this milestone celebration, is made possible thanks to the National Hockey League (NHL), Ottawa 2017 and the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club.“I’m very much looking forward to hosting the Stanley Cup’s homecoming at Rideau Hall, where my predecessor Lord Stanley conceived the idea for this prestigious trophy,” His Excellency said. “What began as a humble trophy to honour the winner of the Dominion Challenge has evolved into a global symbol of excellence in sport. Canadians are welcome to visit Rideau Hall and help us celebrate the 125thanniversary of the Stanley Cup.” ** Public Viewing of the Stanley Cup, Visit of the Residence and Skating on the Outdoor Rink ** On March 16, hockey enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see and take their picture with the Stanley Cup inside the residence from ** 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. ** In the Tent Room, where the Stanley Cup will be on display, members of the public will be able to see the portrait of Lord Stanley, Governor General of Canada from 1888-1893, who had the idea of giving our country this treasured national icon.While inside the residence, Rideau Hall guides will show visitors the residence’s State rooms where the governor general fulfills official duties in welcoming dignitaries and honouring Canadians. ** ** A visit to the residence would not be complete without a skate on Rideau Hall’s historic outdoor rink (weather permitting), where Lord Stanley used to watch his children skate. ** Parking ** Visitors are recommended to walk or use public transportation. Limited parking will be available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis via Princess Gate. Visitors with mobility restrictions are asked to call in advance to reserve parking at 613-991-4422. ** About the Stanley Cup ** The Stanley Cup, notably the oldest trophy competed for by professional athletes in North America, was donated in 1892 by Lord Stanley of Preston, who was appointed as Canada’s 6thgovernor general by Queen Victoria in 1888. He purchased the trophy for 10 guineas—the equivalent of $50 Canadian at that time—to be presented to the championship hockey club of the Dominion of Canada. The first team ever awarded the Stanley Cup was the Montreal Hockey Club in 1893. In recognition of his legacy, Lord Stanley was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945 in the “Honoured Builders” category. For more information, visit ** www.hhof.com ** .