Video: Stanley Cup Goes Clubbing

I don't think there's any question that hockey players are the most approachable, fan-friendly athletes in sports. I still remember being in high school and hanging around Mellon Arena after games and getting a chance to meet (and score autographs!) from guys like Alexei Kovalev, Johan Hedberg and Andrew Ference (hey, these were the lean years), not to mention the one night we had the opportunity to ask Owen Nolan why he backed down from Kryzsztof Oliwa in a fight.

The Penguins are still reveling in their win, while they spent Saturday night on the town with their new friend, Stanley.

The PensBlog originally posted this up close and personal fan video of several players (and the cup) spending time with fans.

I can't say I've ever seen a Super Bowl team, for example, taking the Vince Lombardi Trophy around town like that. The party started on Saturday afternoon as forward Bill Guerin threw a private get-together that was unexpectedly crashed by a random fan named Jeff March. From Mike Wereschagin of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review:

Maxime Talbot, who scored both goals Friday night for the Penguins, walked up to March at one point and asked to which of his teammates March was related. The jig was up. "Actually, I just snuck in here," March said. Not to worry, Talbot told him. "I won't tell anyone."

Pittsburgh's NBC affiliate, WPXI, also has a rather incredible slide show of the Stanley Cup's Saturday night journey around East Carson Street.

The team's victory parade is planned for 12 PM ET on Monday.