Stanley Cup draws a crowd during appearance in Lombard

Posted July 26, 2010 11:00 pm

By Anna Madrzyk

Hockey fans turned out by the thousands Tuesday in Lombard for a chance to kiss, hug and pose for photos with the Stanley Cup.

"The first person who came through the line was crying and said, 'I can't believe I got to touch the cup,'" said Beth Heller, director of marketing for Harry Caray's Restaurant Group.

Clint Reif, assistant equipment manager for the Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks, brought the Cup to Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse and Restaurant in Lombard for four hours Tuesday. Reif is a Lombard resident.

"I wanted to share it with as many Chicagoland-area people as I possibly could," Reif said.

Hockey fans started lining up at 5 a.m. to see the Cup starting at noon. By 12:15 p.m., organizers cut off the line to make sure everybody who was waiting could get through by 4 p.m. Thousands of fans were turned away.

The most touching moment, Reif said, was when the Cup's handler placed the trophy in the laps of two fans in wheelchairs.

Lombard Village President William Mueller proclaimed Tuesday "Chicago Blackhawks and Clint Reif Day" in Lombard.

Blackhawks fans Scott and Brook Hall of Carol Stream kiss the Stanley Cup at Harry Caray's restaurant Tuesday in Lombard. Tanit Jarusan | Staff Photographer

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