The Stanley Cup made a stop in Weyburn Sunday, as Reid Jackson, a scout with the champion Florida Panthers, brought the storied trophy to his hometown.
“It’s such a huge thing just to be able to share it with a lot of the guys that I grew up with, the coaches, and family and friends,” Jackson said while stopping by Crescent Point Place with the Cup. “It’s such a big deal for everyone here, and then for me and my family, to be able to share it and raise some money for minor hockey.”
Fans were able to get their picture taken with the Stanley Cup and see it up close, with a donation to Hockey Weyburn.
Jackson went from playing minor hockey in Weyburn, including playing on a U13 team with Cup-winners Derrick Pouliot and Jaden Schwartz, to the WHL where he spent time with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Prince George Cougars, and Moose Jaw Warriors. He would go on to become a scout in 2017, starting with the Calgary Flames, before moving to the Florida Panthers in 2022.
“It’s a little bit different not being on the ice, and being able to impact the game like you used to when you played, but it’s been a real fun experience to see how players develop, to be able to make a difference on the team, and see all of the different components that go into making a team and winning a championship,” Jackson explained of the switch from playing to scouting. “It’s been a pretty exhilarating ride.”
The timing of Jackson’s switch from Calgary to Florida also came right before the Panthers made it to the finals in back-to-back years, culminating in the win this year.
So, is he the good luck charm the Panthers needed?
“We had a few of us ex-Calgary Flames come in and help win the cup, so, I’d like to think so, but I was the last guy to really have any impact on this team,” Jackson chuckled. “I’m pretty happy to just share in the glory with everybody else.”
After the time with the fans wrapped up at Crescent Point Place, the Stanley Cup was off to a private function for Jackson and his friends and family. From there, the Stanley Cup will now go to another member of the Panthers organization, while Jackson will spend some time relaxing before the season resumes in just six weeks.