WHITEFISH BAY, Wisconsin. – It’s not every day that the Stanley Cup makes a tour of Milwaukee, and this mission was important for a Wisconsin native who wanted to share the Cup with his home state.

Whitefish Bay native Bill Zito, currently general manager of the Florida Panthers, brought the Stanley Cup to the University School of Milwaukee.

“When something like this happens, it’s a sign of recognition and gratitude,” said Bill Zito. “It would not have been possible for something like this to happen if the University School community hadn’t helped me, supported me, taught me and guided me.”

Zito is a USM graduate and played on the hockey team, so he had to bring the trophy back to his alma mater.

RELATED: Check out the new and improved FOX Sports app

“It’s intangible,” Zito said. “You feel it, it’s an aura. It’s a feeling and hopefully it creates some level of excitement, especially for the young hockey players, when they see it. To me, it still has energy and presence.”

This did not go unnoticed by the USM boys’ and girls’ hockey teams present, as for many of them this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“We are very grateful for this opportunity. Not only because it comes from USM, but it also makes it seem more realistic than it actually is,” said Tyler Cook, USM junior captain.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines and breaking news alerts via email from FOX6 News

“Obviously, they all grow up with the NHL, so to see it on TV and then be there in person and then see someone from USM win the Cup is just crazy,” said Sarah Pearson, USM girls’ hockey coach. “For me, it’s crazy. I get goosebumps just talking about it.”

For these players and coaches it is also a memory.

“That could be one of you someday, you just never know, whether as a player, as a coach or as a general manager like Bill, but it’s definitely an inspiration to the kids and they can say, ‘Hey, maybe one day I’ll somehow get my name on the Stanley Cup,'” said USM boys hockey coach Corbin McGuire.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android

Until then, Bill Zito’s name will be engraved on the trophy forever.

Ultimately, Zito was instrumental in building a championship team and helping the Florida Panthers win the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

“Humbling,” Zito said. “Exciting. The journey was a little nerve-wracking, but we’re very blessed. We have a group of players and coaches that really love the game. Man, did we have a lot of fun.”

Zito also recalled the time he spent involved in local sports here.

He was stick boy for the Admirals and bat boy for the Brewers during their run to the 1982 World Series.

“This experience is wonderful,” Zito said. “It’s great being from Milwaukee and Wisconsin. I think most of us wear it a little bit on our sleeves, it’s just really fun.”

For this reason, Zito wanted to take the trophy on a tour of Milwaukee to continue to show his appreciation for the city.

He visited the Clinical Cancer Center at Froedtert and also stopped by the Bucks at Fiserv Forum, the Admirals at Panther Arena and the Brewers at American Family Field. And the cherry on top? Another visit to Kopps.

Every time he holds the trophy in his hands, Zito is reminded that he has reached the pinnacle of hockey success.

“I haven’t really grasped it yet,” Zito said. “I wish I could say it is, but it’s really humbling. Look at the names there, there aren’t that many. For a hockey fan, it’s just the holy grail and it’s really special. I’m lost for words.”