Bill Zito brings the Stanley Cup to Milwaukee and visits the Brewers
The Florida Panthers have stayed true to the tradition of sharing their Stanley Cup day with the community.
Chief Executive Officer Bill Zito was no different.
On Wednesday, Zito brought the Stanley Cup back to his hometown of Milwaukee and began a grand tour with it.
Not only did Zito share the Stanley Cup experience with fans in the city – his day began with an event at the Milwaukee Bucks and AHL Admirals arenas – but he also visited many places that had meant a lot to him during his childhood.
After his visit to the arena, Zito brought the trophy to visit healthcare workers at the Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin.
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He also brought the trophy to Kopp’s Frozen Custard, where he used to work.
The cup, which had been filled with many things recently, was filled to the brim with an ice cream sundae.
The Stanley Cup also stopped by his high school, where Zito met not only current students and teachers, but also former classmates.
And there Matthew Tkachuk brought the trophy to the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis, Zito brought it to Miller on Wednesday.
Later that afternoon, Zito brought the Stanley Cup to a ball game.
When the Brewers arrived at American Family Ballpark for their game against the Dodgers, the Stanley Cup was waiting for them in their clubhouse.
Zito was a ball boy and clubhouse attendant for the Milwaukee Brewers for three seasons and has often pointed out that those formative years with the ball club helped him achieve his later success.
Hall of Fame commentator Bob Uecker and former Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich pose with the Stanley Cup in the Brewers clubhouse on Wednesday afternoon. (Scott Paulus/Brewers)
“It’s a token of appreciation,” said Zito, who worked with the Brewers during their famous 1982 season, when they lost to the Cardinals in the World Series.
“If I hadn’t had this experience here, I would never be doing what I’m doing or being where I am now.”
A number of players and a famous broadcaster Bob Ueckerposed for photos with the trophy before Zito brought it onto the field.
“I’m very proud of Wisconsin and Milwaukee,” Zito told NHL.com.
“It’s really wonderful to be able to bring it to places like the Clinical Cancer Center in Froedtert, where our family has helped for over a decade. The doctors and staff there take care of people. Come here, visit the Bucks and we had the opportunity to bring it to one of the local ice cream shops.
“It’s a lot of fun, isn’t it? There’s recognition and thanks, but also just fun.”
More FHN coverage of the Stanley Cup-winning Panthers:
Next up for the Florida Panthers
- NHL Free Agency: Opened on July 1
- Nashville Predators Rookie Showcase: 13-16 September
- Florida Panthers training camp, Fort Lauderdale: Possible start 17-19 Sept.
- Florida Panthers, preseason: 22 September – 5 October
- Florida Panthers Opening Night/Banner Unveiling: October 8th against Bruins
