Confirmed: Stanley Cup Carrying Chicago Blackhawks Participating In Chicago Pride Parade

The Chicago Blackhawks announced that they have accepted an invitation extended by the Chicago Gay Hockey Association to have the Stanley Cup winning team represented in the 2010 Chicago Gay Pride Parade. The Blackhawks were to take the Cup to the NHL draft held in Los Angeles this weekend, but team president John McDonough is rerouting it to Chicago, where it will be carried by defenseman Brent Sopel, seen below holding the Stanley Cup after the Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in game six, in overtime, 4-3. McDonough said that “the power of the Cup is incomprehensible, and we recognize the importance of doing this. It is important for the city and important for the franchise.” Sopel, who will be accompanied by his wife Kelly, daughters Jayla and Lyla, 6 and 8 years old respectively, as well as the couple’s two sons, 12 year old Jacob and 20 year old Paul, said he is “honoured to do it.” He added that he is also marching in honour of Brendan Burke, the son of Toronto Maple Leafs’ General Manager Brian Burke, killed in an automobile accident months after he came out publically. “When Brendan came out, Brian stood by him, and his whole family stood by him, like every family should,” said Sopel. “We teach our kids about accepting everybody. Tolerate everybody, to understand where everyone is coming from.” It has also been confirmed that the Chicago Cubs will indeed have a float in this year’s parade – the first in the parade’s history – and that in addition to a number of current players, the great Ernie Banks – Mr. Cubs – will be atop the float.