Aaron Ekblad Brings the Stanley Cup Back to Barrie
For Aaron Ekblad, returning to Barrie with the Stanley Cup was about far more than a personal homecoming — it was about giving back to the community that helped shape him as a player and a person. The two-time Stanley Cup champion made his first visit back to Barrie with hockey’s most iconic trophy on Thursday, August 21st, 2025, marking the first time a Stanley Cup winner has ever brought the Cup to the Barrie Colts Junior Hockey Club at Sadlon Arena.
Ekblad made certain the event was completely focused on underprivileged youth, personally reaching out to Barrie Colts owner Howie Campbell to invite local charities to participate. Organizations in attendance included Easter Seals, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Barrie Housing, Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, and Barrie Colts Billet Families.
Reflecting on the visit, Ekblad said:
“I’d be remiss not to come back to Barrie, and share it with the community, and some of my old teammates and friends, and, obviously, the organization and ownership. Everybody was so good to me here that I felt it was the right thing to do.”
During the morning event, Ekblad connected with kids, families, and young athletes, sharing guidance, encouragement, and the values that have defined his journey from an exceptional-status OHL player to a two-time NHL champion. The children had a rare opportunity to engage with the Stanley Cup firsthand and hear from someone who has achieved the sport’s highest honours, reinforcing lessons of perseverance, dedication, and self-belief.
Reflecting on his time in Barrie, Ekblad shared:
“The organization did so many great things for me. They put me with an awesome billet family in the Ezekiels, and they took good care of me. Norm, being an overager that year, always looked out for me. And then obviously, Howie and the family, the organization here was amazing to me.”
Also in attendance were former Colts Norm Ezekiel and Steven Byers, who came out to support Aaron at Sadlon Arena. Both players had been teammates of Ekblad during the 2011–12 season, when the Colts captured the OHL Central Division title—a milestone that reflects the lasting camaraderie and bond formed during their here in Barrie. Current Barrie Colts Head Coach, Dylan Smoskowitz, who also played alongside Ekblad, Ezekiel, and Byers on that roster, joined them, sharing in the special visit.
Norm Ezekiel, who spent two seasons with the Colts from 2010 to 2012 and served as an alternate captain in 2011–12, reflected on Ekblad’s visit, saying, “Aaron is just a great guy, and I’m here for support.” Ezekiel and Byers’ presence highlighted the enduring connections formed on that roster and their continued support for a former teammate achieving hockey’s highest honours.
Beyond the hockey accolades, Ekblad took a moment to reflect on the individuals who influenced his path. He spoke fondly of the late Dale Hawerchuk, the legendary coach and former NHL player who led the Colts during Ekblad’s time with the team. Ekblad highlighted Hawerchuk’s profound impact, noting his exceptional leadership and the lasting impression he left on all who played under him.
