Penguins Star Bonino Bringing the Stanley Cup To Avon Old Farms

AVON, CT. – Pittsburgh Penguins star Nick Bonino is bringing the Stanley Cup to his alma mater this week.

Bonino, 28, a Farmington Native who played at Avon Old Farms, has the Cup for the day on Thursday as part of a long-standing National Hockey League custom, which permits each member of the winning to basically bring what is arguably the world's most celebrated sports trophy wherever he wants. His Penguins won the cup for the 2015-16 season.

Bonino chose Avon Old Farms for a public display on Thursday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Village Green, 500 Old Farms Road.

Bonino played at Avon Old Farms under coach John Gardner. While there, Bonino captained a New England Championship hockey team his senior year — 2007. He went on to play in college for Boston University, during which he helped lead the team to a NCAA National Championship. Before joining the Penguins, Bonino's NHL career also includes stops with the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks.

Bonino scored the winning goal for Pittsburgh against the San Jose Sharks in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals.

He was third on his team in scoring this spring, with 18 points. The 2016 Championship was the Penguins’ fourth Stanley Cup win. Bonino said he believes this is the third time the cup has come to Connecticut.

Bonino said in an effort to let as many people as possible see the Cup and get a photo, he will not be signing autographs. He also is asking those attending to consider making a donation, which he plans to give to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Bonino will be visiting the hospital immediately after the event at Avon Old Farms.

Bonino began his high school career at Farmington High School, where he amassed 91 points in 24 games in 2005 and led the school to its first state championship.

He then transferred to Avon Old Farms.

Photo Credit: NHL.com