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NEWS June 13, 2016

“I hope it’s not the only trophy I can enjoy this year.”

BC Lions fullback Rolly Lumbala (46) at the BC Lions practice facility in Surrey, BC. Wednesday, September 16, 2015. (PHOTO: JOHANY JUTRAS)

@BakesTakes84

As the BC Lions continue their quest for a Grey Cup in 2016, a couple members of the organization are still beaming after another historic  piece of hardware was handed out on Sunday night. Lifelong Pittsburgh  Penguins fan Rolly Lumbala is all smiles after they defeated the San Jose Sharks to win their fourth Stanley Cup. “I just about had a heart attack,” Lumbala said of the frantic finish in Game 6. “We had a team meeting at 8:00 and I was just hoping it would finish and I wouldn’t be late. I told the guys I would be in there when I could!”

Despite growing up in Montreal where cheering for the Canadiens is practically the law, Lumbala adopted the Penguins as a youngster when they were running over the rest of the NHL with Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr. “Lemieux has always been my guy,” Lumbala said. “He has always been the common denominator to my love of the team.” For Lumbala, only one thing would have made this Cup win for the Penguins more enjoyable. “All due respect to Crosby, but I would have liked to see Matt Murray win the Conn Smythe. For a young kid like that to come in and win 15 games, that was remarkable.”

Geroy Simon also has a special connection to the Penguins as he grew up in Johnstown, PA about a one hour drive from Pittsburgh. “I didn’t make it to many games, but I did follow them,” Simon said. Johnstown is a big football city but they also love their hockey. A number of my friends have Penguins season tickets and follow them closely.”   Longtime Penguins trainer Chris Stewart also hails from Johnstown and Simon was happy to see him hoist the cup over his head one more time. “He was a few years older than me and went to the same high school. It’s one of those things where you are happy for those guys because we grew up in the same city.

“I hope this isn’t the only trophy I can enjoy this year.”

It’s big for Johnstown because it’s a tough area and anyone who makes it out and has success is something that you appreciate.” Of course you can’t mention Johnstown’s hockey connections without bringing up the iconic movie Slapshot, which was filmed there. As you may have guessed, Simon spent his fair share of time in the home of the Charlestown Chiefs. “I played high school basketball in the War Memorial Arena,” Simon added. The movie shows the city back in the 70’s which is pretty cool.” Who knows? Maybe Simon can get a role in the remake one day. Although Lumbala remains excited, he wanted to stress there is even more important hardware up for grabs: “I hope this isn’t the only trophy I can enjoy this year.”   Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com