The Cup was in France with a player. I had no problems getting it into the country, but I didn’t think I was going to get it out. I was leaving Paris for Finland when an agent at Charles de Gaulle told me that the Cup wasn’t going to be able to get on the plane. I had documentation, but I couldn’t get my point across. I was saved by two hockey fans from Minnesota who happened to be walking by. They recognized me from presentations and they saw the Cup’s carrying case. There is no one quite like a Minnesota hockey fan. They created a bit of a scene and wanted their pictures taken with the Cup, which I guess was enough to convince the agent that the Cup and I should be allowed to go to Finland.

Jay, this is such a great story!

I don't normally read the New York Times so I appreciate your sharing this!

“I saw an older woman approaching me and I couldn’t help but think how wonderful it was that this lady loved hockey and how fun it would be to take a picture. Instead, she just asked me where the cups were. I told her I didn’t understand what she was asking. She thought I was carrying a coffee urn and she wanted some coffee.”