Kevin Shattenkirk shares touching post about his mom after finally getting to lift the Stanley Cup

When a hockey player achieves his childhood dream and gets to lift the Stanley Cup over his head, there are a number of people that contributed in getting them there. Teammates, coaches, trainers, friends… the list of “thank you” deserving people is likely a pretty long one.

For many, the very top of that list would be occupied by parents.

Hockey moms and hockey dads are hugely important in the development of a young puck player. Whether it’s waking up early for the rink’s opening time slot, or driving for hours to get their kid to a tournament, or simply encouraging them and helping them to believe in their own abilities – parents are awesome.

Anaheim Ducks defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk had his mother’s impact hit him like a brick a few weeks ago when he was handed a gift by her. It was an old picture that she had apparently saved through the years of Shattenkirk visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame and having a moment with the Cup. It gave Shattenkirk a wave of emotion, as he recalls in an Instagram post of the old photo.

A few weeks ago I was having dinner with my parents when my mom handed me a present. I unwrapped it and opened the box to find this gem! I knew right then that my mom had saved this photo because she believed that one day my dream would come true. Every year I would come home early from playoffs she would always say, “Don’t worry, I know you are going to win it, I just know it.” I know there are thousands of kids who have taken this same exact picture but there are also thousands of parents standing on the other side of the camera. So thank you to mine for all of the opportunities along the way but more importantly for believing I could do it.

Also, whoever said you can’t touch the Cup until you win it is full of shxt!

Shattenkirk finally won the Cup after 11 seasons in the NHL when the Tampa Bay Lightning hoisted it in the NHL’s Alberta Bubble. While each and every play likely has an emotional story leading up to the actual moment of raising the Cup, it’s always nice to hear these extra special ones.

(H/T NHL.com)