More than 1,000 come to view Stanley Cup, rally with John McDonough at Saint Mary’s Sept. 6

John McDonough, President and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, hoists the Stanley Cup for a photo with the Saint Mary's University men's and women's hockey teams.

WINONA, Minn. — More than 1,000 people came to Saint Mary’s University Friday, Sept. 6, to get a photo taken with the Stanley Cup, thanks to 1975 alumnus John McDonough, President and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, who chose to share the Stanley Cup with his alma mater and with the greater Winona area.

Just prior to the public viewing, McDonough triumphantly lifted the Cup over his head to the cheers of a large crowd in Gostomski Fieldhouse during the rally. SMU hockey legends were also recognized, and the crowd enjoyed presentations by McDonough and Brother William Mann, SMU president, as well as a Blackhawks highlight video. During the event, a plaque recognizing McDonough’s accomplishments was unveiled. The plaque will permanently hang in the Regan Lobby of the SMU Ice Arena.

“My academic prowess wasn’t great but I learned a lot about commitment; I learned a lot about drive. I learned a lot about relationships,” McDonough told the rally crowd. “I am grateful for what this great university has given to me.”

He told audience members, “Please be brave enough to have big dreams; they just might come true.”

McDonough’s visit also included a meeting with the SMU Athletic Advisory Council and a luncheon with Winona-area business leaders, during which Winona Mayor Mark Peterson presented McDonough with a proclamation declaring Sept. 6, 2013, as “John F. McDonough Day” in Winona.

“We are grateful to John for sharing his time, for sharing the Cup and for sharing his championship spirit and inspiring leadership with our communities,” said Brother William Mann. “We look forward to John’s continued success; we know that he will continue to accomplish amazing things, and we’re proud to call him one of our own.”

To see photos from the event, go to www.smumn.edu/photos.

Details finalized on Sept. 6 public Stanley Cup viewing, rally at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — On Friday, Sept. 6, John McDonough, President and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, will bring the Stanley Cup to his alma mater, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. His visit will include a public rally and viewing of the Cup on the Winona campus.

Everyone is invited to a public rally from 4:30 to 5 p.m. in Gostomski Fieldhouse — during which McDonough (a 1975 alumnus) will address the crowd, SMU hockey legends will be recognized, and the Cup will be on display. Enjoy a Blackhawks highlight video, along with photos, music and an abundance of championship spirit. A limited number of souvenir mementos will be available. If you are unable to attend, check out a live stream of the rally at http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/smu.portal.

Following the rally, a limited number of attendees will have an opportunity to take pictures with the Stanley Cup from 5 to 7 p.m. in Gostomski Fieldhouse. The public is invited to begin lining up at 1:30 p.m. outside of the entrance to the Toner Student Center’s Hall of Fame Room. Due to time constraints with the Cup, only those with wristbands will have the opportunity for an up-close photo. The doors will open at 3:30 p.m. at which time wristbands will be given out. If you do not receive a wristband, you will still be allowed into the facility to see and photograph the Cup from a reasonable distance. Please note that for security reasons, large bags and purses will not be permitted into the facility, and smaller bags or purses will be subject to search.

Saint Mary’s volunteers will direct attendees on where to park and line up. Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, the schedule may be subject to change.

Winona Mayor Mark Peterson proclaims Friday as ‘John F. McDonough Day’ in Winona

Winona, Minn. — Winona Mayor Mark Peterson announced at the Sept. 3 City Council Meeting that Friday, Sept. 6, will be “John F. McDonough Day Winona.” McDonough, a 1975 Saint Mary’s University alumnus, as well as President and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, has chosen to share the Stanley Cup to his alma mater — and the greater Winona community — Sept. 6. The proclamation reads:

City of Winona
PROCLAMATION

Whereas, John F. McDonough, President and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, is a 1975 alumnus of Saint Mary’s University in Winona; and

Whereas, John McDonough has twice reached the pinnacle of success in professional sports by leading the Chicago Blackhawks to two Stanley Cups in four seasons; and

Whereas, John McDonough has graciously chosen to share the championship spirit and tradition of the Stanley Cup with his alma mater, as well as with the greater Winona community; and

Whereas, this opportunity provides both Saint Mary’s University and the Winona community with an exceptional opportunity for positive visibility and camaraderie; and

Whereas, John McDonough’s dedicated leadership and remarkable career in the National Hockey League have advanced the sport of hockey.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the City of Winona hereby recognizes Sept. 6, 2013 as John F. McDonough Day in Winona.  We are honored that John McDonough has chosen to share his valuable time — and the Stanley Cup — with the community.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Winona to be affixed this 3rd day of September 2013.

Blackhawks President, CEO John McDonough to bring Stanley Cup to SMU Sept. 6

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks

WINONA, Minn. — On Friday, Sept. 6, John McDonough, President and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, will bring the Stanley Cup to his alma mater, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. His visit will include a public rally and viewing of the Cup on the Winona campus.

Three years ago, the Chicago Blackhawks put an end to a 49-year Stanley Cup drought, earning their first NHL title since 1961 with a stunning win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

McDonough (a 1975 Saint Mary’s University alum) was right there hoisting the Cup with the rest of the Blackhawk players and staff.

On June 24, Chicago did it again, as the Blackhawks claimed their second Stanley Cup title in a three-year span with a clinching 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins.

And on Friday, Sept. 6, McDonough will bring the championship spirit — and the Cup — to Saint Mary’s.

“On behalf of Saint Mary’s, let me say how honored we are that John has chosen to share the Stanley Cup with his alma mater and how proud we are of John and his continued accomplishments,” said Brother William Mann, Saint Mary’s President. “Under his leadership, the Blackhawks have taken home the Cup twice, and the Saint Mary’s community has celebrated with him every step of the way.”

Everyone is invited to a public rally from 4:30 to 5 p.m. in Gostomski Fieldhouse — during which McDonough will address the crowd and the Cup will be on display.

Following the rally, a limited number of attendees will have an opportunity to take pictures with the Stanley Cup from 5 to 7 p.m., in the fieldhouse. Due to time constraints with the Cup, only those with wristbands will have the opportunity for an up-close photo. Wristbands will be given out beginning at 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to begin lining up at 1:30 p.m.

Saint Mary’s volunteers will direct attendees on where to park and line up. Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, the schedule may be subject to change.