Ekblad brings Stanley Cup home to celebrate with Belle River hometown fans [Video]

Sharing hockey’s most prized possession with fans in his hometown, Florida Panthers defenseman and Belle River native Aaron Ekblad brought the Stanley Cup back to where his journey began.

Hundreds gathered at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre to catch a glimpse of the infamous trophy Saturday and snap a quick picture with Ekblad.

The Florida Panthers — which Ekblad has played for since he joined the NHL in 2014 as the team’s first overall pick — won the Stanley Cup in June after narrowly defeating the Edmonton Oilers in a seven-game series.

Speaking with reporters, Ekblad said he is excited to spend time with the cup — but do very little with it.

“I just want to take it home, sit in the backyard with my closest family and friends and really soak it in,” said Ekblad.

“I think I’m most excited for my grandfather to see it because he’s probably never seen it …