“I just want to make sure I’m celebrating with everyone who’s been with me from the start. The smile never left Nicolas Aubé-Kubel’s face on Saturday afternoon, as he proudly paraded through the streets of his native Sorel-Tracy, Stanley Cup at arm’s length.
Posted at 4:52 p.m.
Updated at 5:03 p.m.
There was the big victory, on June 26th. Then the parade in Colorado on June 30. And the marriage proposal, July 5. In other words, Aubé-Kubel “celebrated more [qu’il a] slept” in the last two weeks.
And it was not Saturday that he was able to recover. A marching band and a group of dancers accompanied the truck in which the Colorado Avalanche player dragged the big trophy. The 26-year-old athlete greeted the few hundred people gathered along the streets of the city center, accepting a few cans of alcoholic beverages as they passed.
PHOTO PHILIPPE BOIVIN, THE PRESS
“It’s just strong emotions. The parade in Denver was amazing. It’s fun here because it’s just my world, the world of Sorel. It’s special, ”launched the striker a few minutes before going on stage, where a ceremony was planned after the parade.
I was born here, I grew up here. […] The Sorel community is really strong, I love that. I will spend three hours with them. I appreciate that moment. I do it because I like it.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel
The player’s parents, like his sisters and his spouse – soon to be a wife – accompanied him during the parade, in other vehicles.
“I am a Soreloise at heart, suggested her mother, Annie Aubé. You also saw it with my guy, he is proud of his city, of Sorel. It is our heart that is here. I was away for a long time in Alberta, but I came back. And I know my guy will come back one day too. It’s like that when you’re a Sorelois. »
The mother, also a teacher, was in Tampa Bay for the last game. She experienced the big moment, the most important in her son’s young career, up close.
“I had never spent my last day without my students. I got replaced. My heart was torn. Between my students and my son, I chose my son. I don’t have so many words. The last five minutes of the game were the longest of my life. I wondered if it was to end. I forgot to breathe! »
Nice visit
This isn’t the first time the Stanley Cup has come to Sorel-Tracy. In fact, it has “quite become his second residence,” according to the mayor of the city, Martin Lajeunesse. Marc-André Fleury and François Beauchemin have notably brought the big trophy to the city in the past.
PHOTO PHILIPPE BOIVIN, THE PRESS
It was all the same a first parade for several of the people met on the spot by The Press. Daniel Blanchette, 34, lives in Saint-Roch-de-Richelieu, a 15-minute drive away. His friend, who accompanies him, introduces him to us as one of the biggest supporters of the Avalanche in Quebec.
“I am a complete fan. When they won this year, I was euphoric. I was jumping everywhere. I have cameras at home, people see me jumping. I was bawling! exclaims Mr. Blanchette, his wine red sweater on his back.
Danny Dostie proudly wears his blue Nordiques jersey. On his back, we can read “Sakic”.
” [Nicolas] is the only player who has not played for the Nordiques who has the right to sign my jersey! he exclaims. Every time there is one who succeeds in breaking through, it is a source of pride for all of us. It’s a small town, but we’re proud of our athletes! »
Several distinguished guests were also present for the day. Among the lot, the former Canadian Pierre Mondou and that of the Avalanche Éric Messier, both ex-champions of the Stanley Cup.
As we walk through the streets during the parade, we come across Laval Rocket forward Danick Martel, who has just signed a new one-year, one-way contract. He is one of the guests of the Aubé-Kubel family for the day; the two players were linemates and colloquia from 2016 to 2018, when they played for the Philadelphia Flyers’ academy club, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
“It’s going to be a great day. I live the dream through him, finally! said Martel with a smile.
“I was following Nic’s results,” he adds. Of course I was disappointed for him that he didn’t play the last three games. But at the same time, he’s so young, he’s got a lot of experience. He played in the Cup final. You can’t ask for anything better. He’s a lifetime champion. »
mad year
It’s not just the last few days that have been eventful for Nicolas Aubé-Kubel; the last few months too! After seven years with the Philadelphia Flyers, he was placed on waivers last November. The next day, the Avalanche claimed him.
PHOTO PHILIPPE BOIVIN, THE PRESS
“As soon as I was claimed by the Avalanche, only good things happened to me. Just good, ”repeats the main interested party.
” [Nicolas] phoned me to say: “mam, I’m going to Denver”, recalls Annie Aubé. I was happy. In Phily, he didn’t have enough playing time, the Flyers didn’t make him shine. It turned out well. In life, there is nothing that happens for nothing. »
With the Avalanche, his son played 67 regular season games and 14 in the playoffs. He is now a Stanley Cup champion. And it will be for life.
“I’m happy to see how humble he is,” says his sister, Alex-Anne. We are always afraid, when it is a member of our family, that he will change in situations like that. He’s still my little brother, the super simple, super grateful Nico. He’s a guy who loves his city. For him, Sorel is [précieux]… I’m glad he’s keeping it. »