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40 Sports Oakville Beaver SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com · FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 Enjoying a day with Stanley By Herb Garbutt OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF extended his arms toward the ceiling and lifted the Stanley Cup above his head. Opportunity doesn't come often McNamara and his family have been chasing the Cup all their lives. His father, Gerry, spent the better part of four decades as a player, executive and scout in pursuit and only once -- in 1989 as a scout for the Calgary Flames -- did his team win the Cup. So Dave knows more than anyone that this opportunity doesn't present itself often. Dave's daughter, Katherine, was wearing a baby blue sweater of her favourite team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Of course, her favourite team has also been Anaheim, Columbus, Boston and the New York Islanders. "I always cheer for the team my dad is working for," she said. Her brother Andrew has not switched allegiances so easily. "I've been a Penguins fan my whole life. I NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER can't even remember why." Loyola phys-ed teacher Dave McNamara hoists the Stanley Cup above his head Wednesday at the So Andrew was thrilled when his dad joined the Penguins three years ago to scout Catholic high school. McNamara, a scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins, got his day with the Cup after See Penguins page 41 the Penguins won the NHL championship last season. I t rolled through the front doors of St. Ignatius of Loyola Secondary shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday in a wellworn black and silver case on wheels, looking more the part of roadie than the rock star that it is. Like a celebrity hiding behind sunglasses and a hat to avoid being recognized, it was whisked through the crowded hallway, through the gymnasium and into a small office. The disguise fooled nobody. A crowd gathered outside the door, knowing there was only one way out. Inside, Mike Bolt unlocked the case and tipped back the lid. It's been called the Holy Grail, and you almost expected beams of light to shoot skyward and a chorus of angels to burst into song. Dave McNamara had been close to it before, but like a forbidden fruit, he'd never actually touched it. But now it was here, right in front of him. He bent down, reached out and grabbed it. Then McNamara did what he'd been dreaming of doing since he was a little boy. He Returning Members Online Registration Only December 16 - February 14 Open Registration p g February 20 and February 27 9:00 am ­ 12:00 pm Oakville Town Hall South Atrium 1225 Trafalgar Road (March 8, 2010 Open Registration Begins, In Person Only, 1520 Pine Glen Road, Late Fees Apply) Proudly u sponsored by d A Proud Sponsor of Oakville Soccer Club