Olaf Kolzig Has His Day with The Stanley Cup

Tuesday was Olaf “Olie” Kolzig’s day with the Stanley Cup. Kolzig, a former goaltender for the Washington Capitals, is currently serving as a development coach for the organization. Kolzig is also currently part owner of the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League. (Reminder, you can find links to each and every “day with the Stanley Cup” that have already occurred right here.)

Kolzig’s plan was to bring the Cup to the Tri-City region in Washington where he now resides and is now the co-owner of the Tri-City Americans Junior Hockey team. Kolzig also used to play junior hockey for the Tri-City Americans.

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No big deal ….just a trophy (THE Stanley Cup) hanging out in our lobby! 😎 #stanleycup #nationalhockeyleague #championship #hockey #trophy #nhl

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Kolzig said, “If you look at it, I don’t really have a hometown. I have lived in Florida the past 10 years, but Tri-Cities is as big a hometown as I have. With everything I have going on in the Tri-Cities, and the people I know, it made sense.”

Responding to Autism Center
The Stanley Cup first stopped at the Responding to Autism Center in Kennewick at 10:00 a.m. Fans could pose with the Stanley Cup between 10:00-11:30 a.m. for a requested donation of $20 to the Carson Kolzig Foundation. Kolzig’s son, Carson, is autistic. Kolzig wanted to let parents to know that there are resources out there for them and their children.

In an interview with YakTriNews, Kolzig spoke about his visit to the center. “The solace is that there’s plenty of support that you can draw from,” said Kolzig. “I think that’s the biggest thing for parents when they first find out is to get that support and comfort.” Kolzig encourages anyone to reach out to the center if they need assistance.

“It is a struggle and it is hard work,” said Kolzig. “That is why places like the Responding to Autism Center, people like Christine are vital to the community because they will help.”

One of the fans posing for a picture was 11-year-old Jaxon Kovis who was accompanied by his mother, Brandy.

(Picture courtesy of Tri-City Herald)

Photo: @dogbatchstudio

Here is a video of the proceedings:

Further reading from Tri-City Herald Article on Event:

Toyota Arena — Home of Tri-City Americans
Kolzig also brought the Cup to the Toyota Arena in Kennewick, Washington, the home arena of the Tri-City Americans’ Junior hockey team.

(Pictures courtesy of Scott Butner)

Here is a picture of another fan posing with Kolzig and the Cup at Toyota Arena.

Photo: @coderdlove

Meadow Springs Country Club

The Stanley Cup would end its day at the Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland. The dinner would cost $200 per person but any amount greater than the cost of the event would be donated to the Carson Kolzig Foundation. The dinner is to say “thank you” to those that have generously donated to the Carson Kolzig Foundation and is being hosted by Leidos, a Mission Support Alliance contractor. The dinner is to feature a short program and photo opportunity.