An inside look at the Memorial Cup - the colour, the conversations, the fanfare, the fun.
It's been a whirlwind 24 hours since the Memorial Cup arrived in smashing fashion amid what felt like a wind storm as a military helicopter landed the trophy with precision at Wolseley Barracks.
Patriotism and pride are on display in London with flags and Knights apparel everywhere you turn.
Despite some sloppy weather and Mother Nature raining on the Cup parade, the spirit of the event is strong.
"It could be sleet and snow and we'd still have this parade," said Adrian Campbell, who wanted to show respect for the veterans at the Barracks and brought his three-year-old son to do the same.
Decked out in a Canadian flag jacket and hat and red pants, Campbell said he took the day off work because it meant so much for him to be able to participate and say thanks.
Emotional Moment
Seeing the Memorial Cup and experiencing the appreciation of the public has been overwhelming for World War II veteran Allan Brunsden. Strangers came up to him and shook his hand in earnest. Two words brought an ocean full of sentiment and admiration for the Navy vet: "Thank you."
Brunsden hammered home in less than two minutes, what no history lesson on the Memorial Cup could do.
He brought the meaning of the Cup to the fore in a moving speech about just what he suffers to this day, almost 70 years after serving his country.
With languid speech, Brunsden, who counts not just his years, but his months at 88-and-six-months-old, starkly showed the reality of war during a short ceremony.
"As a result of my wartime service, I now have post-traumatic stress disorder. Before my wife Doris passed away seven years ago, she was able to comfort me during the daytime and assist me during the evening and night-time with my flashbacks," he said.
He is receiving treatment, which includes a therapy dog, a golden retriever.
"Before...my life had no meaning. I now have a new outlook on life."
Doggone Funny
With a quick sense of humour, Brunsden says everyone knows his dog Bosun (which means chief petty officer), but not him.
"They refer to me as, 'What's his name?'"
He says the events surrounding the Cup are something he will never forget. "It's unbelievable." He got to ride with the Cup in the parade.
Unfortunately, he told me he can't go to any games because it's too stressful to be in a crowd. But he will watch on TV. "I'm a big fan."
Veterans will be part of the Cup for the duration of the event.
Friday night's ceremonial puck drop will be done by Chief Warrant Officer Sam Carr.
Inspiration
For the Val d'Or Foreurs, inspiration has come in the form of a hard-fought Game 7 win for the Montreal Canadiens over the Boston Bruins. The QMJHL champs unwound after their first full day in London by watching the Habs' game, their coach said.
Mario Durocher was trying to find the right mix of rest for his team - which only wrapped up its series Tuesday night - and pumping them up for an intense first game against London.
"The first win in the Memorial Cup is so important," Durocher said.
Team communications manager Michael Beaudoin said the team has been caught up in a tailspin the last few days, with games, travelling and taking in everything they've been able to accomplish this season: "Everything is going very fast."
For the Knights, Dale Hunter says the inspiration is everywhere. It's in the streets; it's on the ice. It's the talk of the town. They know how much this city wants another Memorial Cup victory. "They're hosting, so it's important."
Favourite Fans
The pick for cutest fans goes to brothers Carter, five years old, and Spencer, 8 months. Both wearing Knights sweaters, their smiles and excitement could melt the ice at Budweiser Gardens.
Carter's favourite player is Max Domi. He says he's been a Knights fan since he was "two months old."
"I haven't had a single time out since Wednesday," says Carter, who plans to be on his best behaviour so his dad will take him to see the Knights.
Quote of the day: "We have to get our hate up in a hurry." Scott Walker, coach of the Guelph Storm says about playing a team the Storm hasn't faced before - the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Tweet of the Day: @hughesy_14 Tommy Hughes - Nothing would compare to being in London for the next week! Good luck to the boys @GoLondonKnights, go Knights go #MemorialCup
Worth checking out: You can search for a landmine with special equipment at the military tent exhibition at FanFest in the market square.
Predicting the Knights will win the championship: PC Leader Tim Hudak
