Pens Victory Parade Named Largest Sports Parade In Pittsburgh History
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- More than 400,000 people were in attendance, making it the largest sports parade in Pittsburgh history.
The team rode through the streets, captain Sidney Crosby proudly raising the Cup for all to see.
Matt Murray stopped to say he was overwhelmed by the support.
"I can't even believe it, there's ten people deep for miles! This is crazy, I'm in awe," he said. "I didn't know what to expect and this way exceeded anything I could think of."
"Really out of this world, the turnout here is unbelievable," Ian Cole said.
"Unreal! Best fans in the league," Carl Hagelin shouted above the noise.
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Marc-André Fleury was with the Penguins in 2009 when they last won the Cup, but he said he was still blown away by fans.
"Unbelievable. We all know we have such great fans here. 2009 is not that far ago but it blows my mind," he said.
Nick Bonino echoed his teammates' sentiment.
"It's unbelievable the support we've had today, the whole series, the whole playoffs, everything," he said.
Asked about the celebrations, Bonino said the players have been enjoying themselves.
"It's great. It's been some late nights, everyone's pretty tired, but the sun's helping us, trying to stay hydrated as much as we can," he laughed.
As for the playoff beard, Bonino said it will be gone soon.
"I'm shaving actually at the Giant Eagle in Camp Horne on Friday at 1:30, if you wanna watch you can come over, that's where I'll be," he said.
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Coach Mike Sullivan thanked Pittsburgh for all of the support at the beginning of his speech.
"The one thing I've learned is this is one crazy sports town," he said. "Even more crazy, this is one crazy hockey town!"
He congratulated players on their fourth Stanley Cup Championship.
"This is a group that's been through a lot this year, the challenges they've overcome to become the best hockey team in the world, we couldn't be more proud of them," Coach Sullivan said.
Sidney Crosby was next on stage, asked how it felt to win his second Stanley Cup for Pittsburgh.
"It means a lot. It's exactly how I remember it, I think it's even bigger this time. You guys are what make it so special to play here. It's a special town. Obviously, this group of guys, we wanted it bad. We were disappointed in Game 5 we didn't get it done, it wasn't a happy plane going to San Jose. But we knew we had to get it back here," he said.
Thousands of people were expected to attend the first Stanley Cup parade since 2009. Some began lining up along the route Tuesday night.
"I just want to see the Pens bring home Lord Stanley," one fan said.
Sights & Sounds of the Stanley Cup Victory Parade:
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