Cole, Ward Lead Stanley Cup Celebration At Bulls Game

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Cole, Ward Lead Stanley Cup Celebration At Bulls Game

Nov 10, 2006

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DURHAM, N.C. — The Stanley Cup had a couple of escorts to Friday night's Durham Bulls game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, as Erik Cole and Cam Ward traded in their hockey pucks for baseballs.

Instead of a Zamboni, Cole and Ward were driven around the field by a Porsche, as the cup continued making its rounds throughout the Triangle.

Slideshow:

'Canes Visit Bulls

Slideshow:

Cup Visits Duke Children's Hospital

“That’s one of the aspects that makes it so special,” said Cole. “It has so much history, and it’s been to so many different places, and its something that the players do share with the fans, and the fans make so much of a difference in the momentum.

Between hoisting the cup again and signing autographs, the ‘Canes players didn’t have much time to warm up before performing the next part of their ceremonial duties -- throwing out the first pitch of the Bulls’ game against the Richmond Braves.

“I’ve been practicing my knuckleball pitch, but I don’t want to throw it at the catcher too much,” said Ward. “I just hope it gets to the catcher.”

Ward did leave his knuckleball at home. But instead of just one opening pitch, he and Cole threw two in tandem.

“It’s been awhile since I’ve been to a baseball game, and it’s extremely exciting to come out here and relive the glory days of me playing at a young age,” said Ward.

But as far as their hockey days are concerned, the glory is now for the Carolina Hurricanes, as they continue basking in the glow of their Stanley Cup victory.