A humbled Danny Cleary helped pull back the cover on an impressive new interpretive panel last week that commemorates his amazing hockey
accomplishments.
With dozens of family, friends and fans looking on, the 2008 Stanley Cup champion and several top officials in the provincial government unveiled the panel on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Fittingly, the panel is located at Danny Cleary Lookout, off Veterans Memorial Highway overlooking Cleary’s hometown of Riverhead, Harbour Grace.
A limited edition print was also unveiled, and will be displayed at schools throughout the province as a reminder to the next generation that “anyone, from anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador, can achieve excellence,” said Premier Danny Williams.
Designed by Sandy Newton, the panel features a photo of Cleary with the Stanley Cup, along with various other images from the massive July 1, 2008 celebration staged in Harbour Grace when Cleary came home with hockey’s most coveted trophy. The event attracted more than 20,000 hockey fans from throughout the province.
The panel also includes various facts about Cleary’s hockey career, including his ongoing success in the National Hockey League.
The limited edition print was painted by artist James Long, and features Cleary in action with the Detroit Red Wings.
“This is an honour for both me and my family. The Town of Harbour Grace and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador will always be my home, and to be able to come back and see this (is) very cool, especially for my two little girls.” - Danny Cleary
Williams called Cleary an inspiration and a “real hero,” and praised his “exceptional
character.” Cleary is the first player from this province to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. He was in Harbour Grace last week hosting a hockey school for roughly 150 young players. He described the unveiling ceremony as a “humbling
experience.”
“This is an honour for both me and my family,” Cleary stated. “The Town of Harbour Grace and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador will always be my home, and to be able to come back and see this (is) very cool, especially for my two little girls.”
He also expressed hope that some of the young players enrolled in the hockey school can experience the same success.
“I worked hard for it and I deserve it,” Cleary said of his hockey success. Carbonear-Harbour Grace MHA Jerome Kennedy praised Cleary for his perseverance, dedication, professionalism and hard work, while Harbour Grace Mayor Don Coombs described Cleary as an “idol to us.” “Danny, we’re so proud of you my friend that it’s not even funny,” said Coombs.
