Waterloo native Steven Lorentz is set to bring the Stanley Cup back to his hometown. Lorentz, a center for the Florida Panthers, began his hockey journey at the age of five with the Waterloo Minor Hockey League, later advancing to play for the Waterloo Wolves and the Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins.
The Florida Panthers clinched their first-ever Stanley Cup victory in a dramatic Game 7 win over the Edmonton Oilers, after initially losing three straight games in the NHL final. This historic win marks a significant milestone for both the team and Lorentz.
Bob Hergott, Lorentz’s former coach, reminisced about the early days when he recognized Lorentz’s exceptional talent. Hergott, who coached Lorentz until he was 15, recalled, “We knew when he was seven years old that he was above most anyone around the city. He was probably one of the top players in the Alliance League that we played in and he had a great outlook and a great work ethic which carried him to where he is today.”
Seeing Lorentz reach the NHL was a significant moment for Hergott and the community. “As a coach who coached him for several years in his younger years, we don’t often get to see our players succeed to the highest levels,” Hergott said. “To see Steve reach the NHL was a milestone in itself. To watch him play and see him have results on the ice was amazing.”
Hergott, now the director of Triple A and Double A hockey for Waterloo Minor Hockey, reflected on his 40 years of volunteering and the many young men he has mentored. He emphasized that while many did not achieve professional hockey success, they have grown into great individuals. “I’ve met a lot of great young men who have grown up into great men over the years that have not made it far in hockey, but have turned their lives into something,” Hergott said.
The Stanley Cup will be on display at RIM Park in the Forbes Room from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., giving fans an opportunity to meet Steven Lorentz and take photos with the trophy. According to a news release from the City of Waterloo, the cup will then be moved to various change rooms where U16 and U18 players will have personal photo opportunities.
The city has extended invitations to view the trophy to those who played with Waterloo Minor Hockey, the Waterloo Ravens, Waterloo Ringette, OSHA/Special Hockey, and the KW Skating Club. This celebration not only honors Lorentz’s achievements but also acknowledges the community’s role in supporting and nurturing young talent.
Lorentz’s journey from a young boy in Waterloo to an NHL champion is a testament to his dedication and hard work, as well as the support he received from his coaches and community. His return with the Stanley Cup is a moment of pride for Waterloo, celebrating both his personal success and the collective efforts of the local hockey community.
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