The Gold Cup Parade is going to have a taste of Vegas this year.
Gerard "Turk" Gallant and Mike Kelly of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights will lead the annual parade through the streets of Charlottetown on Friday, Aug. 17 as the official parade marshalls.
Gallant is head coach of the Golden Knights while Kelly is an assistant coach.
The NHL expansion team went all the way to the NHL’s Stanley Cup final before losing to the Washington Capitals.
The theme of this year's Parade is "P.E.I.'s Got Talent”.
The parade committee is thrilled to have the two coaches participate in this year’s parade.
"We are excited and honoured to have Gerard “Turk” Gallant and Mike Kelly as this year’s Gold Cup Parade Marshalls,’’ said Ray Murphy, chairman of the parade committee. “This gives Islanders the opportunity to recognize and celebrate their talent and their achievements in coaching and their vision to bring a first-year expansion team to first place in their division and to participate in the Stanley Cup finals.’’
Both Gallant and Kelly said that “it would be a real honour to be a part of the Gold Cup Parade”, and that they “look forward to the festivities in Charlottetown.”
Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee said it’s a real coup for the parade committee to secure the two Vegas coaches.
“The pride that both Turk and Mike brought to Islanders through their highly successful playoff run is evident, and it is only fitting that both individuals will be part of the festivities,’’ Lee said. “Without a doubt, both gentlemen have talent, which meshes well with this year’s Parade theme – P.E.I.’s Got Talent.’’
The Gold Cup Parade is the largest annual event in Atlantic Canada and the largest street parade east of Montreal, attracting more than 60,000 spectators each year. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on North River Road through downtown Charlottetown. For more information, visit www.goldcupparade.ca.
