36 pictures of Tyler Kennedy and Lord Stanley's Mug

Who knew that one of the biggest rock stars to draw a crowd at the Essar Centre would be a hometown hockey player and his mighty trophy.

As it turns out, Tyler Kennedy's appearance with the greatest trophy in sports history attracted a larger audience this afternoon than some of the concerts hosted at the Essar Centre.

The 22-year-old Sault native who scored the game-winning goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins in game six of this year's Stanley Cup finals - the very same goal that is credited with keeping the Penguins alive in a series they would ultimately win - rode into and circled the arena on a zamboni.

Naturally, Lord Stanley's Mug was by his side as 2,000 proud Saulites stood and cheered their hometown hero.

After being presented a commemorative plaque from dignitaries of the Soo Greyhounds' Hockey Club, and the key to the city by Mayor John Rowswell, Kennedy graciously met with, signed autographs for and posed for pictures with fan after fan after fan.

After fan.

Without a doubt, being a member of a Stanley Cup-winning team and having the opportunity to present the trophy to his home town is the greatest thrill of his life.

But SooToday.com bets once Kennedy passes the cup along to the next Penguin, he'll be perfectly fine with not having to smile for the camera.