Jordan Staal, 20, a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario, has brought home what for most boys is an unattainable childhood dream: the Stanley Cup.
Staal plays left wing for the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins, who beat out the Detroit Red Wings in this year’s final round.
Staal is the third of four sons born to Henry and Linda Staal, also members of First CRC. The Staal brothers have collectively made an impact on hockey.
Eldest brother Eric plays for the Carolina Hurricanes, who won the Stanley Cup in 2006. Second eldest brother Marc plays for the New York Rangers, and youngest brother Jared has been drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes.
The boys grew up playing hockey on a backyard rink that Henry built and maintained during the winters of their childhood.
Linda says she never imagined that her sons would play at the NHL level. “The whole town is proud of them. We are proud of them.”
About the Author
Jenny deGroot is a freelance media review and news writer for The Banner. She lives on Swallowfield Farm near Fort Langley B.C. with her husband, Dennis. Before retirement she worked as a teacher librarian and assistant principal.
