Wheatley’s own Cameron Arquette made his way through his hometown on Tuesday night, Memorial Cup in tow, to share his latest victory with the community.
Riding in the back of a vintage car, Arquette rolled down Talbot Road West behind a Legion colour parade.
Hundreds of people poured into the new Wheatley Legion for the celebrations.
A long line, filled with friends and family, wrapped through the building for a chance to chat with Arquette and get a picture with the trophy.
When asked about the decision to hold his celebrations at home, the 19-year-old acknowledged he felt the community had done a lot for him over the years.
Wheatley is a town on the rebound after an explosion rocked the community about five years ago.
Arquette says he’s happy to do this for his town.
“It’s pretty special to be able to bring this cup back to Wheatley and do it with all my friends and family and then be able to bring it back to the town that supported me so much.”
He says it’s been “pretty special” to see the community’s response.
“You see some of the younger kids that you see they kind of look up to you a bit, and it’s pretty cool to bring the trophy to them and show them what it’s like, and maybe for them to maybe do it in the future.”
Arquette says the significance of being able to give residents a reason to smile isn’t lost on him.
“I mean, there’s been a few negatives in the past, but to bring this positive towards the town and show everyone what’s happened and things we’ve achieved, it’s pretty cool.”
In four games at the Memorial Cup in Kelowna, Arquette registered one goal and two assists.
As part of the win, each player on the team has the opportunity to plan a day with the cup.
Arquette expects to return to Kitchener this fall for a chance to capture his second Memorial Cup.