Ben Lovejoy will bring the Stanley Cup to Thompson Arena. And whether you’re an avid hockey fan or you just watch a few games, this event is a big one for the Upper Valley.

Ben grew up here and graduated from Dartmouth College in 2006. The Dartmouth men’s hockey player (2004 to 2007) will spend part of his day with the Stanley Cup at the arena in a free event open to the public on Monday, August 1 starting at 5:30pm.

The former Dartmouth defenseman won the trophy with the Pittsburgh Penguins in mid June. The first New Hampshire-born player to ever win the Stanley Cup, Ben will host a free event inside the Big Green’s home rink where he played college hockey.

Ben has been quoted as saying, “The best part about winning the Cup is being able to share it with everyone who has helped me along the way. Getting to the NHL was a team effort; so many people worked so hard to get me where I am now. . . . I am so excited to bring the Stanley Cup to New Hampshire and the Upper Valley to share it with everyone.”

During the event, fans will have the opportunity to take pictures with Lovejoy and the Stanley Cup and to get the former Big Green defenseman’s autograph. Current members of the Big Green men’s hockey team and head coach Bob Gaudet, ’81, will also be there to talk with fans about the upcoming 2016–17 season.

Free autographed posters will be available for the first 2,000 fans. There will also be free raffles for an autographed Dartmouth stick, two autographed locker-room celebration hats, and tickets to select games during the 2016–17 regular season.