Patrick Budds brings the Stanley Cup to Neil's Donuts in Connecticut

Carolina Hurricanes assistant equipment manager Patrick Budds returned to his hometown of Wallingford, Connecticut, on Tuesday to showcase the Stanley Cup at Neil's Donuts. The visit follows the Hurricanes' 2026 championship victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Budds and shop owner Neil Bukowski posed for photographs while filling the trophy's bowl with doughnuts from the local establishment. This event marks the latest in a series of Stanley Cup appearances in Connecticut, which has seen several stops throughout the state since the Hurricanes secured their title. Past celebrations in the region have included events at Dunkin' Park and Dockside Brewery, as well as a tour last summer by Florida Panthers player Mackie Samoskevich. Neil's Donuts, which opened in 2001, serves as a prominent local business that has expanded to include a second location in Middletown.

• 9:53 PMYahoo Sports — Stanley Cup makes sweet stop at iconic Connecticut donut shop in Wallingford