NHL playoff hockey may be out of sight for the time being — but the Stanley Cup was in full view at the Lake Bonavista Arena in south Calgary.

Children from the Lake Bonavista Atom 5 Breakers minor hockey team were in for a surprise of a lifetime Saturday when the best part of a sponsorship between the team and Scotiabank was brought to light.

Lord Stanley himself showed up in all his shiny glory – right in the kid’s locker room — before their practice.

Head Coach Mike Franco said he had to keep mum for a couple of weeks but it was all worth the lip-sealing angst – seeing his 16 kids react with awe and excitement.

Number 18 player, Sean, said his day was made when he was greeted by hockey’s Holy Grail up close and personal.

“This is the first time I’ve actually seen the Stanley Cup up close. I’m the luckiest person in the world,” said Sean, adding the next time he sees Lord Stanley – he wants it to be when he’s playing in the NHL and has his own name emblazoned on the Cup.

But teammate Isaac says he has no plans on playing professionally himself; instead he has the desire to be a scientist, and perhaps come up with a design for a better helmet.