Stanley Cup makes sweet stop at iconic Connecticut donut shop in Wallingford
The Stanley Cup trophy returned to Connecticut on Tuesday morning, taking part in a popular early-morning New Haven County ritual.
Wallingford native Patrick Budds worked as an assistant equipment manager for the Carolina Hurricanes last season, when they reeled off three straight victories to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. Budds was rewarded with the opportunity to bring the oldest trophy in North American professional sports to his hometown, choosing to introduce the Stanley Cup to Wallingford staple Neil’s Donuts.
The business posted photos on social media Wednesday of Budds and owner Neil Bukowski holding the Stanley Cup together and filling the trophy’s top bowl with several of the store’s doughnuts.
Carolina’s only previous NHL title came during the 2006 season, less than a decade after the franchise’s controversial relocation from Hartford. Fittingly, the team’s success this past season has given the Stanley Cup plenty of face time in Connecticut. Dunkin’ Park hosted a public display of the trophy last month, and Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere hosted a private celebration with the Cup at Dockside Brewery in Milford in July.
Last summer, Newtown native Mackie Samoskevich returned to Connecticut for his day with the Cup after winning with the Florida Panthers. His homecoming tour included stops at the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial – Samoskevich attended Sandy Hook Elementary School – and his childhood hockey rink.
Neil’s Donuts opened in 2001 and has grown into a Connecticut staple over the past quarter-century. It has often been recognized as the state’s best doughnut shop and was praised by former NFL star Jason Kelce as “great.” Bukowski opened a second location in Middletown about six years ago and has filed preliminary plans for a third location in Wethersfield, though that proposal remains uncertain.
This article originally published at Stanley Cup makes sweet stop at iconic Connecticut donut shop in Wallingford.
