Kings scout Laird takes Cup home to Regina

Even though he is a professional scout for the Los Angeles Kings, Rob Laird spent his day with the Stanley Cup in a Western Hockey League town.

The Regina, Saskatchewan native took the Cup home Tuesday with the Regina Pats of the WHL playing a prominent role.

"It was natural for me to bring it to Regina this time," Laird told "The Morning Edition -- Saskatchewan" on CBC. "I have family here, and the Regina Pats have been gracious enough to host this event at the Wascana Country Club today."

The first stop was a visit to his mother at Broadway Terrace, an assisted living facility.

"I'm really anxious to see all the smiles on the faces of the residents here," Laird said.

Laird, a former Pats player, and the team then held an event to benefit the ALS Society of Saskatchewan.

Laird, 59, is a senior pro scout for the Kings, responsible for the NHL, AHL and European leagues. He helps Los Angeles decide who to acquire through trade, free agency or off waivers.

"The scouting group is a kind of team in itself," Laird said. "So just to be with all the guys at the time we win it is every bit as gratifying for us. Now the icing on the cake here is that we get to spend a day with the Cup in the summertime and share it with everybody."

After winning the championship in 2012, Laird brought the Cup to Fort Wayne, Ind., where he lives and once played and coached for the Fort Wayne Komets.

"Well, I'll tell you, it never gets old," Laird said.