He was known for being calm, cool and reserved during the run to the Cup. He was anything but that Friday.
Normally stoic, Binnington unleashed his emotions during a morning parade in Richmond Green Park. He yelled out whoops of joy and pumped the Cup over his head while he and girlfriend Cristine Prosperi rode in a convertible past hundreds of children who waved blue and yellow balloons in honor of the Blues.
Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow then presented Binnington with a key to the city. Three-time world champion figure skater Elvis Stojko (1994, 1995, 1997) is the only other athlete to receive that honor.
"I heard through the wire that the town of Richmond Hill was backing me along the way, and that means a lot to me," Binnington said. "Bringing people together and having a positive influence on a community like this is very special to me."
So, too, is the Vaughan minor hockey program in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. Binnington was part of it for seven years, first as a member of the Vaughan Rangers, then the Vaughan Kings.
When the festivities at Richmond Green Park ended, Binnington brought the Cup to The Sports Village, the arena complex where he grew up playing. By giving current members of the Kings a chance to get photos taken with the trophy, it was Binnington's way of saying thanks to the organization.
All the while, a couple of his former coaches were fighting to wipe tears from their eyes.
When an 8-year-old Binnington wanted to move from forward to goalie, Rangers coach Mike Vallescuro gave him his first competitive tryout in the crease. The kid didn't flinch when the first shot he faced nailed him in the head.
"That's when I knew he'd succeed at the position," Vallescuro said. "But to this extent? I mean, it's still surreal to see him there posing with the Cup."