Ian Cole shares photo of previous encounter with Stanley Cup

Sunday wasn't the first time Ian Cole gazed at Lord Stanley's mug.

The morning after the Pittsburgh Penguins' title triumph, the defenseman and Ann Arbor. Mich., native shared a photo of his younger self and father posing with the Stanley Cup from a trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

What a league, what a season, what a team, what a trophy. pic.twitter.com/3BRHq2KHCw

- Ian Cole (@ICole28) June 13, 2016

Cole used the photo as a launch point to extend his gratitude to those who helped him become a Stanley Cup champion, and, of course, to Penguins fans.

And to all our fans in Pittsburgh, thank you! Truly the best fans in sports. We're bringing Stanley home! pic.twitter.com/83k4osX5lT

- Ian Cole (@ICole28) June 13, 2016

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