'Anything's possible,' Alex Newhook tells young hockey fans at Stanley Cup parade in St. John's

The oldest trophy in North American professional sports made its way through some of the oldest streets in North America on Monday as part of the official celebration for Alex Newhook's Stanley Cup win this spring. 

Newhook, from St. John's, helped the Colorado Avalanche claim hockey's top prize this year in what will be a rememberable rookie season for the 21-year-old.

Thousands lined the streets, many wearing Avalanche burgundy, to see the cup up close for the first time since Michael Ryder of Bonavista brought the trophy home after the Boston Bruins won in 2011.

The parade began at Bannerman Park, where Newhook signed posters, hockey cards, jerseys and more from the back of a truck.

Local hockey teams, businesses and a marching band joined the parade as it made its way down Military Road, Duckworth Street and Water Street before stopping for a ceremony at the George Street Stage. 

Newhook called the event "surreal."

"I've worked for it, I've dreamt for this a long time, so it means a lot," he told reporters.

The event drew thousands of fans and featured speeches from politicians, including Premier Andrew Furey, but Newhook said the most special part of the day was seeing his grandparents ride in the parade.

"Those two have meant a lot to me and have done so much for me so it's cool to see them enjoy it," he said.

Alex's family rode in the float alongside him. Paula Newhook, Alex's mother, said she couldn't be more proud.

"There are tears in our eyes, honestly. Alex is so happy," she said. 

Cheers also erupted for Newhook's sister, Abby, another successful hockey player.

"I could never have expected that," Abby said.

For Charlie Warren, an 11-year-old hockey player from St. John's, it was a big day. 

"Whenever I think