People in Fredericton have scored a chance to see the Stanley Cup up close and personal today.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jake Allen showed off the cup at Officers' Square on Thursday afternoon.

The event included a parade with the Stanley Cup and a chance for residents to get their photos taken with the trophy.

"There's not many times where New Brunswick gets to bring the cup back," said Allen, a Fredericton native.

Jake Allen carries the Stanley Cup through a throng of fans in Officers' Square on Thursday. (Mike Heenan/CBC)

"But hopefully a lot more in the future with all the younger kids coming up."

The St. Louis Blues, with 13 other Canadian born players in their lineup, claimed the team's first championship in its 52-year history.

At far left, Gil MacNutt, a 95-year-old veteran of the Second World War, and Frank Brooks, an 86-year-old veteran of the Korean War, journeyed from the Veterans Health Unit in Fredericton to Officers' Square to get their photo taken with Jake Allen and the Stanley Cup. (Mike Heenan/CBC)

A lifelong dream

Allen has been dreaming of the Stanley Cup ever since he first laced up his skates as a kid.

"It doesn't get to happen to a lot of people and I'm fortunate enough that it did to me," said the 28-year-old.

"It's still pretty surreal."

Droves of people came out to snap a photo of Jake Allen and the Stanley Cup in downtown Fredericton on Thursday. (Mike Heenan/CBC)

The New Brunswick hockey star wanted to do something special for the people in his community as a thank you for their support during his hockey career.

Inspiring young athletes

Allen made his NHL debut for the Blues in 2012. He is also known for his work mentoring aspiring goalies with the Jake Allen Fantasy Goalie Camp for Bantam AAA youth across the province.

Jake Allen's wife, Shannon, and their child also attended the celebration Thursday afternoon in downtown Fredericton. (Mike Heenan/CBC)

Allen was hoping for a big crowd and to inspire a few young athletes.

"Some kids out there that get a chance to see it at a young age, [it gives] them some hope and dreams," he said.

The lineup to see Jake Allen and the Stanley Cup was long, as a large crowd turned out Thursday to celebrate the hometown hero. (Mike Heenan/CBC)

The NHL hockey player doesn't get to spend much quality time with the Cup. It has to go to 52 people throughout the summer. Each person gets 12 to 13 hours with it.

Alone with the Stanley Cup

After the downtown event, Allen said he wanted to have a bit of alone time with the Cup and his immediate family in Fredericton.

St. Louis goaltender Jake Allen brought the Stanley Cup to Fredericton's Officers' Square on Thursday. (John Woods/Canadian Press)

Although his two young daughters don't yet understand the significance of the Stanley Cup, he's looking forward to seeing the reaction from his parents and grandparents.

"Next thing you know it'll be gone so we're trying to make every second of the day count," he said.