Playoffs 2000:Devils' celebration continues in New Jersey

Devils' celebration continues in New Jersey
Associated Press

TETERBORO, N.J. -- The New Jersey Devils returned home as champions Sunday, hoisting the Stanley Cup high above their heads as they got off a plane that carried them home from an overtime triumph in Texas.


	Conn Smythe winner Scott Stevens shows off his new hardware.

Jason Arnott held the cup aloft as about two dozen fans cheered in heat and humidity as stifling as the Devils' defense.

The temperature was in the mid-90s when the team's chartered jet touched down at about 3:45 p.m. at Teterboro Airport, a small airfield used by many business, entertainment and sports figures seeking an alternative to huge commercial airports.

Kevin Postolwski, a computer artist from Mahwah, N.J., came with a camera to get some snapshots.

"They showed a lot of heart to stick it in there when everyone was writing them off," he said. "It took a lot of guts and courage."

Eighteen-year-old Kevin Makely of Hasbrouck Heights had a simple goal.

"I just want to touch the cup," he said. He didn't get to touch it, but he stood and cheered at the exit of the Atlantic Aviation terminal as the team's bus pulled out, en route to the Continental Airlines Arena.

"It was a hard-fought series," said James Vera, 32. His aunt, Sonia Fuentes, 57, of Hackensack, raised both fists and said, "I'm here to root the team on."

Christine Maita, a 26-year-old nurse from Little Ferry, brought a Ken Daneyko jersey with her, but it was too hot to wear, so she sat on it.

"I'd just like to see them and get an autograph, but I don't think it will happen," Maita said.

A few lucky fans who gathered outside the arena did manage to get autographs as the players scampered off the team bus toward their cars.

Petr Sykora, who was hospitalized for observation Saturday night after taking a blow to the head from Stars captain Derian Hatcher in the first period, accompanied the team on the flight home, but went straight to his car, still suffering from a headache.

Others, however, were glad to oblige the fans.

"Words can't describe it," Daneyko said of his feeling after clinching the cup. "This one was something special. The guys were unbelievable."

"It feels great," Arnott added. "It's a dream come true. Every player dreams about this. The last couple of years, we had something to prove."

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said the team never lost its poise. He also said the team's second Stanley Cup was harder to get than the first one in 1995.

"Everyone says it's more difficult when you've never won it before," he said. "But in my mind, the second one is harder because you're expected to win it. And then if you don't, they suspect something's wrong.

"This is tremendous for hockey, and tremendous for the local market and the fans. This was a special feat because we dethroned last year's champions."