Eric Robinson Returns to Hollydell with the Stanley Cup, Honoring Coach Guy Gaudreau

Carolina Hurricanes left winger Eric “Robby” Robinson’s hockey journey came full circle on Thursday at Hollydell Ice Arena in South Jersey.

It began at Hollydell, where Robinson, somewhat serendipitously, played for the Hurricanes and first learned to skate and play hockey under the guidance of coach Guy Gaudreau.

Thursday marked perhaps the most rewarding milestone of that journey, as he returned to his roots and brought the Stanley Cup to share with fans, friends, family, former teammates, Coach Guy, and members of the Gaudreau family.

The 6‑foot‑2, 220‑pound winger played a key role in the Hurricanes’ first Stanley Cup victory in 20 years, becoming the first player from the seven‑county South Jersey region to have his name engraved on hockey’s most prestigious trophy.

Several hundred fans filled Hollydell, with the line stretching around the building, eager for a look at the Cup and a chance to pose with the Bellmawr, New Jersey native.

“I think it’s important to give back to the community, and for me that meant bringing the Cup to a place that holds personal significance,” Robinson, 31, said after spending about two hours taking photos with supporters.

“This is where it all started. I have 15 close friends here who grew up skating on this rink. There are countless memories. For kids to see someone who learned here go on to win the Cup, I believe it matters,” he added.

“It gives young players hope that they, too, can one day reach the NHL and lift the trophy,” he said.

Emotional Moments For Robinson And Gaudreau Families

Before the public lined up for photos with Robinson and the Cup, the Hurricanes forward was overcome with emotion as he reunited with his former minor‑hockey teammates—the ‘Hollydell Boys’—who have remained tight‑knit over the years, and they gathered around the trophy for pictures.

He also shared a private moment with Guy Gaudreau, the coach who steered his career and the father of Eric’s inseparable friends, Johnny and Matty Gaudreau. The brothers tragically lost their lives nearly two years ago in a suspected drunk‑driving incident.

Presenting the Cup to Guy was a bittersweet experience for Robinson, who described it as carrying ‘a lot of mixed emotions.’

While the absence of the Gaudreau brothers was the sorrowful side, reuniting with Guy, the Hollydell Boys, and their families brought the sweet.

Johnny, Matty, Robinson, and his brother Buddy spent countless hours together on and off the ice.

They were groomsmen in each other’s weddings, teammates at Gloucester Catholic High School, and often reminisced around bonfires in the Gaudreau family’s backyard.

“I mentioned my circle of friends, and Guy taught us all how to skate,” Robinson said. “Being there with my friends and my former coach was definitely emotional, yet incredibly rewarding to share that moment with Coach Guy.”

Both Robinson brothers later crossed paths with Johnny Gaudreau in the NHL; Buddy played alongside him during his stint with the Calgary Flames, and Eric eventually teamed up with him on the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“Winning the Cup is grueling—you must survive four rounds of hell,” Gaudreau remarked, adding that seeing the trophy in person evoked memories of the dynasties of the Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, and Edmonton Oilers he watched growing up.

Robinson The Late Bloomer

Gaudreau described Robinson as a ‘very late bloomer’ who continually improved.

“When Eric returned after his junior year at Princeton, John and Matty told me, ‘Dad, he’s got to be the fastest big guy I’ve ever seen.’”

“Eric possessed all the tools to become the player he is today,” Gaudreau added. “At that time, I wasn’t sure he loved the game as much as he does now, but he kept getting better and better.”

Robinson is just the seventh player hailing from New Jersey to capture the Stanley Cup.

“My brother was part of one of the first teams at Gloucester Catholic, which helped spark the program,” Robinson said, crediting Guy for turning the Rams into a powerhouse. “It became a tradition for local kids to take up hockey. There are many fond memories, and bringing the Cup back here feels especially meaningful.”

“We always viewed hockey as a structured setting where kids could enjoy themselves and make new friends,” said Eric’s father, Bud Robinson, as he paused briefly from directing fans in line to greet his son. “For this to happen is …”

Indescribable seemed to be the word he wanted to use.

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