Stew Jackson
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Hillier takes Stanley Cup, former NHL'ers to Afghanistan
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | 5:20 AM ET
CBC News
Canada's chief of defence staff arrived in Afghanistan Wednesday with 19 former NHL players and the Stanley Cup.
Gen. Rick Hiller arrived at the main Kandahar base with the former pros, who included Bob Probert, Dave (Tiger) Williams, Ron Tugnutt, Rejean Houle and Yvon Lambert.
Along with showing off the Stanley Cup, the group plans to play some hockey with some of the more than 2,000 Canadian soldiers stationed at the base.
The visit takes Hillier away from the controversy swirling around Parliament Hill.
The Conservatives have been put on the defensive in the House of Commons over allegations that prisoners captured by Canadian soldiers were later tortured in Afghan custody.
Hillier and Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor have been accused of allowing the transfer of prisoners despite the risk of abuse.
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The issue made headlines following the publication of sections of an internal Foreign Affairs Department report, which said the human rights situation in Afghanistan "deteriorated" last year.
Last month, the owner of the Ottawa Senators visited the base, donating $50,000 worth of hockey gear. Eugene Melnyk brought hockey sticks, pads and jerseys for the soldiers.
Playing and watching ball hockey is an important ritual for the Canadian troops in Afghanistan, with the teams playing for the Kandahar Cup, a pint-sized version of Lord Stanley's coveted trophy.
Playoffs are to begin this month, when temperatures in Kandahar climb well into the 40s.
How are they going to keep the ice fresh??
Stew
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