The fabled Stanley Cup, which the Pittsburgh Penguins won after defeating the Red Wings in Game 7 of the National Hockey League championship, wound its way through the South Hills last week as residents rolled out a royal welcome wagon.

About 500 Penguins fans descended on the Whitehall home of Marty, Barb and Misti Keyser, where the trophy took center stage, compliments of family friend Danny Kroll, of Castle Shannon, the Penguins' assistant equipment manager.

As is hockey tradition, the victorious team's players, coaches and personnel each take possession of the cup for a day.

The itinerary last Thursday resembled a kind of "This is Your Life, Danny Kroll."

The day began at the Ross home of Mr. Kroll's grandfather, Daniel Kroll.

Next, the cup traveled to Schneider's Dairy in Whitehall, where Danny Kroll's father, Dan Kroll, works as a driver.

That was followed by visits to First Commonwealth Bank at Caste Village in Whitehall and Bruni's Barber Shop in Bethel Park, both of which Danny Kroll frequents.

After a stop at home for family and neighbors, Mr. Kroll and the so-called cup keeper (security) drove the cup to the Keyser home, where fans stood in line for a couple of hours for the chance to be photographed with it.

The whirlwind day concluded at the home of childhood friend Neil Huber, in Whitehall, and then Mr. Kroll got to take it to his house.

Mr. Kroll has a knack for involvement in high-profile sporting events.

A Pirates bat boy at age 16, he sat on the bench beside Willie Stargell during the last baseball game at Three Rivers Stadium in 2000.

He later worked the first game at PNC Park.

As National League clubhouse attendant during the 2006 All-Star Game, he rubbed shoulders with stars Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Trevor Hoffman and others.

When a fellow attendant who also worked for the Penguins recommended him as a game-night "stick boy," Mr. Kroll moved to The Igloo.

He became a full-time assistant equipment manager following his graduation from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in media communications in December 2006.

Among his responsibilities at home games is ensuring the visitors' locker room is stocked with beverages, dry towels, medical supplies, stationary bikes and more.

He also travels to the away games with head equipment manager Dana Heinze and fellow assistant Paul DeFazio to set up the visitors' locker room to suit the team.

Mr. Kroll watched the final moments of Game 7 in Detroit's Joe Louis Arena from behind the bench.

"It was the slowest 6 1/2 seconds ever," he said of the Red Wings' game-ending barrage of shots on the Pens' net.

Of the Stanley Cup victory, he said, "It was the greatest moment of my life."