Thousands greet Pittsburgh Penguins at Stanley Cup parade
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PITTSBURGH (AP) Throngs of fans were cheering and trying to draw players' attention with their shouts as the Pittsburgh Penguins begin their victory lap around downtown, celebrating their 2016 Stanley Cup championship.
Some fans began lining up 12 hours ahead of time for the 11:30 a.m. parade, despite overnight drizzle.
The skies largely cleared, though, as the parade began seven years to the day that the team held a parade following its 2009 championship. That parade drew nearly 400,000 people and a similar throng was expected Wednesday.
Players and coaches are being driven along a triangular route to a temporary stage, where other dignitaries will join them for remarks and festivities.
The Penguins clinched the franchise's fourth championship 3-1 over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night, winning the series 4-2.
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