TYNGSBORO >> A month after winning hockey’s biggest prize with the Vegas Golden Knights, Jack Eichel returned home to where it all began, with the Stanley Cup in hand.

The North Chelmsford native brought the Stanley Cup to Skate 3 to celebrate with over 2,000 of his closest friends. It proved to be the ultimate victory parade for the hometown hockey hero.

“It means a ton,” said Eichel, 26. “It’s always your dream to do this, to win the Stanley Cup, and having the opportunity to bring it back to a community that meant so much to me.”

The eight-year NHL veteran was touched by the turnout. A long line of friends, family and supporters showed up, wrapping around the rink and extending into the deepest corner of the parking lot. Some fans at the front of the line arrived as early as 5:22 a.m., just to catch a glimpse of the most popular trophy in sports.

“You’d never be in this position without some of the people that are here,” said Eichel. “Skate 3 meant so much to me. I still skate here in the summer. Just being able to come back and bring it here, it’s a special place to me and a special day.”

A 6-foot-2, 207-pound center, Eichel was a key cog in the Knights’ Stanley Cup victory. Playing in just his second season on the strip after his trade from Buffalo, the hulking center led Vegas in regular season scoring with 26 goals, 40 assists and 66 points. He continued to produce in the postseason netting six goals, 20 assists, and a NHL-high 26 points. His heady play helped power the Knights past the Florida Panthers, 4-1, in the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final, capping off a dream season in Sin City.

Eichel credited the work of Bruce Cassidy with getting the team to the next level. The former Boston Bruins coach had his own Cup celebration Thursday in Milton.

“He was incredible,” said Eichel. “I think what he did for us as a group and me as a player was the reason we won. He changed our game, just pushed guys and held everyone accountable. He was able to get us to play. It was great. He was phenomenal, and great all year.”

Back on the East Coast, Eichel anxiously awaited the Cup’s arrival at his parent’s North Chelmsford home five miles away from Skate 3. He headed to Skate 3 with a special police escort featuring 20 motorcycle officers.

“That was pretty cool,” said Eichel. “They said I was going to get an escort. I didn’t expect this many policemen and motorcycles to help bring me here, but it’s all part of the memory of the experience. To have all them drive down the street that I grew up, my parent’s home, where they handed it off to me was pretty cool.”

Arriving at the rink, Eichel held the Cup high, walking down the long line of fans that littered the parking lot. He couldn’t help but smile as he bumped into countless friends and enthusiastic fans, including his elementary school gym teacher.

“I was expecting a lot of people,” said Eichel. “I don’t know if I was expecting this many. It goes to show the support in the hockey community around here. It means a ton. Just being around the last few days. I golfed up here, doing a few things, bumping into a few people. Everyone was saying they were coming. I knew the turnout would be crazy. It’s amazing to have all these people come out and support me.”

Although he had his pick of numerous places to kick off his victory tour, Eichel chose Skate 3 as the logical first step.

“This is where it began,” said Eichel. “I learned to skate right here in this rink behind me, fourth birthday. I still come back here. They let me skate when I want to. They’re pretty generous with their ice time during the summer.”

It was the perfect starting point in his day-long celebration with Lord Stanley’s Cup.

So what was next on Eichel’s agenda?

“I plan on enjoying it with the people that helped me earn it,” said Eichel. “(I’m planning) a nice gathering of family and friends. I’m going to enjoy it… And probably drink a bunch of beers out of it. How could I not?”