The Stanley Cup Trophy is more than just a symbol of hockey supremacy; it’s a storied artifact with a rich history that captivates fans globally. But beyond the fierce battles on the ice, Hockey’s Holy Grail has a surprisingly rich history and unforgettable stories. Read on to learn more about this award, and who knows, you might be in for a surprise.
A Trophy Steeped in History
Would you be surprised if we told you that this decorative cup existed before the origin of the National Hockey League (NHL)? Yes, you read that right. It was donated in 1892 by the Governor-General of Canada, Lord Stanley of Preston, and was first awarded to the top amateur hockey club in the Dominion. You’d be even more astonished to know that the Stanley Cup cost the Governor merely ten guineas back in the day.
Three Cups for the Price of One
Today, the award presented is not the OG Cup but a replica. The first version, nicknamed the “Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup,” was awarded only until 1970. Due to a concern that the original cup had become too brittle, a Presentation Cup was made. Again, in 1993, a copy of the Presentation Cup was crafted.
One-of-a-Kind
In professional sports, championship trophies are typically a yearly occurrence. Teams celebrate their victory, raise the gleaming prize, and create a new one for the following season. But, the same cannot be said for this coveted symbol of the NHL, which defies this tradition. There’s only one Stanley Cup, passed down from champion to champion, year after year.
Etched in Eternity
Winning this monumental bowl isn’t just about earning the reward; it’s about leaving your mark. Since 1924, each year, the names of the winning team’s players, coaches, and staff are engraved on this piece of silver. Although it is an award for the Men’s National Hockey League champion, 16 women have the distinction of having their names engraved on the cup in recognition of their significant contributions to championship teams.
Comes with Detachable Rings
Initially, this silver chalice featured a single band that housed the winning teams’ names. However, as hockey’s popularity soared, so did the number of champions. By 1958, space on the Cup was running low. A clever solution was implemented to ensure each champion received their due recognition: detachable rings. Once a band reaches capacity, it’s carefully removed, preserved in the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Lord Stanley’s Vault, and replaced with a blank one.
Know the Official Engravers
Did you ever wonder who ensured that the NFL’s historic victories are permanently carved onto this piece of metal? Only a select few individuals approved by the league have held this distinguished honor. Starting with the Petersen family, who held the position for several decades, Doug Boffey of Boffey Silversmiths in Montreal followed. Nonetheless, since 1988, the torch has been passed to Louise St. Jacques, the current and only official engraver.
Misspellings on the Cup
While most names on the precious bowl are meticulously inscribed, a few blunders have snuck through over the years. Perhaps the most famous example is the 1980-81 New York Islanders, whose name appears as “Ilanders”. Another notable instance is the 1971-72 Boston Bruins, immortalized as “Bqstqn Bruins,” a misspelling that has become a source of amusement for fans and players alike.
It Travels with a Chaperone
This piece of history has an official keeper. Its keeper ensures the national treasure arrives safely at its destinations since it travels extensively throughout the year.
Witnessed a War
The Cup was flown to Camp Nathan Smith in Afghanistan to boost the morale of North American troops stationed overseas. The hope was that seeing this iconic accolade would remind them of home and the excitement of hockey. Security is always a paramount concern, especially in an active war zone. While its visit went smoothly, it highlighted the challenges of transporting such a valuable item to a conflict area.
Players get to Enjoy Personal Time with the Cup
Interestingly, the NHL allows the winning team roughly 100 off-season days with the accolade, accompanied by a Keeper for safekeeping. This is because of the effort of the New Jersey Devils, who played a vital role in solidifying a tradition where players get a personal day with the Cup. Since 2004, the Hockey Hall of Fame has documented these journeys through journals.
