Stanley Cup

Lordstanley

First Stanley Cup

Premiere Coupe Stanley 1893

Pavel Datsyuk with Stanley Cup

Stanley-Cup-Monument-Dec-2017

StanleyCupAvs2000-01Engraved

Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff winner. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, and arguably the most prestigious ice hockey trophy in the world. The Stanley Cup is surrounded by numerous traditions, one of which is the engraving of the names of each of the winning players, coaches, management, and club staff on its chalice.

History

The Stanley Cup was donated in 1892 by Lord Stanley of Preston, the Governor General of Canada, as an award for Canada's top-ranking amateur ice hockey club. The first team to be awarded the Cup was the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association (AAA) team, recognized for their 1893 season. In the early years, the trophy was challenged by amateur clubs until the formation of professional ice hockey leagues led to the Cup being contested only by professional teams from 1910 onwards.

The NHL took control of the Cup in 1926, allowing only its teams to compete for the trophy. Since then, the Stanley Cup has been exclusively awarded to the winner of the NHL's playoff series, with the exception of 2005 when the season was canceled due to a labor dispute.

Design and Traditions

The original bowl was made of silver and is 18.5 centimeters high and 29 centimeters wide. The current Stanley Cup, topped with a copy of the original bowl, has grown through the years with the addition of bands at the bottom to record the winners' names. The Cup stands at nearly 89 centimeters tall and weighs about 15.5 kilograms.

One of the most cherished traditions is that each member of the winning team gets personal possession of the Cup for a day, during which they can share it with their community, friends, and family in a manner of their choosing. This has led to the Cup traveling all over the world, including visits to the Arctic Circle, Russia, and even a battlefield in Afghanistan.

Winners and Records

The Montreal Canadiens hold the record for the most Stanley Cup championships, having won the trophy 24 times. The Detroit Red Wings are the most successful American team, with 11 championships. Players and teams have etched their names into history with remarkable performances in pursuit of the Stanley Cup, contributing to the rich legacy of the trophy.

Controversies and Notable Moments

The Stanley Cup has had its share of controversies and memorable moments. One notable incident occurred in 1905 when the Ottawa Silver Seven successfully defended the Cup. In celebration, a player drop-kicked the trophy into the Rideau Canal. It was retrieved the next day, unharmed. Another significant moment in Stanley Cup history was in 1999 when the Dallas Stars won the Cup in a triple-overtime game against the Buffalo Sabres, a game that ended in controversy over a disputed goal.

Impact and Legacy

The Stanley Cup is more than just a trophy; it is a symbol of hockey excellence and a historical artifact that connects generations of players and fans. Its legacy is not only in the names and teams that have won it but also in the stories, traditions, and moments that it has witnessed. The pursuit of the Stanley Cup continues to be the ultimate goal for NHL teams and players, embodying the spirit of competition, teamwork, and achievement in professional ice hockey.