Hockey Hall Of Fame Stanley Cup Rings
Every professional athlete in North America dreams of one day winning the championship of their respective league. In the sport of ice hockey, the ultimate prize is the Stanley Cup. Since the establishment of the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1917, the Stanley Cup has been awarded to the team that wins the postseason tournament at the end of the season. Along with the Cup, players on the winning team are also presented with championship rings to commemorate their victory.
Most sports fans recognize the prestigious nature of championship rings. But, the Stanley Cup rings are in a league of their own. These rings are not only incredibly ornate, but also have a unique tradition associated with them. Each member of the winning team is presented with a ring that is customized to their liking. The ring is designed in collaboration with the team and the ring manufacturer, and features the team's logo, the year of the championship, and the player's name and number.
Winning a Stanley Cup ring is a remarkable achievement for any hockey player. But, the rings of the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) are particularly special. In addition to being members of the most esteemed hockey club in the world, HHOF inductees also have the privilege of having their championship rings displayed in the HHOF exhibit room.
The Design
The design of the Stanley Cup rings has evolved over time. The earliest championship rings were simple and relatively plain. The first NHL championship ring was awarded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1947. This ring had a rectangular shape and featured a small diamond in the center, with the word "Champions" and the NHL logo at the top and bottom, respectively.
As time went on, the rings became more elaborate. The rings awarded to the 1984 Edmonton Oilers and the 1996 Colorado Avalanche were especially impressive. Both of these rings had a large diamond in the center, surrounded by smaller diamonds and the team's logo. The Oilers ring also featured the player's name and number, as well as the phrase "Five Time Champions."
Today, the rings are even more intricate. The 2015 Chicago Blackhawks championship ring had 355 diamonds and weighed over 100 grams. The ring features the team's logo on top, with the words "Stanley Cup Champions" on the sides. The inside of the ring is engraved with the scores of each playoff series, as well as the players' names and numbers.
The Tradition
The tradition of presenting championship rings to each member of the winning team dates back to the 1922 Toronto St. Patricks team. At the time, it was common for teams to present their players with pocket watches as a token of appreciation. But, the owner of the St. Patricks, Conn Smythe, wanted to do something different. He commissioned Birks, a Canadian jewelery company, to make a ring for each player on the team.
The tradition of giving championship rings has continued to this day. Each year, the championship team works with a ring manufacturer to create a unique design. The ring is presented to every member of the team, including coaches and staff.
For HHOF inductees, the tradition of presenting championship rings takes on an even greater meaning. Along with being enshrined in the Hall of Fame, inductees have their championship rings put on display. The display includes a brief history of the player's career, as well as their achievements and statistics.
The HHOF Rings
The Hockey Hall of Fame currently has over 300 championship rings on display. These rings include the most iconic and historic championship teams in NHL history. Some of the most notable rings in the exhibit room include those worn by the 1972 Summit Series team, the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic team, and the 1994 New York Rangers championship team.
The HHOF also has a dedicated display for Stanley Cup rings that belonged to individual players. These rings are typically from players who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and include rings from some of the greatest players in NHL history. Some of the rings on display include those belonging to Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr.
The HHOF Stanley Cup ring exhibit is an incredible spectacle for any hockey fan. The rings on display represent the pinnacle of achievement in the sport, and serve as a reminder of the hard work and dedication required to become a champion.
Conclusion
The Hockey Hall of Fame Stanley Cup Rings exhibit is a must-see for any hockey fan. The rings on display are not only incredibly ornate, but also have a rich history and tradition associated with them. For HHOF inductees, having their championship ring put on display is the ultimate honor, and is a testament to their incredible accomplishments on the ice.
