Hockey Hall Of Fame Stanley Cup
For many hockey players, winning the Stanley Cup is the ultimate goal. It is the most prestigious trophy in the sport and is often referred to as the "Holy Grail" of hockey. The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada, is home to the Stanley Cup, and it is an incredible sight to see. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Stanley Cup and explore some of its most interesting facts.
History of the Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup was first awarded in 1893 to the Montreal Hockey Club, which was a member of the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada. The Cup was named after Lord Stanley of Preston, who was the Governor General of Canada at the time. Lord Stanley was a big fan of hockey and wanted to create a trophy that would be awarded to the best hockey team in Canada. The original Cup was quite small, standing at just 7 inches tall, but it has since been replaced by a much larger version that stands over 3 feet tall.
Over the years, the Stanley Cup has become the most coveted prize in all of hockey. The Cup is awarded annually to the team that wins the NHL playoffs. Each member of the winning team gets to spend a day with the Cup, and it has become a tradition for players to take the Cup to their hometowns and show it off. The Cup has also made its way to some pretty unusual places over the years, including a swimming pool, a hot tub, and even a tattoo parlor.
The Design of the Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is a silver cup that is made up of several pieces. The Cup itself sits on a base that has rings added to it every year with the winning team's name engraved on it. The Cup is topped with a bowl that has two handles and is engraved with the names of some of the earliest Cup winners. The oldest of these engravings date back to the 1890s.
The Cup has undergone a few design changes over the years. Originally, the Cup was just one piece, but it was later divided into three parts. The current version of the Cup has a removable bowl that sits on top of the main body of the trophy. This design allows the bowl to be used for drinking champagne during celebrations. The Cup is also fitted with a special case that keeps it safe during transit.
Interesting Facts About the Stanley Cup
There are many interesting facts about the Stanley Cup that are not widely known. Here are just a few:
- The Stanley Cup has been stolen twice. The first time was in 1905 when it was taken from the Ottawa Silver Seven locker room. It was found the next day by a passerby, who saw it sitting on the side of a canal. The second theft occurred in 1970 when it was taken from a display at the Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. It was later recovered.
- The Stanley Cup has been awarded to non-NHL teams. In 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans became the first American team to win the Cup. The Cup has also been awarded to Canadian teams outside of the NHL, including the Winnipeg Falcons in 1920 and the Allan Cup champions in 1924.
- The Stanley Cup has been damaged several times over the years. In 1991, the New York Rangers accidentally dropped the Cup during their on-ice celebration, causing a dent in the bowl. In 2010, the Cup was sent in for repairs after it was accidentally dropped by Chicago Blackhawks player Patrick Kane.
- The Stanley Cup is one of the oldest trophies in North American professional sports. Only the Grey Cup, which is awarded to the winners of the Canadian Football League, is older.
The Future of the Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup has a long and storied history, and it will undoubtedly continue to be the most coveted trophy in hockey for years to come. As the NHL continues to grow and expand, the Cup will be seen by more and more fans around the world, and its legend will continue to grow. For hockey players, winning the Stanley Cup will always be the ultimate achievement, and it will continue to be a source of pride for the communities that support their teams.
