The Stanley Cup stands as the professional sports award, in North America given each year to the champion of the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs. Let’s delve into details about this trophy:
Historical Background:
Lord Stanley of Preston who served as the Governor General of Canada generously donated the Cup in 1892. Initially, it honored the amateur ice hockey team in Canada before becoming the premier prize for NHL champions in 1926.
Design Features:
A bowl standing at around 7 inches tall the Cup evolved over time to accommodate inscriptions of winning players, management, and club staff members. Additional bands were incorporated at its base to allow space for these commemorations. Presently this iconic trophy measures 35.25 inches in height and weighs around 34.5 pounds.
A notable aspect of the Stanley Cup is its practice of replacing filled name bands with ones at its base. The retired bands find a place of honor in the Vault Room, at the Hockey Hall of Fame located in Toronto, Ontario.
Winning the Cup:
To claim the Stanley Cup, a team needs to qualify for the NHL playoffs, which feature teams, from each division and wildcard entries. The playoffs consist of a series of best-of-seven rounds. Starting with the round then moving on to the round followed by the Conference Finals and ultimately culminating in the Stanley Cup Finals.
The team that emerges victorious in four out of seven games during the Stanley Cup Finals earns the trophy. Every player and essential team member has their name etched onto the Cup as recognition of their achievement.
Regarding Traditions:
A known tradition involves every member of the winning team having a day with the Cup during the offseason. Players often bring it back to their hometowns where it makes appearances at events like family gatherings, local attractions, and even late-night talk shows.
Another customary practice is known as the “captain skate”. Typically, after triumphing in a game it’s customary for the captain to take a lap around the rink while holding the Cup. Subsequently, other teammates also get their chance to celebrate by lifting and skating with this trophy.
Winning the Stanley Cup is a feat, in sports requiring teams to compete in as many, as 28 intense playoff games. It truly showcases the talent, collaboration and stamina of the team.