Oldest Trophy in North American Sports
The Stanley Cup, first awarded in 1893, is the oldest professional sports trophy in North America. Its rich history adds to its prestige.

Named After Lord Stanley
Lord Stanley of Preston, the Governor General of Canada, donated the cup. He intended it to be a challenge cup for the best amateur hockey team in Canada.

Not Always the Same Size
The Stanley Cup has grown over the years. Rings are added to accommodate the names of winning players, coaches, and staff.

No Touching the Cup
Players believe touching the Stanley Cup before winning it brings bad luck. They avoid it until they’ve earned the right to lift it.

Playoff Beards
Many players grow beards during the playoffs. This tradition started in the 1980s with the New York Islanders and has since become widespread.

The Keeper of the Cup
A person known as the "Keeper of the Cup" accompanies the trophy wherever it goes. This ensures its safety and maintains its mystique.

The Miracle on Manchester
In 1982, the Los Angeles Kings staged an incredible comeback against the Edmonton Oilers. Down 5-0, they won 6-5 in overtime, a game known as the "Miracle on Manchester."

Bobby Orr’s Flying Goal
Bobby Orr’s iconic goal in 1970, where he flew through the air after scoring, remains one of the most famous images in hockey history.

The 1994 Rangers’ Victory
The New York Rangers ended a 54-year championship drought in 1994. Their victory parade drew over a million fans.

First European Captain to Win
Nicklas Lidström of Sweden became the first European captain to win the Stanley Cup in 2008 with the Detroit Red Wings.

International Players
The NHL features players from over 20 countries. This diversity enriches the competition and brings different styles of play.

The Cup’s World Tour
Each player on the winning team gets to spend a day with the Stanley Cup. This tradition has taken the trophy to various countries, including Russia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.

Engraved Names
Names of players, coaches, and staff from winning teams are engraved on the cup. This tradition started in 1924.

Three Versions
There are three versions of the Stanley Cup: the original bowl, the authenticated presentation cup, and the replica at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Weight and Height
The Stanley Cup weighs 34.5 pounds and stands 35.25 inches tall. Its size and weight add to the challenge of lifting it in victory.

Best-of-Seven Series
Since 1987, all playoff rounds have been best-of-seven series. This format tests teams’ endurance and skill.

16 Teams Compete
The playoffs feature 16 teams: eight from the Eastern Conference and eight from the Western Conference. This ensures a competitive and exciting tournament.

Seeding and Home-Ice Advantage
Teams are seeded based on their regular-season performance. Higher-seeded teams get home-ice advantage, which can be crucial in close series.

Most Championships
The Montreal Canadiens hold the record for most Stanley Cup championships, with 24 titles. Their dominance in the mid-20th century is legendary.

Wayne Gretzky’s Playoff Points
Wayne Gretzky holds the record for most career playoff points, with 382. His incredible skill and vision made him a playoff legend.

Most Consecutive Wins
The Pittsburgh Penguins won 14 consecutive playoff games in 1992-93. This streak remains unmatched in NHL history.

Overtime Thrills
Playoff games often go into overtime, adding to the excitement. Sudden-death overtime means the next goal wins, creating intense moments.

Game 7 Drama
Game 7s are the ultimate test of nerves. The winner-takes-all nature of these games makes them some of the most thrilling in sports.

Heartbreaking Losses
For every winner, there’s a team that falls short. The agony of losing in the playoffs can be a powerful motivator for future success.