PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – It’s the oldest and most revered trophy in professional sports, and the Florida Panthers have a chance to claim it.
We’re talking about the Stanley Cup, also known as “Lord Stanley’s Cup.” The original bowl was donated in 1892 by Lord Stanley of Preston, the sixth General of Canada.
For 132 years, the cup has been used and what makes it unique compared to other trophies is that it’s a traveling trophy. To date, it’s been to over 30 countries!
“Last year, with the Vegas Knights winning, we were in Canada a lot. It did go to Europe; I think it was Sweden and possibly Finland. It gets around everywhere,” said Howie Borrow, the Keeper of the Cup.
When a team wins the Stanley Cup, each player has the opportunity to spend a day with it to celebrate. And things can definitely get interesting! Some players like to make it a “literal” cup, drinking out of Lord Stanley.
It’s a tradition that apparently started in 1896 when the Winnipeg Victorias toasted their team and took a sip (or several) out of the trophy. The bowl holds 209 fluid ounces of liquid.
Henri Richard, brother of Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice “Rocket” Richard is on the cup 11 times as a player — the most in NHL history. Scotty Bowman, who coached the Red Wings, Penguins, and Canadiens appears on the cup the most for a coach with nine Stanley Cup wins as the skipper.
“Players are from everywhere, so we try to fit it into the schedule. They like to take it back to their hometowns and celebrate it with their families,” said Borrow.
Borrow accompanies the cup every step of the way. Like a bodyguard, he takes the job seriously, donning white gloves whenever he presents it.
Of course, the most important thing to remember: DO NOT TOUCH IT.
It is a superstition that a player who touches the Stanley Cup before the series is over is cursed to never win a championship.
While we are not hockey players, the Local 10 News crew took extra precautions and made sure to not touch the cup. Just in case.
The 2024 Stanley Cup Final will be decided between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers.
The puck is set to drop at 8 p.m. Saturday and viewers can watch right here on Local 10.
Hockey fans can also tune in to Local 10′s Chasing the Cup pre-game show starting at 7:30 p.m.
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