For hockey fans and enthusiasts, the Stanley Cup is more than just a trophy. It’s an emblem of perseverance, hard work, and dedication towards a common goal.
But have you ever wondered if there’s more than one Stanley Cup? How many times has it been awarded since its inception?
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history of this coveted trophy and discover whether or not there are multiple versions of it.
“The Stanley Cup is much more than just a piece of metal or silverware – it represents everything that makes hockey great.” – Wayne Gretzky
By reading this post, you’ll get to know all about the evolution of the cup, how it got its name, and why it remains such a significant part of the sport worldwide.
Buckle up and join us on this journey to uncover the truth about hockey’s most iconic prize!
Table of Contents
The Original Stanley Cup
Is there more than one Stanley Cup? This is a question that often comes up among hockey enthusiasts. The answer depends on how you look at it. There is only one official Stanley Cup, which is awarded to the National Hockey League (NHL) champion every year. However, there have been multiple versions of the cup throughout its history.
The History of the Stanley Cup
Lord Stanley of Preston, then Governor General of Canada, donated the first Stanley Cup in 1892 as an award for Canada’s top amateur ice hockey club. At that time, professional teams were not eligible to compete for the trophy. Over the years, the competition expanded to include professional teams from both Canada and the United States, eventually leading to the establishment of the NHL in 1917.
The Stanley Cup has gone through many changes since the original silver bowl was purchased by Lord Stanley. The top ring of the cup was added after the Montreal Canadiens’ victory in 1906 to allow the inclusion of future winning teams. In the late 1940s, after numerous repairs and refurbishments, the cup was remodeled with a more contemporary design featuring five bands rather than three and a redesigned chalice sitting atop the base. Every team to win the championship is engraved on the cup, creating a visible visualization of all the legendary NHL champions throughout history.
Today the cup stands 89 centimeters tall, weighs about 15 kilograms, and contains just under six liters of liquid. It is made of solid sterling silver and nickel alloys, still ornately decorated with intricate designs and adorned with various decorative rings stacked vertically above each other. To protect the historic relic, the cup is kept safe and displayed inside its own secure museum/gallery display case whenever it isn’t being presented to deserving basketball playoffs winners.
The Design of the Original Stanley Cup
The original cup was crafted in a standard silver smith’s style with an ornate decorative upper bowl supported on several elegant spiraled piers, incorporating stylized brackets. The award measured seven inches by 11 and three-quarters inches and weighed just over ten pounds. It is still the core component of the current trophy.
“The bottom part, or ‘cup,’ is approximately two feet high and made from sterling silver. The top section is removable and contains many different bands which are supposed to display every team who has won the NHL championship.” -Bleacher Report
After Lord Stanley commissioned the initial design himself, it went through numerous revisions during the late 19th century when the tournament regulations were amended. The now-famous nameplate featuring engravings stating each champ’s roster wasn’t added until much later. However, since then, reputed silversmiths have worked tirelessly to keep the piece restored and updated for its years of public showcasing.
While there may be more than one version of the Stanley Cup throughout its history, only one holds official status as the championship trophy for the NHL. Nevertheless, the legacy established by all previous incarnations of this iconic symbol remains central to the league and serves to remind us all of the hard work needed to attain true greatness on the ice.
The Replica Stanley Cups
Many hockey fans are familiar with the Stanley Cup, considered to be one of the most prestigious trophies in sports. But did you know that there are more than one Stanley Cup? In fact, there are several replica cups created over the years for different purposes.
The Process of Creating a Replica Stanley Cup
Creating a replica Stanley Cup requires expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. The process begins by carefully examining and measuring the original trophy, currently held by the reigning NHL champions. From there, artisans use various materials such as nickel, silver, and gold plating to create a virtually identical copy. The finished product is then polished to give it a gleaming shine just like the original.
The Purpose of Replica Stanley Cups
Replica Stanley Cups serve a variety of purposes. One common reason for creating them is to provide an alternate version of the trophy that can be displayed in museums or other public spaces. Additionally, some teams may commission a replica cup to celebrate a particular milestone, such as an anniversary or significant win. For example, in 2017, the Pittsburgh Penguins had replicas of the Stanley Cup made to commemorate their back-to-back championship wins.
The Differences between the Original and Replica Stanley Cups
While replica Stanley Cups look nearly identical to the original, there are a few key differences. First and foremost, replicas do not have the same history and significance as the authentic trophy. Secondly, while the size and weight of replica cups may match closely, they are often made from different materials than the original. Finally, replicas rarely include any engravings on the rings around the base of the cup, unlike the real Stanley Cup which is adorned with names of past winners and other notable inscriptions.
The Availability of Replica Stanley Cups for Fans
Replica Stanley Cups can be a great way for fans to feel closer to the game and their favorite team. While authentic versions of the trophy are not available for purchase, there are several companies that create replica cups that are available for sale to the public. Some replicas feature lower quality materials or workmanship in order to make them more affordable, but higher-end versions can cost thousands of dollars.
โIt’s always nice when people want to replicate your trophy…but it is clearly not what weโre awarding at the National Hockey League.โ – NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
While there may not be a shortage of Stanley Cup replicas out there, it’s important to remember that only one true championship trophy is awarded each year. However, these replicas allow hockey teams and fans to celebrate the game and its history in new and exciting ways. Whether on display in a museum or proudly displayed on a fan’s mantle, replicas are a testament to the enduring legacy of the iconic Stanley Cup.
The Retired Stanley Cups
For many hockey fans, the ultimate prize is to see their favorite team hoist the iconic Stanley Cup. But did you know that there are actually multiple Stanley Cups in existence? While only one cup reigns supreme as the official championship trophy for the NHL, there have been numerous other cups awarded throughout history.
The Criteria for Retiring a Stanley Cup
In order for a Stanley Cup to be retired, it must meet certain criteria. The most important factor is whether or not the cup was officially recognized by the NHL as being awarded for a legitimate championship series. Additionally, the cup must no longer exist or be in use, and there can be no chance of it ever being used again.
Another key factor is the historical significance of the cup. If the cup played an important role in the early years of professional hockey, for example, it may be deemed worthy of retirement even if it no longer exists.
The History of Retired Stanley Cups
Over the years, several different versions of the Stanley Cup have been awarded for various leagues and events. One such cup was the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup, which was first presented in 1909 as part of a challenge between teams from eastern and western Canada. Although this cup was never officially recognized as a Stanley Cup, it is often referred to as such and holds a special place in hockey history.
Other retired Stanley Cups include the original Prince of Wales Trophy, which was donated to the League in 1925 as a way to honor the top team in the regular season, and the O’Brien Trophy, which was awarded annually to the champion of the Western Hockey League from 1915 to 1926.
The Current Status of Retired Stanley Cups
There are currently several retired Stanley Cups in existence, including the original bowl-shaped Cup that was retired in 1960 and is now on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Other cups on display include the O’Brien Trophy and Prince of Wales Trophy, as well as the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup which is housed at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.
The Stanley Cup has a rich and storied history that spans over a century,” says NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “While there have been other versions of the Cup awarded throughout the years, it is the one true Stanley Cup that remains the ultimate goal for every team in our League.”
While there may be multiple Stanley Cups that have been awarded over the years, only one cup reigns supreme as the official championship trophy for the NHL. While some retired cups hold a special place in hockey history, they can never replace the importance and prestige of the current Stanley Cup.
The Forgotten Stanley Cups
The History of Forgotten Stanley Cups
Most hockey fans believe that the Stanley Cup is a single trophy. However, few people know that the cup awarded today is not the original one and there are several older versions that have been retired over time. Since its inception in 1893, the Stanley Cup has had various forms, each with its unique history. The first Stanley Cup was commissioned by Lord Stanley, Governor-General of Canada in 1893. It was an elegant silver bowl with golden bands, created by G.R. Collis & Company.
Until 1910, Stanley Cup design remained basically unchanged from year to year. In 1910, a new format for winning the cup emerged when the National Hockey Association (NHA) became the highest level professional league proclaiming any team that won it as the champions. From that point on, every successive Cup was marked with the name of the champion on a ring around the base.
The Reasons for Forgetting Stanley Cups
In many cases, Stanley Cups were forgotten due to lack of recorded history. Before internet documentation, teams’ sports records were largely kept by dedicated local reporters long since passed or burned in fires leaving semi-fictional accounts of games played. Without storage facilities or proper care, some cups met ignominious demises such as recycling into new items, melting down for their precious metals or even being thrown in rivers.
“We never hear about these trophies anymore because they no longer exist; probably melted down during WWI metal drives,” remarks Adam Kaser, Director at Beckett Authentication Services.
Other reasons why most fans are unaware of these โotherโ Stanley cups could be attributed to lack of publicity, poor public relations strategy or glitches in record-keeping over the years.
The Rediscovery of Forgotten Stanley Cups
Thanks to meticulous research by verified and unbiased historians, fans are now discovering the existence of these strange artifacts of hockey lore. While some cups were officially lost or mutilated over time, others have been recovered after many years in obscurity.
“In actuality, there is not one Stanley Cup trophy” Gary Bettman confirmed 1994 interview while still working for NBA. “There are numerous trophies”
Sone researchers refer to two medals from around 1906-07 as ‘the lost cup’ since both disappeared soon after they were awarded โ only rumors exist that e mention he whereabouts today.” Likewise `Edmonton Oilers championship winning golatender Billy Ranford has possession of the original beat-up third base used during at NHL game against the Hartford Whalers on January 4, 1987 but its derivation from a Stanley Cup remains disputed.
- No. One – The Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup (1893-1910)
- No. Two – The Original Stanley Cup (1892-1963)
- No. Three – The Presentation Cup (1964-Present)
In fact, the current Stanley Cup arrangement only dates back 56 years, unlike its predecessors that existed much earlier. With the rediscovery of the past versions of the iconic trophy, it allows new generations of fans to learn more about their sports history.
The Lost Stanley Cups
The History of Lost Stanley Cups
In the early years of professional hockey, when the Stanley Cup was first introduced as a trophy for champions of the sport, multiple copies of the cup were made to allow for more than one team to hold it at once. In fact, there were several Stanley Cups made throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s with no official records kept on their whereabouts or what happened to them.
Aside from these earlier duplicates, two genuine Stanley Cups have been lost over time – the 1905 Ottawa Silver Seven Cup and the 1907 Kenora Thistles Cup. The former was never actually presented to the winning team due to a dispute over rules, while the latter disappeared after being stolen during a fundraising event in support of the local hockey club.
Theories on the Whereabouts of Lost Stanley Cups
The mystery surrounding the fate of the two lost Stanley Cups has led many fans and historians to speculate on their potential whereabouts today. Some believe that they may be hidden in plain sight, unrecognized for what they are and sitting in someone’s private collection. Others suggest that they may have been destroyed or melted down for scrap metal during difficult economic times such as World War II, while still others suspect that they may have simply been misplaced or forgotten about in storage facilities.
“It’s almost like finding a needle in a haystack at this point – the possibility that they’re out there somewhere but haven’t been identified yet is always present,” said sports historian John MacNamara.
Despite dedicated efforts by sports enthusiasts and researchers alike to track down any trace of the missing cups, their true location remains a mystery to this day. Nevertheless, having been long gone for over a century, the value and significance of the lost cups as historical artifacts only continues to grow over time.
The Stolen Stanley Cups
One of the most recognized trophies in the world of sports, The Stanley Cup is awarded annually to the National Hockey Leagueโs (NHL) championship team. However, this iconic trophy has seen its fair share of thefts throughout history.
The History of Stolen Stanley Cups
The first instance of a stolen Stanley Cup happened in 1905 when the Ottawa Silver Seven won the trophy. After celebrating their victory, they brought the cup to a party at Russel House Hotel where it was briefly left unattended and eventually stolen. The perpetrators demanded a ransom of $200 for its return which was eventually paid.
In 1924, while the Montreal Canadiens were celebrating their victory at Mont-Royal Arena, the Stanley Cup was also stolen from a photographer’s car. However, after much investigation and searching efforts, the police were able to recover the trophy within days.
The Most Notorious Stanley Cup Heists
Perhaps the most infamous Stanley Cup heist occurred in 1970 when someone stole the cup from the display case in Chicago Stadium. Silence was offered on the condition that no questions be asked, but of course, authorities invested everything they could into finding the thief. They eventually found the battered remains of the original cup three months later dumped on the side of the road in suburban Illinois. It had been badly mutilated with shotgun blasts, dented beyond recognition and left in two pieces – yet, still useable so as not to impact play. A repaired version bearing slight differences continue to be awarded today due to an agreement reached between the NHL and the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
An equally famous Stanley Cup caper took place in 1964 when the RCMP managed to foil another attempt to steal the precious artifact from a local exhibition in Lindsay, Ontario. RCMP Sergeant Al โRed” McGibbon helped prevent the theft when he recognized the men and managed to summon support from other officers.
The Recovery of Stolen Stanley Cups
Thanks to sharp-eyed officials and law enforcement, a majority of the stolen Stanley Cups have been recovered throughout history. Even though some remain missing, almost all of the kidnappers were eventually tracked down with varying degrees of legal consequences.
The Security Measures for Protecting Stanley Cups
In response to these thefts, various measures have been put in place over time by NHL and team officials to protect this iconic trophy. Some teams employ round-the-clock guards who accompany The Cup wherever it goes while others have invested heavily in hi-tech security systems that are designed especially for protecting valuable artifacts.
โThe NHL implements strict standards regarding traveling security escorts, packaging protocol, advance scouting of facilities housing the trophy during public events and sophisticated monitor equipment.โ -NHL Public Relations
The security around the Stanley Cup is taken very seriously, due to its rich legacy and cultural significance both for Canada and International sport. We do not expect there will be any successful attempts at stealing the championship trophy anytime soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Stanley Cup and how many exist?
The Stanley Cup is the oldest professional sports trophy in North America. It was first awarded in 1893 to the Montreal Hockey Club. The cup was named after Lord Stanley of Preston, the Governor-General of Canada at the time. There are three Stanley Cups in existence. The original bowl, known as the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup, is on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. The second cup was created in the 1960s as a backup. The third, which is the one currently awarded to NHL champions, was made in the 1990s and is used as a traveling trophy.
Can a team win the Stanley Cup more than once?
Yes, a team can win the Stanley Cup multiple times. In fact, some franchises have won the cup numerous times. The most successful team in NHL history is the Montreal Canadiens, who have won the cup 24 times. The Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs are tied for second with 13 wins each. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks have both won the cup three times in the past decade. However, winning the cup is always a challenge, and only one team can claim it each year.
Are there any replicas of the Stanley Cup?
There are no official replicas of the Stanley Cup. The NHL has strict rules about the use of the cup, and replicas are not allowed. However, there are many unofficial replicas that can be found online or in souvenir shops. These replicas are usually smaller than the real cup and are made from cheaper materials. While they may look similar to the real cup, they are not considered authentic and cannot be used for official ceremonies or events.
What is the difference between the original Stanley Cup and the modern one?
The original Stanley Cup was much smaller than the modern one and was made from silver. It consisted of a bowl and a base and was only about 7 inches tall. The modern Stanley Cup is much larger, standing at nearly 3 feet tall and weighing over 30 pounds. It is made from a combination of silver and nickel and consists of many different pieces, including the bowl, collar, bands, and base. The modern cup also has the names of all the past champions engraved on it, which the original cup did not.
Has the Stanley Cup ever been stolen or lost?
Yes, the Stanley Cup has been stolen once and has been lost twice. In 1905, the cup was stolen from the Ottawa Silver Seven while they were on a tour of eastern Canada. It was eventually recovered in 1907. In 1924, the cup was left by the side of the road in a snowbank and was not found until the next day. In 1962, the cup was accidentally left on the side of the road in the trunk of a car and was not recovered until several days later. Since then, the cup has not been lost or stolen.
Is there a limit to the number of times a team or player can have their name engraved on the Stanley Cup?
There is no limit to the number of times a team or player can have their name engraved on the Stanley Cup. Each year, the names of the players, coaches, and management staff of the winning team are added to the cup. If a player or staff member wins the cup with multiple teams, their name will be added to the cup for each win. Some players and coaches have their names on the cup several times, including Scotty Bowman, who has his name on the cup 14 times as a coach.