Stanley Cup

hockey · championship · historic trophy · Canada

Oldest pro trophy. The Stanley Cup is the oldest championship trophy still awarded to a professional sports team in North America. It has been given out since 1893, making it older than most other famous sports trophies.

Named after Lord Stanley. Lord Stanley of Preston was the governor general of Canada who donated the cup in 1892 because he loved ice hockey so much. His whole family played and promoted the sport together.

Challenge cup origins. When the Stanley Cup first started, teams didn't compete in a league like today. Instead, the best teams would challenge each other to special games to win the Cup.

Professional hockey arrives. In 1906, professional hockey teams were allowed to compete for the Stanley Cup for the first time. Before that, only amateur teams could win it.

NHL's main prize. By 1947, the Stanley Cup became the official championship trophy of the NHL, and only NHL teams can win it today. It is now considered one of the most important championships in all of sports.