The Enduring Mystery of the "Three Stanley Cups"
For many casual hockey fans, and even some who follow the game closely, the question of "why are there 3 Stanley Cups" might spark a moment of confusion. It's a fascinating topic that delves into the rich history and unique traditions surrounding Lord Stanley's coveted prize. The answer isn't about having three identical trophies floating around; rather, it's about understanding the evolution of the Stanley Cup and the different roles its physical manifestations play today. So, let's break down this intriguing aspect of hockey lore.
The Original Challenge Cup
The story begins in 1892 with Frederick Arthur, Lord Stanley of Preston, the Governor General of Canada. He donated a silver bowl, now known as the "Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup," to be awarded to the top amateur hockey team in Canada. This original cup, often referred to as the "original cup" or "challenge cup," was not a trophy in the modern sense where a team keeps it permanently. Instead, it was a challenge trophy, meaning teams would compete against the current holder for possession of the cup. This concept was common in sports at the time, allowing for continuous competition and the opportunity for new champions to emerge.
The Stanley Cup as We Know It: The Presentation Cup
As the sport of hockey grew and professional leagues emerged, the Stanley Cup evolved. The original bowl became increasingly crowded with engraved names of winning teams and players. To accommodate this growing legacy and to present a more fitting trophy to the champions, a new, larger cup was commissioned. This is the Stanley Cup that most people recognize today – the one lifted triumphantly by victorious captains on the ice. It's often called the "Presentation Cup" or simply "The Stanley Cup."
This Presentation Cup is not a replica, but rather a continuation of the tradition. The engraved rings from the original bowl were eventually added to this larger cup, preserving the history of all the teams that have won it. The NHL has maintained this tradition, ensuring that the lineage of champions is visually represented on the current trophy.
The Keeper of the Cup: The Permanent Reserve
This is where the "third" Stanley Cup comes into play, though it's not a trophy that is awarded to a team. The NHL maintains a permanent reserve, essentially an archival version of the Stanley Cup, often referred to as the "Permanent Reserve Cup" or sometimes a "replica." This cup serves several crucial purposes:
- Preservation of History: As the Presentation Cup fills with more rings, the original bowl and the earliest rings are carefully removed and preserved separately. This ensures the long-term preservation of the most historic parts of the trophy.
- Travel and Display: The Keeper of the Cup, managed by the Hockey Hall of Fame, travels extensively throughout the year. This allows fans all over the world to see and interact with a Stanley Cup. This traveling cup is often the Permanent Reserve Cup, allowing the main Presentation Cup to remain in a secure location.
- Continuity: In the unlikely event of damage or loss to the Presentation Cup, the Permanent Reserve Cup ensures that the tradition of presenting a Stanley Cup to the champions can continue without interruption.
So, when people refer to "three Stanley Cups," they are typically thinking of:
- The original Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup bowl.
- The current Presentation Stanley Cup that is awarded to the NHL champion.
- The Permanent Reserve Cup that travels and preserves parts of the history.
It's important to note that only one Stanley Cup is officially awarded as the championship trophy each year: the Presentation Cup. The other two are integral to maintaining the trophy's historical integrity and allowing for its widespread celebration.
The Stanley Cup's Unique Journey
The Stanley Cup is more than just a trophy; it's a living piece of history. Its nomadic existence, traveling with players, fans, and historians, makes it arguably the most famous and storied championship trophy in professional sports. The tradition of engraving names on the cup ensures that every player and coach who contributes to a championship victory has their name etched into hockey immortality.
"The Stanley Cup is the greatest trophy in sports, period. It's not just about winning; it's about the journey, the history, and the legacy it represents."
What Happens to the Original Cup?
The original bowl of the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup is now housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada. It is a revered artifact, a testament to the very beginnings of professional hockey and the generous donation that sparked a legacy.
The Presentation Cup: The Trophy of the Champions
The current Stanley Cup, the one that gets hoisted by the winning captain, is the official championship trophy of the National Hockey League. It's the one that players dream of lifting from the moment they lace up their skates. Its silver surface is a canvas of hockey history, with new rings added periodically as older ones are retired to the Hall of Fame.
The Traveling Stanley Cup: The Keeper of the Cup
The third "cup" is often the one that accompanies the Hockey Hall of Fame's curator, known as the "Keeper of the Cup," on its global travels. This traveling trophy allows fans from all walks of life to experience the magic of the Stanley Cup, whether it's at a local rink, a community event, or a special fan festival. It's a crucial element in connecting generations of hockey enthusiasts with their cherished sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the NHL decide which cup is awarded each year?
The NHL awards the current Presentation Stanley Cup to the champion team each season. This is the trophy that the winning captain traditionally skates around the ice and brings into the locker room.
Why is the Stanley Cup engraved with so many names?
The tradition of engraving names on the Stanley Cup began to honor all the players, coaches, and staff who contributed to a championship victory. It ensures that every individual involved in a winning season is recognized for their contribution to hockey history.
What is the difference between the Presentation Cup and the traveling cup?
The Presentation Cup is the official trophy awarded to the NHL champions. The traveling cup, often the Permanent Reserve Cup, is used for promotional tours, display, and historical preservation, allowing more people to see and experience the Stanley Cup.
Does the original Stanley Cup still get awarded?
No, the original Stanley Cup bowl is no longer awarded. It is a historical artifact housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame. The tradition continues with the Presentation Cup.
