The Holy Grail

Yesterday we talked about the conference trophies, today, a little history lesson about the big enchilada:

The Stanley Cup, also known as Lord Stanley's mug or the Holy Grail, is probably the coolest trophy in sports because A) if you win it they engrave your name on it for all eternity and B) you can drink out of it.


It's also the oldest trophy in North American sports, donated by then Governor General of Canada the Lord Stanley of Preston in 1892. It was just a bowl, but they've added rings to fit people's names in.


Another cool thing: unlike most other sports trophies, where a new one is made every year for the victorious team to keep, this one is returned by the winners before a new champion is crowned. Each player gets a day with the Cup to do whatever he wants, and the Cup has had some adventures. It's been around the world, starred in the soap opera Guiding Light, and met Presidents and Prime Ministers.

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The Cup's also been used as:

1. A baptismal font
2. A dog dish
3. An engagement ring bearer
4. A sleeping companion (many players have admitted to taking it to bed with them)
5. A urinal (seriously)

It's also been thrown in numerous pools, dropped in a bonfire, left overnight on the side of the road, and drop kicked across the Rideau Canal.

New Jersey Devils' goaltender Martin Brodeur takes a dip.

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Teemu Selanne (right) of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and his neighbour's baby.

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Pool party!

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Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins takes a nap.

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Scott Niedermayer of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks gets contemplative at Kootenay Lake.

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Buddy, Sean O'Donnell of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks' dog, enjoys lunch.

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Brad Richards of the Tampa Bay Lightning on his boat.

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The Stanley Cup is not a trophy that sits in a display case, but rather one that's meant to be shared and enjoyed. Tonight when the Flyers and the Blackhawks face off, I'm sure their plans for the Cup will be dancing in their heads.