The Stanley Cup is an iconic trophy in the sports world. This coveted trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) champions. The Stanley Cup is named after Lord Stanley of Preston, who was the Governor General of Canada from 1888 to 1893. In this article, we will discuss who Lord Stanley was and why the Stanley Cup was named after him.
Who Was Lord Stanley of Preston?
Lord Stanley of Preston, also known as Frederick Arthur Stanley, was born on January 15, 1841, in London, England. He was an English politician and a member of the Conservative Party. In 1888, he was appointed as the Governor General of Canada, which was then a British colony.
During his tenure as Governor General, Lord Stanley was known for his love of sports, especially hockey. He was a regular spectator at hockey games and even played the game himself. In 1892, he donated a silver bowl to be awarded to the best amateur hockey team in Canada.
The Birth of the Stanley Cup
The silver bowl donated by Lord Stanley was first awarded in 1893 to the Montreal Hockey Club, the champions of the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada. The following year, Lord Stanley's son, Arthur, suggested that the trophy be awarded to the best professional hockey team in Canada.
Thus, the Stanley Cup was born. The trophy was first awarded to the Montreal Canadiens in 1893 as the champions of the newly formed Canadian Amateur Hockey League, which was the first professional hockey league in Canada. The Stanley Cup has been awarded every year since then, except for 1919, when the Spanish flu pandemic forced the cancellation of the series.
The Stanley Cup Today
Today, the Stanley Cup is one of the most prestigious trophies in the sports world. The trophy is made of silver and nickel alloy and weighs 34.5 pounds. It stands 35.25 inches tall and has the names of all the winning teams engraved on it.
Each year, the winning team gets to keep the Stanley Cup for a year and can take it wherever they want. The Cup has been to some unique places, including a strip club, a swimming pool, and even on a plane ride.
Conclusion
The Stanley Cup is one of the most iconic trophies in the sports world, and it is named after Lord Stanley of Preston, who was a lover of sports, especially hockey. The trophy was first awarded in 1893 and has been awarded every year since then, except for 1919. Today, the Stanley Cup is one of the most coveted trophies in sports, and winning it is a dream come true for any hockey player.