The Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup is the biggest prize in ice hockey. It goes to the team that wins the NHL playoffs each year. The trophy is a tall silver cup with a long base. The names of all the winners are engraved on it. It is one of the oldest and most famous trophies in sports.

Winning the Cup

In the spring, 16 teams from the NHL play in the playoffs. They play in four rounds, and each round is a best of seven. The last two teams play in the Stanley Cup Finals. The winning team's captain lifts the heavy cup over his head. Every player on the team gets to spend one day with the trophy.

A Cool History

The Stanley Cup is named after Lord Stanley of Preston. He gave the cup as a prize in 1892. It is the oldest trophy in North American pro sports. Players carve their names into the silver. When the cup runs out of room, the top ring is removed and replaced.

Fun Facts

• The Stanley Cup weighs about 35 pounds.
• The cup has been dropped and damaged many times over the years.
• Each winning player gets to keep the cup for one day.

Did You Know?

The Stanley Cup has been used to baptize babies, eaten from like a bowl of cereal, and even lost in a swimming pool.