History of Stanley Cup in Timeline
The Stanley Cup, awarded annually to the NHL playoff champion, is the oldest existing trophy in professional sports in North America. Donated by Lord Stanley of Preston, Canada's Governor General, in 1892, it was initially awarded to Canada's top amateur hockey club. Professional teams became eligible to compete in 1906. The Stanley Cup became the NHL's de facto championship trophy in 1926 and its official championship prize in 1947.
1902: First ring on the Stanley Cup filled
The original base ring on the Stanley Cup, intended for engraving team names, was filled in 1902.
March 1906: First Professional Challenge
The Montreal Wanderers, after pushing for professionals to be included, participated in the first professional Stanley Cup challenge in March 1906.
1906: Professionals Enter the Fray
In 1906, for the first time in history, professional hockey teams became eligible to compete for the Stanley Cup, marking a turning point towards professional dominance.
January 1907: Kenora Thistles' Victory
The Kenora Thistles, from the smallest municipality to ever win the Cup, won the championship in January 1907.
March 1907: Kenora Thistles' Defeat
The Kenora Thistles lost the Stanley Cup in March 1907 to the Montreal Wanderers in a rematch.
1907: Montreal Wanderers introduce new engraving style
The 1907 Montreal Wanderers became the first team to engrave their name on the interior of the Stanley Cup bowl and list the names of 20 team members.
1908: Wanderers omit engraving their name
Despite successfully defending the Stanley Cup, the 1908 Montreal Wanderers did not engrave their name on it.
1908: Allan Cup Introduced, Stanley Cup's Shift
The introduction of the Allan Cup for amateur teams in 1908 marked the Stanley Cup's transition into a symbol of professional hockey.
1909: Senators add a second band to the Stanley Cup
In 1909, the Ottawa Senators added a second band to the Stanley Cup to accommodate more engravings.
1909: Second band filled, inconsistent engraving practices
The second band of the Stanley Cup, added in 1909, was filled. Notably, some teams that won under the old challenge rules, like the 1915 Ottawa Senators, 1916 Portland Rosebuds, and 1918 Vancouver Millionaires, engraved their names even though they weren't official champions under the new PCHA-NHA system. Conversely, winners from 1918 and 1920-1923 did not engrave their names.
1910: Wanderers and Senators skip engraving
Both the 1910 Wanderers and 1911 Senators did not put their names on the Cup despite winning.
1910: National Hockey Association (NHA) Formed
The formation of the National Hockey Association (NHA) in 1910 marked a significant development in professional hockey.
1911: Wanderers and Senators skip engraving
Both the 1910 Wanderers and 1911 Senators did not put their names on the Cup despite winning.
1912: New Rule for Stanley Cup Challenges
A new rule instituted in 1912 stated that the Stanley Cup could only be challenged at the end of the champion team's regular season.
1914: The Stanley Cup Goes International
With the inclusion of the Portland Rosebuds, an American team, in the PCHA in 1914, the Stanley Cup expanded to become a symbol of world hockey supremacy, rather than just a Canadian championship.
1914: Start of Modern Era
The modern era of the Stanley Cup began in the 1914-1915 season.
1914: Challenge and Controversy
In 1914, the Victoria Aristocrats' challenge for the Stanley Cup sparked controversy when it was initially rejected by the trustees, who didn't consider them a proper challenger. The issue stemmed from a misunderstanding regarding formal notification.
1914: End of an Era
1914 marked the end of an era in Stanley Cup history, as it was the last year winners were determined through a mix of challenge games and league play.
1915: Agreement for Annual Championship
A pivotal agreement in 1915 between the National Hockey Association (NHA) and the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA) stipulated their champions would face off annually for the Cup.
1915: New Agreement and Championship
In 1915, a significant agreement was reached, allowing representatives from the NHA, PCHA, and Maritime leagues to manage the Stanley Cup series. This led to the Vancouver Millionaires winning the Cup, marking a shift in the championship landscape.
1915: Vancouver Millionaires engrave player names inside the bowl
The 1915 Vancouver Millionaires became the second team to engrave player names on the Stanley Cup, doing so inside the bowl.
1915: Second band filled, inconsistent engraving practices
The second band of the Stanley Cup, added in 1909, was filled. Notably, some teams that won under the old challenge rules, like the 1915 Ottawa Senators, 1916 Portland Rosebuds, and 1918 Vancouver Millionaires, engraved their names even though they weren't official champions under the new PCHA-NHA system. Conversely, winners from 1918 and 1920-1923 did not engrave their names.
1916: Second band filled, inconsistent engraving practices
The second band of the Stanley Cup, added in 1909, was filled. Notably, some teams that won under the old challenge rules, like the 1915 Ottawa Senators, 1916 Portland Rosebuds, and 1918 Vancouver Millionaires, engraved their names even though they weren't official champions under the new PCHA-NHA system. Conversely, winners from 1918 and 1920-1923 did not engrave their names.
1917: Seattle Metropolitans Make History
The Seattle Metropolitans, in 1917, became the first American-based team to win the Stanley Cup, solidifying the international presence in the competition. This marked a turning point in the history of the Cup.
1918: Stanley Cup redesigned, "Stovepipe Cup" era ends
The Stanley Cup was redesigned into a two-piece, cigar-shaped trophy with a removable bowl and collar in 1948, replacing the unwieldy "Stovepipe Cup". This redesign also aimed to properly acknowledge past champions whose names hadn't been engraved.
1918: Second band filled, inconsistent engraving practices
The second band of the Stanley Cup, added in 1909, was filled. Notably, some teams that won under the old challenge rules, like the 1915 Ottawa Senators, 1916 Portland Rosebuds, and 1918 Vancouver Millionaires, engraved their names even though they weren't official champions under the new PCHA-NHA system. Conversely, winners from 1918 and 1920-1923 did not engrave their names.
1919: Pandemic Halts the Cup
The 1919 Stanley Cup Finals were cut short due to the devastating Spanish influenza epidemic. The series between the Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Metropolitans was cancelled after game five, with no champion declared, marking the first time the Cup was not awarded.
1919: Recalling Past Disruptions
The 2004 lockout brought back memories of the 1919 Stanley Cup cancellation due to the Spanish flu pandemic, highlighting the vulnerability of the competition to unforeseen circumstances.
1919: Stanley Cup Not Awarded
The Stanley Cup was not awarded in 1919 due to the Spanish flu epidemic.
1920: NFL Adopts "World Champions" Title
It's worth noting that the National Football League, since its inception in 1920, had already adopted the practice of calling its champions "world champions," a trend that influenced other leagues, including the NHL.
1920: Second band filled, inconsistent engraving practices
The second band of the Stanley Cup, added in 1909, was filled. Notably, some teams that won under the old challenge rules, like the 1915 Ottawa Senators, 1916 Portland Rosebuds, and 1918 Vancouver Millionaires, engraved their names even though they weren't official champions under the new PCHA-NHA system. Conversely, winners from 1918 and 1920-1923 did not engrave their names.
1922: New League, New Format
The formation of the Western Canada Hockey League (WCHL) in 1922 brought changes to the Stanley Cup, introducing a new format where three league champions competed for the ultimate prize.
1923: Second band filled, inconsistent engraving practices
The second band of the Stanley Cup, added in 1909, was filled. Notably, some teams that won under the old challenge rules, like the 1915 Ottawa Senators, 1916 Portland Rosebuds, and 1918 Vancouver Millionaires, engraved their names even though they weren't official champions under the new PCHA-NHA system. Conversely, winners from 1918 and 1920-1923 did not engrave their names.
1924: Canadiens resume engraving tradition
The Montreal Canadiens added a new band to the Stanley Cup in 1924, marking the resumption of the annual engraving tradition after a period of inconsistency.
1924: Victoria Cougars Secure Final Non-NHL Victory
The Victoria Cougars etched their name in hockey history in 1924 by becoming the last non-NHL team to win the Stanley Cup, marking the end of an era.
1924: Names on the Cup
Since 1924, names of players, coaches, management, and staff from the winning team have been engraved on the Stanley Cup bands.
1925: Merger Creates Western Hockey League
In 1925, the PCHA and WCHL merged, giving rise to the Western Hockey League (WHL), further shaping the landscape of professional hockey and its impact on the Stanley Cup.
1926: Stanley Cup and the NHL
The Stanley Cup unofficially became the championship trophy of the NHL in 1926.
1926: NHL Expansion and Dominance
The year 1926 witnessed the NHL's strategic expansion into the U.S., absorbing players from the WHL and establishing new teams. This move solidified the NHL's dominance, relegating other leagues to "minor league" status in the process.
1926: NHL's Unchallenged Reign Begins
With the decline of competing leagues in 1926, the Stanley Cup effectively became the championship trophy of the NHL. The lack of a true challenger led the NHL to adopt the title of "world champions" for its league winners, a practice mirrored in other sports.
1932: Possible First On-Ice Stanley Cup Presentation
The 1932 Stanley Cup Finals may have marked the first instance of the Cup being awarded on the ice, potentially to the Toronto Maple Leafs, though the practice wasn't consistently adopted until later.
1940: The Stovepipe Cup
Between 1924 and 1940, nearly annual additions of new bands to accommodate the names of champions led to the Cup being nicknamed the "Stovepipe Cup" due to its unusual height.
1940: Band listing champions retired
The band listing Stanley Cup champions from 1940-41 to 1952-53 was retired.
1946: NBA Follows Suit
The National Basketball Association, founded in 1946, also embraced the practice of declaring its champions as "world champions," highlighting a trend among major sports leagues.
1947: NHL Takes Control of the Cup
In a pivotal agreement in 1947, the NHL gained control over the Stanley Cup, granting them the power to refuse challenges from other leagues. This cemented the NHL's dominance over the sport and shaped the future of the Stanley Cup.
1947: Resizing the Cup
The Stanley Cup was resized in 1947 to address its increasing height.
1947: The Official NHL Championship
In 1947, the Stanley Cup officially became the NHL's championship trophy.
1947: NHL Assumes Control of the Stanley Cup
In 1947, the trustees of the Stanley Cup ceded control of the trophy and its awarding to the National Hockey League (NHL).
1947: Challenging the 1947 Agreement
The 2005 lockout led to legal challenges against the 1947 agreement that granted the NHL control over the Stanley Cup. This underscored the ongoing debate regarding the governance and ownership of the iconic trophy.
1948: Stanley Cup redesigned, "Stovepipe Cup" era ends
The Stanley Cup was redesigned into a two-piece, cigar-shaped trophy with a removable bowl and collar in 1948, replacing the unwieldy "Stovepipe Cup". This redesign also aimed to properly acknowledge past champions whose names hadn't been engraved.
1950: Ted Lindsay Initiates Stanley Cup Hoisting Tradition
In 1950, Ted Lindsay, captain of the Detroit Red Wings, became the first to hoist the Stanley Cup overhead and skate around the rink, a gesture intended to share the victory with fans, establishing a new tradition.
1952: Band listing champions retired
The band listing Stanley Cup champions from 1940-41 to 1952-53 was retired.
1953: Band rotation continues
Following the Washington Capitals' 2018 championship, the band listing winners from 1953-54 to 1964-65 was removed and a new band was added for champions from 2017-18 to 2029-30.
1954: Marguerite Norris Becomes First Woman to Have Her Name Engraved on the Stanley Cup
In 1954, Marguerite Norris made history as the first woman to have her name engraved on the Stanley Cup, after the Detroit Red Wings, for whom she served as president, won the championship.
1955: Marguerite Norris Wins Second Stanley Cup
The Detroit Red Wings, under the leadership of president Marguerite Norris, secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory in 1955.
1958: Modern one-piece Cup design introduced
The Stanley Cup transitioned to its modern one-piece design in 1958, featuring a five-band barrel to accommodate more engravings.
1958: The Modern Stanley Cup
The modern, one-piece design of the Stanley Cup, with its five-band barrel, was introduced in 1958.
November 22, 1961: Agreement Amended, Challenges Blocked
An amendment to the Stanley Cup agreement on November 22, 1961, led to the WHA's challenge being blocked. Despite the legal obligation to accept challenges, the NHL, recognizing the growing strength of international hockey, quietly stopped using the "world champions" title for its winners.
1963: Original collar replaced
The original collar of the Stanley Cup was replaced in 1963 due to its fragile condition.
1963: "Presentation Cup" Commissioned for Durability
Concerns over the original Stanley Cup's fragility led to the commission of the "Presentation Cup" in 1963, intended as a more robust replacement for ceremonies and public appearances.
1963: Creation of the "Presentation Cup"
The "Presentation Cup," a more durable replica of the increasingly fragile original Stanley Cup, was crafted in 1963 by Montreal silversmith Carl Petersen, intended as a replacement for awarding and promotional events.
1964: Band rotation continues
Following the Washington Capitals' 2018 championship, the band listing winners from 1953-54 to 1964-65 was removed and a new band was added for champions from 2017-18 to 2029-30.
1964: Debut of the "Presentation Cup"
The "Presentation Cup," a sturdier replica of the original Stanley Cup, made its debut in 1964, marking a transition in how the trophy was presented and handled.
1965: Stanley Cup centennial, engraving space adjustments
During the Stanley Cup's centennial year in 1992, it was discovered that the 1965 Montreal Canadiens' engraving exceeded its allotted space, resulting in 12 teams on that band instead of 13.
1965: Band rotation continues
Following the Washington Capitals' 2018 championship, the band listing winners from 1953-54 to 1964-65 was removed and a new band was added for champions from 2017-18 to 2029-30.
1969: Original bowl replaced
The original bowl of the Stanley Cup was replaced in 1969 due to its fragile condition.
1970: Original Stanley Cup Finds Permanent Home
The original Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup, donated by Lord Stanley, was retired from active duty in 1970 and found a permanent display home in the Vault Room at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
1980: Canadiens Draft Denis Savard
The Montreal Canadiens drafted Denis Savard in 1980, a decision that would later be recognized in a heartwarming gesture during the 1993 Stanley Cup celebration.
1987: Gretzky's Gesture of Sportsmanship
Wayne Gretzky, after the Edmonton Oilers' victory in 1987, chose to hand the Stanley Cup to teammate Steve Smith, a gesture meant to uplift Smith after a previous costly error.
1988: Louise St. Jacques becomes Stanley Cup engraver
Montreal silversmith Louise St. Jacques became the fourth and current engraver of the Stanley Cup in 1988.
1989: Sonia Scurfield Becomes First Canadian Woman to Win the Stanley Cup
Sonia Scurfield became the first Canadian woman to have her name engraved on the Stanley Cup in 1989, as a co-owner of the Calgary Flames.
1991: Top band retired, new band added
With all bands filled in 1991, the top band of the Stanley Cup was retired to the Hockey Hall of Fame and a new blank band was added to the bottom, preventing further vertical growth.
1992: Stanley Cup centennial, engraving space adjustments
During the Stanley Cup's centennial year in 1992, it was discovered that the 1965 Montreal Canadiens' engraving exceeded its allotted space, resulting in 12 teams on that band instead of 13.
1993: "Permanent Cup" Joins the Stanley Cup Family
To ensure the Stanley Cup's presence at the Hockey Hall of Fame, even when the "Presentation Cup" was unavailable, a replica known as the "Permanent Cup" was created in 1993 by Louise St. Jacques.
1993: Montreal Canadiens' Last Victory
The Montreal Canadiens, the last Canadian team to win the Cup, achieved victory in 1993.
1993: Carbonneau Defers to Savard
Following the Montreal Canadiens' 1993 triumph, captain Guy Carbonneau passed the Stanley Cup to Denis Savard, acknowledging the fans' long-standing admiration for Savard.
1993: Creation of the "Permanent Cup"
The "Permanent Cup," a replica of the Stanley Cup, was created in 1993 to serve as a stand-in for display at the Hockey Hall of Fame when the "Presentation Cup" was unavailable, ensuring a constant representation of the iconic trophy.
1994: Eddie Olczyk Takes the Cup to the Races
After the New York Rangers' 1994 victory, Eddie Olczyk's decision to bring the Stanley Cup to the Belmont Stakes, where a horse ate out of it, led to changes in the Cup's off-season handling.
1994: New rule for engraving names
Starting in 1994, teams could petition for players who missed the playoffs due to extenuating circumstances to be included on the Stanley Cup.
1995: New Jersey Devils Introduce Individual Day with the Cup
The New Jersey Devils in 1995 initiated the tradition of each player on the championship team spending a day with the Stanley Cup.
June 13, 1997: Vladimir Konstantinov's career ends
Detroit Red Wings player Vladimir Konstantinov's career ended on June 13, 1997, after a car accident.
1998: Konstantinov's name included on the Stanley Cup
The Detroit Red Wings were granted permission to include Vladimir Konstantinov's name on the Stanley Cup in 1998, despite his career-ending accident the previous year.
March 6, 2000: Ray Bourque's Trade to Colorado
Ray Bourque, after a long career with the Boston Bruins, was traded to the Colorado Avalanche on March 6, 2000, a pivotal move in his pursuit of a Stanley Cup victory.
August 22, 2001: Stanley Cup Scales Mount Elbert
On August 22, 2001, the Stanley Cup reached new heights, literally, as Colorado Avalanche executive Mark Waggoner carried it to the summit of Mount Elbert, Colorado's highest peak.
2001: Charlotte Grahame's Name Engraved on Stanley Cup
Charlotte Grahame, the Colorado Avalanche's Senior Director of Hockey Administration, earned a place on the Stanley Cup in 2001.
2001: Sakic Honors Bourque's Legacy
In a poignant moment in 2001, Joe Sakic, upon receiving the Stanley Cup, immediately handed it to teammate Ray Bourque, who was playing his final NHL game, culminating a long and illustrious career with his first championship.
2002: Term "Triple Gold Club" gains traction
Following the 2002 Winter Olympics, the term "Triple Gold Club" came into popular use with the inclusion of Canadian members.
2004: New band addition delayed, cancelled season acknowledged
The addition of a new band to the Stanley Cup, planned for after the 2004-05 season, was delayed due to the NHL lockout. When added after the 2005-06 season, it included the inscription "2004–05 Season Not Played."
2004: Season Cancellation and Calls for Change
The cancellation of the 2004-2005 NHL season due to a labor dispute marked the first time since 1919 that the Stanley Cup was not awarded. Fans expressed their discontent, with some even calling for a return to the original Challenge Cup format.
2004: John Grahame Follows in Mother's Footsteps with Stanley Cup Victory
John Grahame, son of Charlotte Grahame, added his name to the Stanley Cup in 2004 as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning, following in his mother's footsteps.
2004: Stanley Cup Boosts Morale at MacDill Air Force Base
The Stanley Cup visited MacDill Air Force Base in 2004, serving as a symbol of support and appreciation for the troops, significantly boosting morale.
2004: Start of NHL Lockout
An NHL lockout began in 2004, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the season.
2004: Start of NHL Lockout
The NHL lockout began in 2004.
2005: Lockout Sparks Controversy
The NHL lockout in 2005 reignited the debate over the NHL's control over the Stanley Cup, with fans questioning the fairness and legitimacy of the situation.
2005: Stanley Cup Not Awarded
The Stanley Cup was not awarded in 2005 due to the NHL lockout.
2005: Stanley Cup unclaimed
The Stanley Cup went unclaimed in 2005 due to an NHL lockout.
2005: New band addition delayed, cancelled season acknowledged
The addition of a new band to the Stanley Cup, planned for after the 2004-05 season, was delayed due to the NHL lockout. When added after the 2005-06 season, it included the inscription "2004–05 Season Not Played."
February 7, 2006: Settlement reached regarding Stanley Cup eligibility
On February 7, 2006, a settlement was reached allowing for the Stanley Cup to be awarded to non-NHL teams if the league were to cease operations. This followed a period of dispute that extended into the resumed 2005-06 NHL season.
2006: Stanley Cup Visits Wounded Marines
Wounded Marines at Camp Lejeune were given the opportunity to view and take photos with the Stanley Cup in 2006, offering a moment of respite and inspiration.
2007: IIHF formalizes "Triple Gold Club"
In 2007, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) officially recognized the "Triple Gold Club", comprising individuals who have won gold medals in the Olympics, World Championships, and the Stanley Cup.
2007: Stanley Cup's First Journey into a Combat Zone
In a historic event in 2007, the Stanley Cup ventured into a combat zone for the first time, visiting Canadian and NATO troops in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
March 2008: Stanley Cup Returns to Afghanistan
March 2008 marked the Stanley Cup's return to Afghanistan as part of a "Team Canada visit," demonstrating continued support for the troops stationed there.
2008: Detroit Red Wings' Last Victory
The Detroit Red Wings last won the Stanley Cup in 2008.
June 27, 2010: Sopel Brings Stanley Cup to Chicago Gay Pride Parade
In a gesture of inclusion and remembrance, Chicago Blackhawks' Brent Sopel brought the Stanley Cup to the 2010 Chicago Gay Pride Parade, honoring his friend Brian Burke and Burke's late son.
2010: Stanley Cup's Fourth Visit to Afghanistan
The Stanley Cup embarked on its fourth journey to Afghanistan in the spring of 2010, accompanied by former players, reaffirming the connection between the sport and the military.
2012: Trustees' stance on non-NHL challenges during lockout
In 2012, the Stanley Cup trustees clarified that the 2006 agreement did not bind them to award the Cup in the event of a season cancellation and were unlikely to accept non-NHL challenges.
March 2017: Stanley Cup 125th Anniversary Celebrations
In March 2017, the original and current Stanley Cup toured Ottawa, including a stop at Rideau Hall, to commemorate its 125th anniversary. The Royal Canadian Mint also issued commemorative quarters and a silver coin for the occasion.
October 2017: Lord Stanley's Gift Monument Unveiled
The Lord Stanley's Gift Monument, commemorating the donation of the Stanley Cup, was erected in October 2017 in Ottawa.
2017: Stanley Cup facts and figures
As of its 125th anniversary in 2017, the Stanley Cup had 3,177 names engraved, with 1,331 belonging to players.
2017: 3,000 Names Engraved
By 2017, over 3,000 names, including those of over 1,300 players, had been engraved on the Stanley Cup.
2017: Band rotation continues
Following the Washington Capitals' 2018 championship, the band listing winners from 1953-54 to 1964-65 was removed and a new band was added for champions from 2017-18 to 2029-30.
September 2018: Band rotation continues
Following the Washington Capitals' 2018 championship, the band listing winners from 1953-54 to 1964-65 was removed and a new band was added for champions from 2017-18 to 2029-30.
2018: Stanley Cup Offers Solace After Tragedies
The Stanley Cup served as a beacon of hope and resilience in 2018, offering comfort to those affected by the Humboldt Broncos bus crash and the Capital Gazette shooting.
2023: First Trustee Resignation
In 2023, Ian "Scotty" Morrison became the first trustee to resign from his position, breaking the tradition of trustees serving until death.
2023: Value of Original Cup
In 2023, the original cost of the Stanley Cup, ten guineas, was equivalent to $1,650.
2024: Florida Panthers' Victory
The Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup in 2024.
2029: Band rotation continues
Following the Washington Capitals' 2018 championship, the band listing winners from 1953-54 to 1964-65 was removed and a new band was added for champions from 2017-18 to 2029-30.