When the final whistle blows and the champions celebrate, one question tends to linger for fans watching the Stanley Cup Final: What happens to the NHL‘s championship trophy once the confetti falls?
Stanley Cup Traditions and the Role of the Keeper
The answer isn’t about ownership; it’s all about tradition.
The Stanley Cup doesn’t become the permanent property of any team or player. Instead, it stays in the hands of Phil Pritchard, a man known in the hockey world as the “Keeper of the Cup.” He’s also a curator at the Hockey Hall of Fame, and he’s been safeguarding the trophy since 1988.
Unlike many major sports where a new trophy is created yearly, the Stanley Cup is passed from one winning team to the next. After the celebration on the ice, each player gets a turn with the Cup, usually a whole day to do with it what they wish.
Some bring it back to their hometowns, others to meaningful places from their careers. Through it all, Pritchard and his team are never far behind, ensuring the Cup remains safe and accounted for.
A Trophy With a Passport and a Handler in White Gloves
Pritchard has become something of a legend himself. Dressed in a blazer and sporting white gloves, introduced in the mid-1990s to protect the Cup from fingerprints and wear, he has always walked the trophy onto countless ice rinks with reverence. The gloves have become part of the spectacle, symbolizing the care given to the NHL’s most prized possession.
But Pritchard’s job isn’t just about appearances. The Stanley Cup has seen more of the world than most people, having traveled to over 30 countries. It’s visited everything from army bases to neighborhood bars.
Wherever it goes, it carries the weight of memories and milestones, and yes, a few dents and scratches. Rather than being polished out, these imperfections are kept as reminders of the many celebrations witnessed.
Players have taken it to cemeteries to honor loved ones, back to their first rinks, or even schools where their dreams began. According to Pritchard, these deeply personal stops give the Cup emotional power.
Before the puck even dropped for Game 1 of the 2024 Final, the Cup made an unexpected public appearance, something not typically seen. Some players steered clear, perhaps due to superstition. Still, Pritchard hinted it might mark a shift in tradition.
Even after decades of handling the Stanley Cup, Pritchard admits he’d gladly trade roles with a player just to experience the thrill of winning it. But for now, he’ll continue carrying out one of the most unique jobs in sports, guarding hockey’s most iconic prize as it journeys from one dream to the next.