Soon enough, the Canadian Tire guy will be pushing this one to everyone!

The Stanley Cup is one of Canada’s most famous national icons It is sought after by the greatest hockey players in the world and is the oldest trophy competed for by professional athletes in North America. Canadian hockey players can be considered twenty-first century gladiators as they strive to win the cup on behalf of their fans. Although there are many in the National Hockey League, most will spend their careers and never get the chance to hold the Cup over their heads in victory. This fact only increases the allure and strengthens the competition in the quest for one of the world’s most prestigious sporting trophies. Let us look at the origin of the Stanley Cup.

We can thank Lord Stanley for his generosity in recognizing the need for a championship trophy that could be fought for each year by the best. Originally, Stanley donated this trophy as an award for Canada’s top-ranking amateur hockey club. Lord Stanley of Preston, the 16th Earl of Derby became intrigued with this popular Canadian sport while serving as Governor General from 1888 to 1893. Although Stanley was not a hockey player, he appreciated the sport as a proud hockey dad.
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