(CNN) – This is one of the most recognised trophies in a sport with history dating back to the 19th century, so it’s no surprise that there’s one or two stories in the Stanley Cup.
Named after Stanley Lord of Preston, the governor of Canada who donated his first cup in 1892, the trophy is awarded annually to the NHL champions.
It is the pinnacle of the sport and is dedicated to winning a lifetime.
In that case, those who managed to get the trophy can be predicted to be eager to celebrate, especially as it is a tradition that all players on the winning team spend the whole day with valuable silverware.
The problem is that they leave behind poor old Stanley Cups in some unusual circumstances. CNN Sports is seeing some of the strangest predicaments it has ended.
1924
Montreal Canadian
In a nearly cartoonish way, the Montreal Canadiens left a trophy on the side of the road after winning in 1924. There are stories of cars carrying parts of the team stalling up the hill, and players had to push. Until they reached the top, they realized they left one of the most famous trophies in the world!
A valuable possession
The Stanley Cup is cared for by a team of people with the title “Cup Keeper.” These people travel with the trophy, keep it clean and, more importantly, safe. At least one member of the team will always have a trophy whenever they are in public. “We’re called different things too. People enjoy it. They call us cupkeepers, cup guys, cup guys. Handlers are all kinds of terms, but essentially they basically babysit the cup.”
1987
Edmonton Oilers
It’s natural for players to want to party after they finally get the trophy, and in the case of the Edmonton Oilers following the 1987 magical final series, the Oilers blew the 3-1 series lead, but won a game 7 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Leading on and off the ice, Mark Messier, the Oilers partyed all night to celebrate the Stanley Cup, demanding repairs before returning them.
Global Tour
The Stanley Cup has traveled to dozens of countries around the world, including places such as Afghanistan, Japan, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates. However, there are no first class seats. Instead, fly under the plane in a very safe box. “When I receive my boarding pass, I show people who are opening it and checking me in, but as soon as I do that, about 12 people from the other line go.
1991
Pittsburgh Penguin
One thing that the trophy handler claims is that the cup should not get wet. That didn’t stop the Pittsburgh penguins. Now, the legendary photo shows Canadian star Mario Lemiux celebrating with a trophy in the swimming pool. Luckily, the trophy appears to have come to mind.
All shapes and sizes
The Stanley Cup we see today has been in the same shape since 1948, but it has not always looked the same. The first trophy repetition in 1892 was mere bowls and was called the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup. Over the years, more layers have been added to it, and now the cup is 35.25 inches and weighs 34.5 pounds. “If you need to stick to it for a long time and say, you have to walk a piece or two because you are following someone. It gets heavy. You switch arms. You could put it down. You can sweat well.
1994
New York Rangers
Even animals seem to be able to enjoy the “people trophies.” In 1994, a photo of the Kentucky Derby winner eating out from the trophy at Belmont Park in New York. New York Rangers star Eddie Orchik was rumored to be behind the stunt, but he denied responsibility.
It’s etched in history
Each player on the winning team is then etched with names into the band and then placed in the trophy. The old band has been retired over the years. Given the number of winners, it’s no surprise that some spelling mistakes creeped up into the honorable cup.
2008
Detroit Red Wings
What’s going on with the Stanley Cup, or what’s the worst thing you can imagine in the Stanley Cup? Well, this might be that. As Chris Draper spent the day in the trophy, he celebrated with his baby daughter in a cup and photographed her. Only she left a little surprise… using the legendary trophy as a toilet.
Summer Tour
All players who have won the Stanley Cup since 1995 are allowed in a day, sometimes two – to celebrate with it – in a way that they think is appropriate. The trophy will then be returned to NHL councillors before the new season. That means all teams will bid to win the honorable trophy again.
2017
Pittsburgh Penguin
Forward Josh Archibald became creative and used his time in the cup to baptize his son. While sitting in the bowl at the top of the trophy, 3 week old Brecken was blessed and photographed. It’s a great experience for people in the world who are less than a month old.
Record winner
No historical team has ever won the Stanley Cup as many as the Montreal Canadians. HABS won 24 times, including the fifth row, a record number from 1956 to 1960. The franchise’s first victory took place in 1916 before the NHL ran the tournament. However, the Canadians have not won it since 1993 and last reached the final in 2021.
2018
Washington Capitals
In 2018, Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov decided to celebrate with the trophy in his hometown of Novokuznetsk southwest in southern Siberia. The cup must take countless connected flights to reach its destination, and you can probably guess what happened. The trophy missed one of the flights and was left in Moscow. Helicopters were chartered for quick recovery!