June 17, 2025

How much does the Stanley Cup weigh? Facts about the famous trophy

The Stanley Cup will be in the building in Sunrise, Florida, for Game 6 on Tuesday, June 17, as the Florida Panthers try to wrap up a second consecutive NHL championship.

If the Edmonton Oilers win, the players, coaches and the trophy will make the trip to Alberta for winner-take-all Game 7.

Once the championship is determined and the players go through the handshake line, the presentation ceremonies begin. The Conn Smythe Trophy is first awarded to the MVP of the entire playoffs. Then the Stanley Cup is carried onto the ice to be officially awarded by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Players, one-by-one, celebrate on the ice by lifting and skating with the trophy.

Here’s what to know about the Stanley Cup:

How much does the Stanley Cup weigh?

The Stanley Cup weighs 34.5 pounds.

How tall is the Stanley Cup?

The Stanley Cup is 35.25 inches tall.

How old is the Stanley Cup?

The original bowl, which sits in the Hockey Hall of Fame, was donated in 1892 by Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston, to be presented to ‘the championship hockey club of the Dominion of Canada.’ The trophy has been given solely to NHL champions since 1926. Bands, engraved with the names of players and others from the winning team, have been added over the years to give the trophy its current look. Older engraved bands are retired to make room for new bands.

Who is presented the Stanley Cup?

Unlike most other major sports, where the championship trophy is handed to the team owner, the Stanley Cup is handed to the team captain, who gets to lift it first. One notable exception: Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic accepted the Stanley Cup and handed it to star defenseman Ray Bourque for the first hoist.

Who is the Keeper of the Cup?

Phil Pritchard, the curator for the Hockey Hall of Fame, is known as the Keeper of the Cup. His social media handle is @keeperofthecup. He helps bring out the trophy for the presentation ceremony and is known for his white gloves.

Other Hall of Fame employees also travel with the Stanley Cup. The trophy is carried in a nondescript case.

Who gets to celebrate with the Stanley Cup?

Each member of the winning team gets a day with the trophy.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY