The Wicked Stanley Cup: A Devilish Guide to Hockey's Holy Grail

Introduction

The Stanley Cup is the most coveted trophy in professional hockey, a symbol of excellence and triumph that has been awarded to the National Hockey League (NHL) champion since 1893. But beyond its gleaming silver exterior lies a wicked reputation, a history steeped in curses, legends, and downright devilish tales.

The Cursed Stanley Cups

Over the years, several Stanley Cups have been linked to mysterious curses, each with its own unique story:

• The 1905 Cup: Cursed by the Ottawa Senators players after they accused the opposing Winnipeg Jets of using dirty tactics. The Senators went on to lose the next three Stanley Cup finals.
• The 1919 Cup: Cursed by the Montreal Canadiens after winning the championship in a game marred by injuries and controversy. The Canadiens did not win the Cup again for 39 years.
• The 1924 Cup: Cursed by the Boston Bruins after they were denied a chance to play in the Stanley Cup finals due to scheduling conflicts. The Bruins went on to lose in the finals for 29 consecutive years.

Legends and Folklore

The Stanley Cup is surrounded by an abundance of legends and folklore, including:

• The "Kissing Curse": It is said that anyone who kisses the Stanley Cup while it is not in the possession of their team will be cursed to never win it.
• The "Bad Luck Pen": Legend has it that a reporter's pen that was used to sign the Stanley Cup in 1915 brought bad luck to the team that won it.
• The "Mystery Puck": A lost puck from the 1940 Stanley Cup Finals was rumored to have been secretly placed inside the trophy, bringing bad luck to the teams that won it.

Tips and Tricks for Handling the Wicked Stanley Cup

If you ever have the privilege of holding the Stanley Cup, follow these tips to avoid its wrath:

• Don't kiss it: unless you want to kiss goodbye to your Stanley Cup dreams.
• Don't touch it with bare hands: Wear gloves to protect the trophy from smudges and fingerprints.
• Don't put it in the freezer: The cold may damage the delicate engravings.
• Don't leave it unattended: The Stanley Cup is a valuable target for thieves.

Pros and Cons of Winning the Stanley Cup

Pros:

• Eternal glory and bragging rights
• Fanatical devotion from your city
• A lifetime of memories
• A nice payday

Cons:

• Tremendous pressure and expectations
• Endless travel and media obligations
• Injuries and the constant risk of physical distress
• The potential for curses and bad luck

Call to Action

Whether you believe in curses or not, the Stanley Cup remains the ultimate prize in hockey. Embrace its wicked reputation and revel in its grandeur. And if you ever get your hands on it, treat it with the utmost respect, or risk unleashing its wrath.

The Stanley Cup by the Numbers

• 122: Number of years the Stanley Cup has been awarded
• 1,364: Number of players who have won the Stanley Cup
• $25 million: Estimated value of the Stanley Cup
• 11: Number of teams that have won the Stanley Cup 10 or more times
• 1,000: Approximate number of names engraved on the Stanley Cup

Stanley Cup Champions by Decade

Stanley Cup Finals by Location