The Stanley Cup, the most iconic trophy in hockey, has been damaged during the Florida Panthers‘ celebration of their second consecutive championship.
According to the Hockey Hall of Fame, the bowl of the Cup is cracked and the base is dented. The damage happened during celebrations that began Tuesday night( June 17) after the Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena.
The team partied into the early morning hours and continued the festivities Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale.
A spokesperson from the Hockey Hall of Fame confirmed that the “Keepers of the Cup” are already taking the necessary steps to repair it. The trophy is expected to be restored in time for the Panthers’ victory parade, scheduled for Sunday(June 22).Made of silver
Live EventsThe Stanley Cup, made of silver and a nickel alloy, weighs 37 pounds and is known to be somewhat delicate due to its age. It has been awarded to NHL champions for 131 years and has seen its fair share of wear and tear over time.
Not the first time
This is not the first time the trophy has been damaged during celebrations. The Tampa Bay Lightning dented it during a boat parade in 2021. A year later, the Colorado Avalanche accidentally damaged it on the ice just minutes after winning the Final. Over its long history, the Cup has been dropped, dented, and even submerged in swimming pools and oceans.Despite the damage, the Florida Panthers are celebrating a historic achievement. Tuesday’s victory marked the franchise’s second consecutive Stanley Cup title. Forward Sam Reinhart scored four goals in the game, and center Sam Bennett was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.
The Panthers’ championship parade will take place Sunday in downtown Fort Lauderdale, where fans are expected to pack the streets to celebrate the team’s back-to-back victories. The Stanley Cup, likely freshly repaired, will be on full display once again.