few symbols carry as much weight and history as the Stanley Cup. For fans, it represents the pinnacle of achievement, and for players, it is the ultimate career goal. Behind the scenes, there are unsung heroes like Phil Pritchard, the Hockey Hall of Fame curator, who ensure the Cup’s journey is as storied and meticulous as the game itself. As the NHL Stanley Cup Final nears its climactic Game 7, Pritchard, along with his colleague Craig Campbell, is preparing for another high-stakes presentation.
The Journey Begins:
Phil Pritchard and Craig Campbell, dressed in their signature white gloves and crested blazers, embarked on an NHL charter flight from Edmonton to Fort Lauderdale. With them were the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy, ready for what could be their final trip of the season. The journey, scheduled to arrive in the late afternoon, marked the fifth border crossing of the Cup in this intense series between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers.
This year’s Stanley Cup Final has been a marathon of travel. The Cup, having flown nearly 12,000 miles during the Final, is a testament to the dedication and logistics involved in ensuring it is always ready for the ultimate celebration. UFC Saudi Arabia: Whittaker Triumphs, Volkov Upsets Pavlovich
A Series for the Ages:
The 2024 Stanley Cup Final has been remarkable not only for the thrilling games but also for the extensive travel. It’s the first time since 2011 that the Cup has crossed the border between Canada and the United States five times in a series. Back then, it was the Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks who pushed the series to seven games.
“This has been one heck of a series,” Pritchard remarked, highlighting the excitement and intensity that has surrounded each game. His journey with the Cup has been one of dedication, ensuring that the trophy is polished, secure, and ready for presentation.
Logistics and Itinerary:
Pritchard, the “Keeper of the Cup,” detailed the Cup’s itinerary, emphasizing the precision and care involved in its transport. From Toronto to Fort Lauderdale for the Final Media Day, to various flights back and forth for each game, the Cup has been on a rigorous schedule.
Here’s a glimpse of the Stanley Cup’s travel log during the Final:
- June 6: Toronto to Fort Lauderdale for Media Day (1,209 miles).
- June 6-10: In Florida for Games 1-2.
- June 11: Fort Lauderdale to Toronto (1,209 miles).
- June 12: Toronto to Edmonton for Game 3 (1,680 miles).
- June 12-15: In Edmonton for Games 3-4.
- June 16: Edmonton to Fort Lauderdale (2,550 miles).
- June 16-18: In Florida for Game 5.
- June 19: Fort Lauderdale to Kansas City (refueling stop, 1,491 miles).
- June 19: Kansas City to Edmonton (1,339 miles).
- June 19-21: In Edmonton for Game 6.
- June 22: Edmonton to Fort Lauderdale (2,550 miles).
- June 22-24: In Florida for Game 7.
The Custodians of the Cup:
Pritchard and Campbell are more than just curators; they are guardians of hockey’s most coveted prize. Their roles involve meticulous planning, ensuring the trophies are secure and presentable at all times. From commercial flights to NHL charters, they have navigated numerous logistics to keep the Cup on schedule.
“Imagine the air miles!” Pritchard joked, reflecting on the extensive travel. Despite the hectic schedule, both men are dedicated to their mission, taking pride in their unique roles within the sport.
A Smooth Final:
This year’s Final has gone smoothly, with no major issues or disruptions. Pritchard fondly recalled past finals, like in 2019, when the Bruins were reluctant to acknowledge the trophies’ presence in their arena, preferring to focus solely on the game. This year, cooperation from teams, security, and local communities has been exceptional.
Preparing for the Big Moment:
With Game 7 approaching, Pritchard and Campbell are readying the Stanley Cup for its moment in the spotlight. The Cup was prominently displayed before the start of Game 1, a tradition Pritchard hopes to continue. “We’ve been talking to Steve Mayer about this,” he said, referring to the NHL’s chief content officer. Displaying the Cup before the Final begins adds drama and emphasizes what’s at stake.
The Final Hours:
The Stanley Cup’s exact location after Game 7 remains uncertain, depending on the outcome. If the Oilers win, Pritchard and Campbell will fly back to Edmonton with the champions. If the Panthers win, they’ll stay in Florida for the celebrations.
Regardless of the outcome, the Cup will make a quick turnaround to be present at the 2024 NHL Awards and the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft in Las Vegas.
The Engraving Process:
One of Pritchard’s initiatives is the prompt engraving of the Stanley Cup with the winners’ names. Last year, this process was expedited at the request of the Vegas Golden Knights’ president, allowing families to see their names on the Cup during personal celebrations. Pritchard hopes this practice continues, underscoring its significance for players and their families.
As the final game approaches, the Stanley Cup is securely stored, waiting for its next presentation. “That’s it. We’re done. The trophies have no events the next couple of days,” Pritchard said. The anticipation builds for what promises to be a historic Game 7, where one team will achieve their ultimate goal and hoist the Stanley Cup in triumph.
The journey of the Stanley Cup, meticulously overseen by Pritchard and Campbell, is a testament to the dedication and reverence the hockey world holds for this iconic trophy. As the 'Keeper of the Cup,' Pritchard’s role is integral to preserving the traditions and glory of the Stanley Cup, ensuring its place at the heart of hockey history.
