Historically, the
ultimate trophy in ice hockey and the only one award that is skated around the rink by the winning team. There are actually three official versions of the Stanley Cup in existance today. the
Authenticated Stanley Cup which is the actual trophy awarded; the
Replica Stanley Cup, which is on display in the
Hockey Hall of Fame when the Authenticated Cup is not available; and
Lord Stanley's Cup, the original bowl that
Lord Stanley donated and which is now on permanent display in the Hall of Fame.
The Stanley Cup is the oldest trophy in professional sports and is the only major sport's trophy in
North America that is not retained by the winning team, but surrendered to the subsequent champion. In part because of its uniquness, there is much folklore and ancedotes about its use and misuse by players who have been known to misplace it after raucous nights of celebrating its victory.