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Lord Stanley's Cup: League - Playoff championship team Overshadowing all other championship trophies in sports, the legend and glory of the Stanley Cup continues to live in the dreams of hockey players and fans alike.
Today's Stanley's CupThe Stanley Cup, notably the oldest trophy competed for by professional athletes in North America, was donated in 1892 by Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston and son of the Earl of Derby. He purchased the trophy for 10 Guineas ($50.00 at that time) to be presented to "the championship hockey club of the Dominion of Canada." The first team ever awarded the Stanley Cup was the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association in 1893.
Since 1910, when the National Hockey Association took possession of the Stanley Cup, the trophy has been symbolic of professional hockey supremacy. Beginning in 1926, only NHL teams have competed for this prized trophy.
The Montreal Canadiens have won a record 23 Stanley Cups since the formation of the NHL (they also won in 1916), with Toronto a distant second at 13. The Habs also hold the record for most consecutive championships with five, accomplished between the years 1956 and 1960 inclusive.
There have been numerous alterations to the Cup structure. In its infancy, tiered rings were added periodically to the bottom of the bowl. This was followed by long narrow bands in 1927 which were later replaced by uneven bands in 1947. Because the Cup is the only professional sports trophy where the name of every member of the winning team is inscribed, bands are often retired to make room for new champions. Retired bands, along with the original Stanley Cup bowl, are proudly displayed in Lord Stanley's Vault in the Verizon Great Hall. Currently the Cup consists of a bowl, three tiered bands, a collar, and five barrel or uniform bands. The trophy stands at 35 ¼ inches and weighs 34 ½ pounds. (complete measurement and inscription breakdown)
Each year upon presentation of the trophy to the championship team, a summer of celebration begins, as each of the organization's players and staff enjoy 24 hours with the Cup - a tradition which has no rival in any sport. In its many years of existence, the Stanley Cup has traveled around the world, including stays in Russia, Japan, and Switzerland as well as atop mountain peaks through the Rockies and inside igloos in Canada's newest territory, Nunavut. (Stanley Cup Journals & Galleries)
Overshadowing all other championship trophies in sports, the legend and glory of the Stanley Cup continues to live in the dreams of hockey players and fans alike.
Art Ross Trophy: Most points regular season. Presented to the player with the most points in regular season play.
Art Ross Trophy. In 1947, Art Ross donated a trophy to the NHL, although Ross is primarily remembered as an executive with the Boston Bruins hockey club, he is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame not as a builder, but as a player. Ross was born in Naughton Ontario, but grew up in Montreal Quebec where he also began his hockey career. Before the National Hockey League existed, the Stanley Cup was a trophy that allowed teams to challenge for the championship. Art Ross won a Stanley Cup while on loan to the Kenora Thistles in 1906-07, and enjoyed a second celebration with the Montreal Wanderers the next season.
He played in the National Hockey Association with Haileybury, Ottawa and the Montreal Wanderers for eight seasons, but when the Wanderers joined the National Hockey League in 1917-18, Ross was with them, playing defense. Unfortunately, fire destroyed the Wanderers’ arena, and when the team withdrew from the league, Ross retired as a player, having played just 3 NHL games. Art Ross was named coach of the Boston Bruins in their inaugural season (1924-25), and won three Stanley Cups with them before moving into the general manager’s chair. In 1945, the Hockey Hall of Fame named its twelve chartered honourees, and Art Ross was one of them.
If two players finish the season with the same number of points, the trophy is awarded in the following manner: 1. Player with most goals; 2. Player with fewer games played; 3. Player scoring first goal of the season.
Leading winners: Wayne Gretzky (10), Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux (6), Phil Esposito, Jaromir Jagr (5).
Complete list of all Art Ross Trophy Winners
Complete list of all Art Ross Trophy Winners
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication. Presented to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
An annual award under the trusteeship of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association to "Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy" Had expansion not taken place in 1967, it is unlikely Bill Masterton would ever have played in the National Hockey League. After playing junior hockey in St. Boniface Manitoba, a neighbouring community to his Winnipeg hometown, Bill attended the University of Denver, earning his master’s degree in finance while playing hockey. A true star in the college ranks, Bill Masterton was an All-American, and most valuable player in the NCAA tournament of 1961. Masterton played in the Montreal Canadiens system, but retired in 1964 in order to work for the Honeywell Corporation in Minneapolis and play as an amateur for the United States National team. But the Minnesota North Stars bought Masterton in June 1967, and he joined the fledgling Stars in training camp that fall. On January 13, 1968, Bill Masterton was bodychecked by two Oakland Seals’ players after passing the puck, and fell backwards, hitting his head on the ice. He was carried off the ice unconscious, and never awoke from his coma. Two days later, on January 15, Bill Masterton died, the first on-ice casualty in NHL history.
To commemorate the perseverance and dedication to hockey embodied by the 29-year old NHL rookie, the NHL designed the Bill Masterton Trophy for presentation to the NHL player who exhibits the same qualities as Bill Masterton.
The first winner of the Masterton Trophy was Claude Provost, following the 1967-68 season. No player has won this trophy more than once.
Complete list of all Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Complete list of all Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Calder Memorial Trophy: Rookie of the year. Presented to the Rookie of the year, awarded to the National Hockey League player judged to be the most proficient in his first season.
Calder Memorial TrophyWinner selected in a poll by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular schedule. The Calder Memorial Trophy, named after former National Hockey League president Frank Calder, is awarded to the National Hockey League player judged to be the most proficient in his first season. Frank Calder was the NHL’s president from 1917 until his sudden death in 1943. Although the NHL’s best rookie was announced beginning with Carl Voss in 1933, it wasn’t until the 1936-37 season and Syl Apps the recipient that the winner actually won the Calder Trophy. Upon Calder’s death, the award became the Calder Memorial Trophy. Winner selected in a poll by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular schedule.
Complete list of all Calder Memorial Trophy
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl: Western Conference Champions. Presented to the playoff champion in the Western Conference.
The 1967-68 Philadelphia Flyers were the first receipients of the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl.This trophy was presented by the member clubs in 1968 for perpetual competition by the NHL in recognition of the services of Clarence S. Campbell, President of the NHL from 1946 to 1977.
From 1968 through 1974, the trophy was presented to the regular season champions of the West Division. Beginning in 1975, it was awarded to the regular-season champion of the conference bearing the name of the trophy.
From 1982 to 1993, the trophy was given to the playoff champion in the Campbell Conference. And since 1994, the trophy has been presented to the playoff champion in the Western Conference.
The trophy itself is a hallmark piece made of sterling silver and was crafted by a British Silversmith in 1878.
Leading winners: Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers (6), Detroit Red Wings (5), Chicago Blackhawks (4).
Complete list of all Clarence S. Campbell Bowl Winners
Complete list of all Clarence S. Campbell Bowl Winners
Conn Smythe Trophy: Playoff MVP. Presented to the most valuable player in each season’s playoff competition.
Voting is conducted by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. Conn Smythe’s name was synonymous with hockey in Toronto for five decades. Having purchased the Toronto St. Pats in 1927, Smythe changed their name to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and altered their sweaters to the blue and white we know today. A powerful leader, Smythe had been coach, general manager and owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs before he was recognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame with his induction as a builder in 1958. It was around this time that Conn Smythe sold controlling interest in Maple Leaf Gardens to his son Stafford, Harold Ballard and John Bassett. In 1964, Maple Leaf Gardens donated a trophy for presentation to the most valuable player in each season’s playoff competition.
The Conn Smythe Trophy was fashioned to look like Smythe’s beloved Maple Leaf Gardens, and was first awarded following the 1964-65 playoffs, with the inaugural presentation going to Montreal Canadiens’ captain Jean Beliveau.
There have been five players who have won the Conn Smythe Trophy as Playoff MVP while playing on a non-Stanley Cup winning squad (Roger Crozier, Glenn Hall, Reggie Leach, Ron Hextall, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere).
Only two non-Canadians have won this award, American Brian Leetch in 1994 as a member of the New York Rangers and Sweden's Nicklas Lidstrom with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002.
Leading winners: Patrick Roy (3), Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, Bernie Parent (2).
Complete list of all Conn Smythe Trophy Winners
Complete list of all Conn Smythe Trophy Winners
Frank J. Selke Trophy: Best Defensive Forward. Presented to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.
The annual winner is selected by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association at the end of the regular schedule. In 1977, the Board of Governors of the NHL decided to create an award that would recognize the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game. It was decided that the award would honour Frank J. Selke, a former executive with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens, Frank Selke was a committed builder to NHL hockey for sixty years, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 1960. Working closely with Conn Smythe, the two were instrumental in the building of Maple Leaf Gardens in 1931, and Selke watched the Leafs win three Stanley Cups while in their employ. But a falling out with Smythe during the Second World War resulted in Selke joining the Canadiens in 1946, and he was general manager for six more championships in Montreal.
The Selke Trophy was first awarded in 1977-78, with Bob Gainey of the Canadiens winning the award.
Leading winners: Bob Gainey (4), Guy Carbonneau, Jere Lehtinen(3).
Complete list of all Frank Selke Trophy Winners
Hart Memorial Trophy: Most valuable player regular season. Presented to the most valuable player in the National Hockey League during the regular season.
The winner is selected in a poll by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association in the 30 NHL cities at the end of the regular schedule The Hart Memorial Trophy was presented to the National Hockey League in 1923 by Dr. David Hart. Dr. Hart was the father of Cecil Hart, the former coach and manager of the Montreal Canadiens. Cecil Hart coached the Canadiens between 1926-27 and 1938-39, winning back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1930 and 1931.
The trophy is presented to the most valuable player in the National Hockey League during the regular season. Voting is conducted by the members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. The initial winner was Frank Nighbor of the Ottawa Senators, awarded the Hart at the conclusion of the 1923-24 season. Wayne Gretzky has collected the most Harts-nine in total, with eight from his days as an Edmonton Oiler and one as a King in Los Angeles.
Leading winners: Wayne Gretzky (9), Gordie Howe (6), Eddie Shore (4).
Complete list of all Hart Trophy Winners
Complete list of all Hart Trophy Winners
Jack Adams Award: Coach of the year. Presented to the coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team’s success.
The first receipient of the Jack Adams Award was Philadelphia Flyers head coach Fred Shero in 1974.The award was presented to the NHL Broadcasters’ Association in 1974 to commemorate the late Jack Adams, coach and general manager of the Detroit Red Wings during the club’s glory days of the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. This is an annual award presented by NHL Broadcasters’ Association to the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team’s success.
Leading winners: Pat Burns (3), Scotty Bowman, Jacques Demers, Pat Quinn (2).
Complete list of all Jack Adams Award Winners
Complete list of all Jack Adams Award Winners
James Norris Memorial Trophy: Best Defensman. Presented to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability in his position.
The James Norris Trophy was first awarded in 1954. The inaugural winner-Detroit’s Red Kelly.The James Norris Memorial Trophy is presented annually to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability in his position. The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association at the end of the regular season. The award was named after James Norris, a grain millionaire, who purchased the Detroit franchise in 1932 and re-named it the Detroit Red Wings. The Norris family owned the Red Wings for 50 years, selling it in 1982. Under James Norris’ ownership, the Detroit Red Wings won seven Stanley Cups. Through the 48-year history of the trophy, there have been several players who have won the award on multiple occasions.
Leading winners: Bobby Orr (8), Doug Harvey (7), Nicklas Lidstrom (6), Ray Bourque (5).
Complete list of all James Norris Memorial Trophy Winners
Complete list of all James Norris Memorial Trophy Winners
King Clancy Memorial Trophy: Humanitarian award. Presented to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice.
The King Clancy Trophy was first awarded in 1988. The inaugural winner-Calgary's Lanny McDonald. The King Clancy Memorial Trophy was presented to the National Hockey League by the Board of Governors in 1988 to honour the late Francis "King" Clancy, and his long and distinguished career in hockey as a player, official, coach, and executive.
The trophy is award to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.
No player has won this trophy more than once.
Complete list of all King Clancy Memorial Trophy Winners
Complete list of all King Clancy Memorial Trophy Winners
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Sportsmanship award. Presented to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.
The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season. Lady Byng, wife of Canada's Governor-General at the time, presented the Lady Byng Trophy in 1925. After Frank Boucher of the New York Rangers won the award seven times in eight seasons, he was given the trophy to keep and Lady Byng donated another trophy in 1936. After Lady Byng's death in 1949, the National Hockey League presented a new trophy, changing the name to the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.
The trophy is an annual award given to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
Leading winners: Frank Boucher (7), Wayne Gretzky (5), Red Kelly (4).
Complete list of all Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Winners
Complete list of all Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Winners
Lester B. Pearson Award: Outstanding Player. Presented to the to the "most outstanding player" in the NHL. This Trophy is now retired and being replaced by the Ted Lindsay Award shown below.
The first winner of the Lester B. Pearson Award was Phil Esposito of the Boston Bruins in 1971. The Lester B. Pearson Award was introduced to the National Hockey League by the National Hockey League Players' Association in 1972. The award is presented annually to the "most outstanding player" in the NHL as voted by fellow members of the National Hockey League Players' Association.
The award is named after Canada's Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson who served as leader of his nation between 1963 and 1968. Pearson was also the Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 1957. A passionate hockey fan, Pearson played hockey for the Oxford Canadians while attending university in London, England. He later lectured at the University of Toronto while coaching the varsity hockey team.
Leading winners: Wayne Gretzky (5), Mario Lemieux (4), Jaromir Jagr (3), Guy Lafleur (3).
Complete list of all Lester B. Pearson Award Winners
Complete list of all Lester B. Pearson Award Winners
Ted Lindsay Award replaces the Lester B. Pearson Award: Outstanding Player. Presented to the to the "most outstanding player" in the NHL.
Ted Lindsay Award 2010. On April 29, 2010, the Ted Lindsay Award was introduced, and it remains the only award voted on by the players themselves, carrying on the tradition established by the Lester B. Pearson Award. The Award honours Ted Lindsay, an All-Star forward known for his skill, tenacity, leadership and his role in establishing the original Players' Association.
On April 29, 2010, the Ted Lindsay Award was introduced, and it remains the only award voted on by the players themselves, carrying on the tradition established by the Lester B. Pearson Award. The Award honours Ted Lindsay, an All-Star forward known for his skill, tenacity, leadership and his role in establishing the original Players' Association.
Leading winners: The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) announced on May 6, 2010 that Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals and Henrik Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks have been selected as finalists for the 2009-10 Ted Lindsay Award.
Complete list of all Ted Lindsay Award Winners
Complete list of all Ted Lindsay Award Winners
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy: Most goals award. Presented to the goal-scoring leader during the regular season.
During his incredible career, Richard celebrated eight Stanley Cup championships. Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard retired after the 1959-60 season, having recorded a then-record 544 goals. The newest of the NHL’s individual trophies is the Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy. Appropriately, the award is presented annually to the goal-scoring leader during the regular season. The Rocket Richard Trophy was donated by the Montreal Canadiens hockey club in 1999 to honour their outstanding star and ambassador, Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard. Maurice Richard spent his entire 18-season career with the Montreal Canadiens, his hometown team. Richard led the NHL in goal scoring on five occasions. In 1944-45, Rocket Richard became the first NHL player to collect 50 goals in one season, scoring them in 50 games.
The first winner of the Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy was Teemu Selanne of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for the 1998-99 season.
Multiple winners: Pavel Bure, Jarome Iginla (2).
Complete list of all Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy Winners
Complete list of all Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy Winners
Presidents' Trophy: Most points by a team. Presented to the the team compiling the top regular-season record.
The winner receives $200,000, to be split evenly between the team and its players. The Presidents’ Trophy was presented to the NHL in 1985-86 by the League Board of Governors to recognize the team compiling the top regular-season record. In case of a tie, the team with the most wins is awarded this annual trophy.
Leading winners (including 2005-06): Detroit Red Wings (6), Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers (2).
Complete list of all Presidents' Trophy Winners
Complete list of all Presidents' Trophy Winners
Prince of Wales Trophy: Eastern Conference Champions. Presented to the the playoff champion in the Eastern Conference.
The last organization to win the Prince of Wales Trophy three consecutive years was the New York Islanders (1982-84). His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, donated this trophy to the National Hockey League in 1924. From 1927-28 through 1937-38, the award was presented to the team finishing first in the American Division of the NHL. From 1938-39, when the NHL reverted to one section, until 1966-67, it was presented to the team winning the NHL regular season championship.
With expansion in 1967-68, it again became the divisional trophy, awarded to the regular-season champions of the East Division through the end of the 1973-74 season. Beginning in 1974-75, it was awarded to the regular-season winner of the conference bearing the name of the trophy. From 1981-82 to 1992-93 the trophy was presented to the playoff champion in the Wales Conference.
Since 1993-94, the trophy has been presented to the playoff champion in the Eastern Conference. Beginning with the 1993-94 season, the club which advances to the Stanley Cup Finals as the winner of the Eastern Conference Championship is presented with the Prince of Wales Trophy.
Leading winners: Montreal Canadiens (25), Boston Bruins (15), Detroit Red Wings (13).
Complete list of all Prince of Wales Trophy Winners
Complete list of all Prince of Wales Trophy Winners
Vezina Trophy: Best Goalie. Presented to the goaltender judged to be the best at his position.
The overall winner receives $10,000, and runners-up $6,000 and $4,000. Leo Dandurand, Louis Letourneau, and Joe Cattarinich, former owners of the Montreal Canadiens, presented the trophy to the National Hockey League in 1926-27 in memory of Georges Vezina, the outstanding goalkeeper of the Canadiens, who collapsed during an NHL game Nov. 28, 1925, and died of tuberculosis a few months later.
Until the 1981-82 season, the goalkeeper(s) of the team allowing the fewest number of goals during the regular season were awarded the Vezina Trophy.
In 1981-82, the trophy’s definition changed. The Williams M. Jennings Trophy was introduced for the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-against average, while the Vezina Trophy then became an award for the goaltender judged to be the best at his position in the opinion of the general managers. The first Vezina Trophy went to George Hainsworth, who, ironically, replaced Georges Vezina in goal for the Montreal Canadiens.
Leading winners: Jacques Plante (7), Bill Durnan, Dominik Hasek (6).
Complete list of all Vezina TrophyTrophy Winners
Complete list of all Vezina TrophyTrophy Winners
William M. Jennings Trophy: Fewest Goals. Presented to the goalkeeper(s) having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against.
The inaugural winners of the William M. Jennings Trophy was the Montreal Canadiens' goaltending tandem of Denis Herron and Rick Wamsley.This trophy was presented in 1981-82 by the NHL Board of Governors to honour the late William M. Jennings, longtime governor and president of the New York Rangers and one of the key builders of hockey in the U.S. It is awarded annually to the goalkeeper(s) having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against.
Leading winners: Patrick Roy (5), Ed Belfour, Martin Brodeur (4), Brian Hayward (3).
Complete list of all William M. Jennings Trophy Winners
Complete list of all William M. Jennings Trophy Winners
