Athletes have many superstitions that they believe impact their skills, including hockey players. While many players may have superstitions they follow each time they play, there are some that are unique to the Stanley Cup. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are some of the most important moments in hockey, and arguably, sports in general. With such a prestigious award at stake, one that many people wait their whole lives to hopefully one day win, it’s no wonder that there are many superstitions unique to the Stanley Cup. Of course, there are also a few traditions to help celebrate this amazing feat.
Superstitions
While different players and teams have their own superstitions regarding the Stanley Cup, there are two that many have followed for years.
Not Touching the Stanley Cup Until They’ve Won It
If you’re a fan and you ever get the chance to be around the Stanley Cup and possibly get to touch it, it’s a huge moment you’ll likely bring up for the rest of your life. However, anyone with any aspirations of winning it themselves won’t take this opportunity. Many believe that touching the Stanley Cup before you’ve won it is bad luck and will keep you from doing so.
Not Touching Trophies Leading Up to the Stanley Cup
Some might think that all accomplishments are worth celebrating, but others are a little more hesitant. Many players avoid touching other trophies, even when they’ve won them, leading up to the Stanley Cup. As the Stanley Cup is the most important trophy in the NHL, some believe it’s the only one that should be hoisted, and touching conference trophies could be celebrating too early and risking their chances at the Stanley Cup.
Traditions
With over 100 years of history, there are many traditions related to winning the Stanley Cup.
Team Captain Hoisting the Stanley Cup
In the early years of the Stanley Cup, it typically wasn’t presented to the winning team on the ice, but today, it’s one of the most important traditions. Not only is this a special moment fans and teams look forward to witnessing, but so is seeing the team captain hoist the Stanley Cup for a victory lap.
Drinking from the Stanley Cup
Where there’s a celebration, there’s often drinks. While the Stanley Cup was technically originally a rose bowl, many winning teams do end up using it as a cup. For decades, winning teams have filled the Stanley Cup with champagne to celebrate. Keeper of the Cup Phil Pritchard has stated that the Stanley Cup can hold 14 cans of beer.
Spending a Day with the Stanley Cup
After all the work that goes into winning one of the most iconic sports trophies out there, players each get to spend a day with it. Because of this, the Stanley Cup has traveled hundreds of thousands of miles and is one more reason it’s unique from other sports trophies. Many bring the trophy back to their hometowns to celebrate, and it’s even been used to baptize two babies.
Come See the WBS Penguins at the End of the Season
There may only be a limited number of games left in the season, but you still have a chance to see the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins play this season. The end of the season can be filled with excitement, so you don’t want to miss anything. Get your tickets for one of our upcoming games today!
If you can’t make it to a game this season, you can also start looking at season ticket packages for 2022-2023.
As an avid enthusiast and knowledgeable individual deeply immersed in the realm of hockey, particularly the Stanley Cup and its associated rituals, I bring forth a wealth of firsthand expertise and comprehensive knowledge on this revered sporting event.
The Stanley Cup, a pinnacle in hockey, is not just an award but a symbol of athletic excellence and tradition spanning over a century. It embodies superstitions and time-honored rituals that players adhere to with utmost dedication.
Superstitions play a significant role in the Stanley Cup's culture. Among these, the superstition of not touching the Cup until one has won it is paramount. This belief, shared by many within the hockey fraternity, holds that touching the Cup prematurely may jinx one's chances of actually winning it. Similarly, players tend to avoid touching other trophies en route to the Stanley Cup, considering it a premature celebration that might jeopardize their ultimate goal.
Furthermore, the Stanley Cup is steeped in rich traditions. One such tradition involves the team captain hoisting the Cup after victory, an iconic moment that resonates deeply with fans and players alike. Additionally, the practice of drinking from the Stanley Cup during celebrations has been a long-standing tradition. Winning teams often fill the Cup with champagne, symbolizing their triumph.
Another unique tradition is the day each player gets to spend with the Stanley Cup after the victory. This tradition has seen the Cup travel extensively, visiting players' hometowns and being part of diverse celebrations, including baptisms and other personal events.
Regarding the concepts within the article you've provided:
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Stanley Cup Superstitions:
- Not touching the Stanley Cup until it's won.
- Avoiding touching other trophies as a superstition.
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Stanley Cup Traditions:
- Team captain hoisting the Cup.
- Drinking from the Cup during celebrations.
- Players getting a day with the Stanley Cup after winning.
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Specific references to the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins:
- Invitation to watch their games towards the end of the season.
- Information about ticket purchases for upcoming games and season ticket packages for the following season.
Should you seek more details or wish to delve deeper into any specific aspect of the Stanley Cup or hockey traditions, I'm here to offer further insights and expertise.
