Is the "Keeper of the Cup" nearing the end of another long haul during the Final?
Phil Pritchard and Craig Campbell, along with their white gloves, crested blazers, the Stanley Cup, and the Conn Smythe Trophy, boarded an NHL charter flight in Edmonton on Saturday morning, heading to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. The flight departed at 9 a.m. local time, with the trophies having traveled approximately 12,000 miles during the Final.
This series marks the first time since 2011 that the Stanley Cup has crossed the Canada-U.S. border five times in one series, reminiscent of the Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks’ seven-game showdown. "It’s been one heck of a series," remarked Pritchard, curator of the Hockey Hall of Fame, before the charter left Edmonton.
Pritchard, known as the "Keeper of the Cup," and Campbell, his long-time colleague and manager of the Hall of Fame’s Resource Center and Archives, have been with the Cup since Game 3 of the Final. The duo, recognizable as the white-gloved escorts for the trophy, have ensured its safe passage and readiness for presentation.
The Cup’s itinerary since June 6 has been extensive:
- June 6: Pritchard, colleague Bill Wellman, the Stanley Cup, and Conn Smythe Trophy flew from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale for Media Day (1,209 miles).
- June 6-10: The trophies remained in Florida for Games 1 and 2.
- June 12: Campbell transported the Cup from Toronto to Edmonton (1,680 miles).
- June 12-15: The Cup was in Edmonton for Games 3 and 4, with Pritchard bringing the Conn Smythe.
- June 16: Pritchard and Campbell flew from Edmonton to Fort Lauderdale on an NHL charter (2,550 miles).
- June 16-18: The trophies were in Florida for Game 5.
- June 19: The charter flight went from Fort Lauderdale to Kansas City for refueling (1,491 miles) and then to Edmonton (1,339 miles).
- June 19-21: The trophies were in Edmonton for Game 6.
- June 22: The charter flew from Edmonton to Fort Lauderdale (2,550 miles) for Game 7.
Pritchard, having been with the Cup for most of its journey, has appreciated the support and efficiency of the NHL charters. "Imagine the air miles!" he joked, noting the excellent service provided on the charters.
The series has proceeded smoothly, with no major issues, unlike past finals where teams were hesitant to acknowledge the trophies' presence. The Cup was prominently displayed before Game 1 in Sunrise, Florida, a new tradition Pritchard hopes to continue.
The future location of the Stanley Cup post-Game 7 remains uncertain. Should the Oilers win, Pritchard and Campbell will return to Edmonton with the champions and trophies. If the Panthers prevail, they will stay in Florida for the celebrations before heading to Las Vegas for the 2024 NHL Awards and Draft.
Engraving the winners' names on the Cup promptly is a priority for Pritchard. Last year, the Cup was engraved in Montreal at the request of the Vegas Golden Knights’ president, George McPhee. Pritchard hopes this practice continues, allowing families to see their names on the Cup during the players' celebrations.
For now, the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy will remain locked away until their grand appearance at center ice on Monday night for Game 7.
Top photo: The Stanley Cup at center ice of Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, before Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, with the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers lined up on their blue lines.