What makes the Stanley Cup Finals such a special sporting occasion?

While Ice Hockey is nowhere near as popular as football and rugby in Wales and the rest of the UK, some sports lovers tune in to watch the action when the Stanley Cup is taking place. For Deeside’s local population, alongside watching Connah’s Quay Nomads and enjoying playing a variety of sports themselves, ice hockey deserves far more attention than it currently receives. 

A wonderful sporting spectacle to take in, while it isn’t always easy to watch in the flesh or live from home given the various time differences, there are always highlights to consume online and podcasts to listen to, some of which can even come in handy when it comes to betting after looking at the latest Stanley Cup odds. For sports fans, ice hockey’s package is enticing, particularly during the feast of hockey action that takes place during the highly sought-after trophy in the NHL. 

A competition all aspiring professionals are desperate to get their hands on, the Stanley Cup always delivers unmissable entertainment. In case you need further convincing, though, then below we highlight some key reasons why this massive sporting occasion is so special and deserves to be followed by Deeside’s sports fans. 

The best of the best 

With only the best teams taking part in the competition, the Stanley Cup is where you’ll see the biggest teams and the finest players in action. With drama on offer and exhilarating occasions filled with hard hits and dramatic last-minute game winners, it’s a cup competition all sports fans will enjoy once they immerse themselves in it.

Inscribed names 

When the eventual winners of the cup get their hands on it, it contains each player’s name inscribed on the trophy. Instead of the team name, which we saw when Crystal Palace won the FA Cup, for example, each player is given the recognition they deserve through this unique inscription. Also featuring staff members on the bands around the trophy makes it even more special for the team who manage to triumph in the end. 

Steeped in history 

The Stanley Cup is also a competition that is steeped in history after featuring some of ice hockey’s most iconic moments. Legendary players like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux have had their moments in the annual championship series, producing game-winning plays and becoming team legends in the process. Additionally, the cup dates back to 1926, with players and fans always rising to the occasion, given what’s at stake in this season-defining collection of highly competitive games. 

A great trophy 

The actual trophy itself also looks the part and is a worthy prize for the team who reigns supreme. Not only is it made of silver and nickel and topped off with a delightful silver bowl, but it apparently feels heavy to hold and it can even survive extreme conditions, making it an entirely unique trophy compared to many other similar options out there. For ice hockey players, it’s the pinnacle of the sport and the trophy itself doesn’t disappoint. 

Cultural significance 

While we might not necessarily feel it as much on this side of the pond, the Stanley Cup is also a huge part of North American culture. When the series is taking place, bars are busy and filled with passionate fans, while merchandise is also worn with pride and the various developments during the series are all over the press in that part of the world. Even though UK audiences are more familiar with Premier League football and Welsh rugby, some time should still be set aside to watch the Stanley Cup. It’s epic.