The Montreal Victoire, reigning champions of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), appear to be down a trophy. The Associated Press reported Friday night that the team’s version of the Walter Cup failed to arrive in Alberta. Suddenly, it’s the case of the PWHL’s missing trophy.
The PWHL issued a brief statement to the media on Friday.
“[The trophy] did not arrive as expected at its latest stop. We are working closely with the shipping company to locate it.”
The NHL has no financial ownership or operational control over the PWHL, but the two leagues do maintain a partnership on marketing and consulting.
What We Know So Far About the PWHL’s Missing Trophy
Current reporting indicates the PWHL’s missing trophy failed to arrive in Lethbridge. Victoire forward Dara Greig, whose brother Ridly plays for the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, was expected to have her day with the Walter Cup, according to the Associated Press. Greig, 25, finished her second season with Montreal Victoire with five points in 29 games. She scored one point in nine postseason games. The former Colgate University standout is an Alberta native, playing for Lethbridge MHA in her youth. League officials expected the trophy to arrive Thursday for a public event at VisitLethbridge.com Arena, according to the Associated Press.
Reports indicate the PWHL’s missing replica trophy remains unaccounted for. This version of the trophy is different than the one presented to the Montreal Victoire in May. They won the championship over the Ottawa Charge, defeating them 3-1.
Montreal became the first Canadian team to win the Walter Cup. Additionally, they were the first new team to win the championship, since the Minnesota Frost (formerly PWHL Minnesota) won the trophy the first two seasons.
The PWHL, unlike the NHL, does not have a set person dedicated to traveling with the trophy wherever it goes.
What’s Next for the Walter Cup?
Well, the shipping company probably needs to find it, for starters. Even though the Stanley Cup and Walter Cup have several notable and aforementioned differences, it might result in the PWHL at least considering bringing in a professional to act as a handler. As a result, it’s hard to imagine the PWHL missing trophy saga occurring with a handler.
Phil Pritchard, the curator of the Hockey Hall of Fame, is also the Keeper of the Cup. Pritchard assumed that role in 1994. He’s traveled to dozens of countries as part of his duties to chaperone the Stanley Cup. An incident like this makes it a little clearer why such a position exists. Granted, there is only one Stanley Cup. Conversely, the Walter Cup has more in common with the NFL’s Lombardi Trophy.
The league did not go into additional details on the PWHL’s missing trophy.
PWHL Championship Trophy is Missing, According to Associated Press