The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) reported that the Walter Cup, belonging to the Montreal Victoire, is currently missing. The league stated that the trophy did not arrive at its intended destination as scheduled and is collaborating with the shipping company to track it down.
Initially planned to be transported to Lethbridge, Alberta, to be showcased alongside Victoire forward Dara Greig, the cup failed to arrive in the container. Consequently, Greig had to delay her public appearance with the trophy at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
Unlike the NHL’s Stanley Cup, the PWHL does not assign a dedicated personnel to accompany the trophy during its travels to players. The missing Walter Cup is distinct from the ceremonial trophy presented on the ice post-championship win, which is permanently housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. The absent cup is a replica given to the winning team for possession.
Crafted by Tiffany & Co., the Walter Cup is a sterling silver trophy measuring approximately 24 inches in height and 13 inches in width, weighing around 35 pounds. Adorned with six W’s symbolizing the league’s original franchises, the cup also features a base resembling a hockey puck, showcasing past championship teams.
The Montreal team secured the cup by defeating Ottawa in the fourth game of a best-of-five series in May, becoming the first Canadian team to claim the PWHL title. Named after PWHL founder Mark Walter and his wife Kimbra, who are also the primary financial backers, the Walter Cup holds significant value in the league’s history.