Stanley Cup’s Travels Include Mario Lemieux’s Pool, Ray Bourque’s Hands, Disney World Parades

The Stanley Cup is the most unique and most prestigious trophy in all of sports. Unlike baseball, basketball and football, whose championship trophies are given to each team, hockey has stuck with a single trophy. Rather than giving out a new trophy to each championship team, the winner of the NHL championship spends the year with the Stanley Cup before it is eventually awarded to the next champion.

Along the way, each player who wins the Stanley Cup has his name engraved onto the hardware. This is yet another feature that separates it from the awards handed out by other sports.

The Stanley Cup was first awarded in 1893, and the Montreal Canadiens have won it the most times, with 24 championships to their credit.

The Cup has grown in size throughout its history, and as room for names on the trophy becomes even more scarce, rings are removed and replaced with new rings. The current trophy is 35 1/4 inches tall and weighs roughly 35 pounds.

Not only is the Stanley Cup unique in its history and features, but it has traveled to many destinations and has been part of some crazy celebrations.

Click here to see some unique Stanley Cup photos >>