Stanley Cup

http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=31252

Growing up my life as a young athlete revolved strictly around playing and watching ice hockey.  Aside from 6 AM morning practices and traveling throughout New England, I was given the opportunity to be in the presence of and take photos with one of the most recognizable trophies in sports history, the Stanley Cup.  Living in Massachusetts provides a great history of hockey achievement and competition.  I began playing at the age of 3 and still remain playing to this day at 21 years old.  The cup is awarded to the National Hockey Leagues playoff champion after each consecutive season.  The Cup, also referred to as the Holy Grail, or Cup of Lord Stanley stands almost three feet tall weighing just over thirty pounds.  It is composed of Silver and nickel plated alloys that encompass the entire trophy from the bowl shaped top to its wide base.  Winning organizations including players names, coaches and staff are enscribed on the chalice of the cup unlike many professional granted trophies.  The victorious team is allowed a certain amount of time with the cup and each individual has the opportunity to take it wherever they please and whatever with it they desire.  When I was twelve Scott Young, a hockey star from Clinton, MA had brought the trophy to my hometown after winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche.  This was one of the most exciting moments of my childhood as I received his autograph and took pictures beside the most illustrious sports trophy I had ever believed in.  This trophy represented everything I believed was important and strived for growing up on the hockey rink.