NHL brings back tradition from over 50 years ago

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Cooper Godin
June 9, 2024 (7:46)

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The NHL has been filled with traditions since its inception over 100 years ago. But for the first time in well over half a decade, the NHL has brought back one of those traditions.

Saturday night marked the start of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers and Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers with Game 1 taking place down in Sunrise.

Ahead of Game 1, the National Hockey League brought the Stanley Cup onto the ice to build anticipation for when it's officially handed out within the next couple of weeks.

"The ultimate prize is in the building. 🏆"

According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, this is the first time since the 1960s that the National Hockey League has brought the Stanley Cup onto the ice at the start of the Final.

Although as TSN's Chris Johnston pointed out, in the 2020 COVID bubble, the NHL had the Stanley Cup up above the ice in the stands while Game 1 between Tampa Bay and Dallas took place.

"First time since the 1960s that the Stanley Cup Final begins with what's on the line front and center on the ice." Michael Russo said.

"It wasn't on the ice, but the NHL did unveil the Stanley Cup in the stands right before puck drop on Game 1 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final inside the COVID bubble." Johnston said.

While it's always special to see the Stanley Cup, given that it is undoubtedly the greatest trophy in all of sports, bringing the trophy out ahead of Game 1 sort of ruins 'the Cup is in the building' moment ahead of a potential championship clinching game.

Game 1 brought plenty of intensity as well as exciting moments and it appears that hockey fans are in for a treat with the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers battling for the Stanley Cup.