Stanley Cup Curator Phil Pritchard’s Epic Journey to Game 7

Phil Pritchard and Craig Campbell embarked on a remarkable journey with the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy on an NHL charter, traveling from Edmonton to Fort Lauderdale for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers.

The Stanley Cup has accumulated nearly 20,000 kilometers during this Final, crossing the Canadian-U.S. border five times, reminiscent of the 2011 Final between the Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks.

Phil Pritchard, the curator of the Hockey Hall of Fame, is widely known as the ‘Keeper of the Cup,’ with Craig Campbell joining him as the ceremonial Stanley Cup escort for presentation to the winning team.

Throughout the Stanley Cup Final, Pritchard has been actively involved in handling the iconic trophy, accompanying it on various flights and ensuring its safe transport.

Starting from the June 6 flight from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale for the Media Day, Pritchard’s travel log details extensive back-and-forths, covering Game 1 to Game 6 locations between Florida, Toronto, and Edmonton.

While the series remained tied at 3-3, Pritchard and Campbell had the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy prepped for presentation in Florida after Game 6, eagerly awaiting the outcome of Game 7 in Florida.

A well-executed plan by Pritchard and Campbell avoided any hiccups during this Stanley Cup Final, unlike the challenges faced during the 2019 Final in Boston.

The presentation of the Stanley Cup before Game 1 of this Final in Sunrise, Florida, sparked a discussion on potential new traditions with higher visibility for the iconic trophy.

Post-Game 7 plans remain uncertain, with possible scenarios including a return flight to Edmonton with the champions or staying in Florida for celebratory events and parades.