The Walter Cup is currently unaccounted for — specifically, the version that belongs to the Montreal Victoire, champions of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, as reported by the league to The Associated Press on Friday.
In a brief statement, the PWHL mentioned that the trophy “did not reach its latest destination as anticipated,” adding, “we are collaborating closely with the shipping company to find it.”
The Walter Cup was intended to be delivered to Lethbridge, Alberta, for a day with Victoire forward Dara Greig, according to a source familiar with the arrangements who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity, as the league had not disclosed these specifics. Although the shipment arrived, the trophy was absent, prompting Greig to delay her event with the cup on Thursday, which included a public gathering at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena in the city.
The last known location of the Walter Cup is currently unknown. Unlike the NHL, which has a designated individual to accompany the Stanley Cup during travels, the PWHL lacks such an arrangement for its trophy.
It is important to note that the missing Walter Cup is not the one awarded to teams during the championship celebration on the ice; that particular trophy is permanently displayed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
The version that is currently missing is a replica given to the championship-winning teams to retain.
This version, like the original, is crafted from sterling silver and designed by Tiffany & Co. It weighs approximately 35 pounds (16 kilograms) and stands about 24 inches (61 centimeters) tall and 13 inches (33 centimeters) wide.
The cup is supported by two rods shaped like hockey sticks. It features engravings of six W’s, symbolizing the league’s six founding franchises. The base of the cup is designed to resemble a puck, on which the names of the championship teams are inscribed.
Montreal secured the cup by overcoming Ottawa in Game 4 of a best-of-five series in May, making them the first Canadian team to win the PWHL title. Minnesota previously claimed the league’s inaugural two championships.
The trophy is named in honor of Mark Walter, the founder and principal financier of the PWHL, and his wife Kimbra.