The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) revealed on Monday that the missing Montreal Victoire’s Walter Cup championship trophy has been located after going astray during transit and has been returned to the team.
Although the PWHL did not disclose many specifics, they expressed gratitude in a statement to all those involved in the search efforts and appreciated the concern and backing from fans.
Last week, the trophy vanished when it failed to reach its destination in Lethbridge, Alta., where it was supposed to be with Victoire forward Dara Greig. Although a container arrived, it did not contain the trophy as shipped by the PWHL.
The PWHL humorously remarked, saying, “Even the Walter Cup can have a little off-season adventure. We eagerly anticipate the Victoire’s continued celebrations with their cup.”
Details regarding where the trophy was discovered or how it went missing remain unclear, as the PWHL simply stated that the cup was “lost in shipment.” The league had previously mentioned collaborating with their shipping partner to trace the trophy.
It is important to note that the missing trophy was not the same one given to teams upon winning the championship on the ice, as that trophy is permanently housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
The absent trophy was the team’s “keeper” cup, a replica of the original sterling silver Walter Cup designed by Tiffany & Co., weighing approximately 16 kilograms and standing at about 61 centimeters tall.
Montreal secured the cup by triumphing over Ottawa in Game 4 of a best-of-five series in May, claiming the PWHL’s inaugural Canadian championship. Minnesota had won the league’s first two titles.
Named after PWHL founder and key benefactor Mark Walter and his wife, Kimbra, the trophy is a testament to their contributions. Mark Walter, who owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and recently agreed to divest his controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers, holds a significant place in the league’s history.