Walter Cup Explained

Walter Cup
Sport:Ice hockey
Competition:Walter Cup playoffs
Givenfor:Playoff champion of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL)
First:2024
Firstwinner:PWHL Minnesota
Mostwins:PWHL Minnesota (1)
Mostrecent:PWHL Minnesota

The Walter Cup (French: La coupe Walter) is the championship trophy awarded annually to the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) playoff champion.

History

Origins

On April 4, 2024, the Professional Women's Hockey League announced in a press release the name of the trophy awarded to the league's playoff champion team, the Walter Cup.[1]

The name Walter Cup was proposed by Billie Jean King, one of the two instigators of the Professional Women's Hockey League and member of the league's advisory board. It is named in honor of Mark and Kimbra Walter to recognize their commitment to enabling the creation of the PWHL, an important milestone in the history of women's hockey.

Description

The sterling silver trophy is created in partnership with jeweler Tiffany & Co. and manufactured in their workshop in Cumberland, Rhode Island. The cup weighs approximately 35 pounds, measures 24 inches in height and over 13 inches in width. It rests on a ring around which sits six 'W's, symbol of the PWHL, and rays of light representing the dawn of a new era in women's hockey. It is located at the top of angled rods, identifying the playing ice marked with skating marks, on which sits hockey sticks. The rods rest on a removable base, representing a puck, on which the name of the winning team each year will be written.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) Introduces the Water Cup as its Championship Trophy . April 5, 2024.
  2. Web site: PWHL unveils Walter Cup as championship trophy . April 5, 2024.