The Professional Women’s Hockey League champion Montreal Victoire’s version of the Walter Cup has gone missing, as confirmed by the league to The Associated Press. The PWHL released a statement indicating that the trophy did not reach its intended destination as scheduled and is currently being sought in collaboration with the shipping company.
The trophy was expected to be delivered to Lethbridge, Alberta, for a special event with Victoire forward Dara Greig. However, upon the container’s arrival, the Walter Cup was not inside, prompting Greig to postpone her day with the trophy, including a planned public appearance at VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
Unlike the NHL’s Stanley Cup, the PWHL does not assign a dedicated individual to accompany the trophy during its travels. The missing Walter Cup is a replica awarded to championship-winning teams for their possession, distinct from the trophy presented on the ice upon winning, which is permanently housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
Both versions of the cup, including the team’s replica, are crafted from sterling silver by Tiffany & Co., weighing approximately 35 pounds and standing at 24 inches in height and 13 inches in width. The cup features intricate engravings, with six W’s symbolizing the league’s original franchises and a base showcasing the championship teams’ names.
Montreal secured the cup by defeating Ottawa in a decisive Game 4 showdown in May, marking the first Canadian team to claim the PWHL championship. The Walter Cup is named in honor of Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter and his wife Kimbra, who are significant figures in the league’s foundation and financing.