While the first Stanley Cup ring was awarded in 1893 to the Montreal Hockey Club, the tradition of teams donating a ring to the Hall of Fame on a regular basis is somewhat new.
According to Phil Pritchard, the Keeper of the Cup, it was former Ducks General Manager Brian Burke that started the streak when he donated a ring after Anaheim won the Cup in 2007.
Since then, every championship team has done the same.
“It’s awesome,” Barkov said. “I’ve been here a few times. Just to come here as a huge hockey fan is always nice, and to be part of the history now is amazing. To present the ring here as well with the teammates and management was awesome. For sure, it was memorable.”
Receiving a special honor, the donated ring was an exact copy of Barkov’s ring.
“Obviously, it means a lot,” Barkov said. “As a young kid, you never even dream about this kind of thing. To have your name in this type of place is huge. I’m just happy about it.”
Prior to placing the ring in their championship display case, Barkov and Reinhart each took a moment to show it off to the gathered masses and made sure to give the kids in attendance a real close look.
As you can image, jaws hit the floor.
“It was great,” Barkov said. “I was one of those kids back in the day.”
Following its time in Florida’s championship display, the diamond-covered ring will eventually be moved to a special section of the Hockey Hall of Fame known as Lord Stanley’s Vault.
In addition to housing the original Stanley Cup, the vault also boasts a vast collection of retired Stanley Cup bands and unique artifacts, as well as a wall of championship rings.
Currently leading the Atlantic Division, the Panthers hope to add another ring to the wall next year.
For more information on the Hockey Hall of Fame, click HERE.
