Gov. Easley Welcomes Stanley Cup to State Capitol

Gov. Mike Easley welcomed the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup, captured by the 2006 champion Carolina Hurricanes, to the State Capitol.  Easley received the oldest trophy competed for by professional athletes on behalf of all North Carolinians.

“It is appropriate that the cup come to the Capitol because the historic win by the Hurricanes will be as much a part of North Carolina history as the people and events that we traditionally celebrate here,” Easley said.  “We are delighted and honored that the Carolina Hurricanes have included us, the people of North Carolina, in their victory celebration.  North Carolina’s citizens and hockey fans are proud of the Carolina Hurricanes for winning the much-deserved NHL championship.”

The 2006 title marked the first NHL championship for the Hurricanes franchise. The Stanley Cup is the only trophy in professional sports that has the names of winning players, coaches, management and club staff engraved on the silver chalice.  It takes 13 years to fill each of the five rings of the Stanley Cup with names of winners. When the Hurricanes’ names are added to this ring in September, those names will be on the Cup for 65 years.  “Sixty-five years from now this ring will be removed and retired at the Hockey Hall of Fame,” said Easley.  “And 65 years from now, people will visit the Hockey Hall of Fame and find a cherished piece of North Carolina history.”

The Carolina Hurricanes laid claim to the oldest trophy competed for by professional athletes after winning a hard-fought seven-game series last month against the Edmonton Oilers.  The Stanley Cup was first presented in 1893.