The sport associated with the Stanley Cup is ice hockey. The Stanley Cup is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff winner, making it one of the most prestigious and sought-after trophies in the sport. First awarded in 1893, the cup has a rich history and is highly coveted by players and teams alike. Winning the Stanley Cup is considered the pinnacle of success in professional ice hockey, with teams competing through rigorous playoff rounds to secure their place in history and earn the right to hoist the trophy.