Check out the full video here
The Maple Leaf cocktail is as rich in history as the sport of hockey itself. With a delicious blend of maple syrup, bourbon, and a touch of bitters, this drink is a tribute to one of the most iconic sports trophies in the world: the Stanley Cup. But beyond the thrilling games and heart-pounding moments, the Stanley Cup has seen its fair share of strange and wacky stories over the years. In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the weirdest, wildest moments surrounding the Stanley Cup while sipping on a Maple Leaf cocktail.
The Maple Leaf Cocktail: A Nod to Hockey’s Roots
Before we get into the strange stories of the Stanley Cup, let’s talk about the Maple Leaf cocktail. Named after the legendary Canadian team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, this cocktail is a perfect pairing for a night of hockey watching or simply reflecting on the history of the game. The Maple Leaf is simple to make but packs a lot of flavor, just like the spirit of hockey.
Recipe:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients into a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
This cocktail is perfect for a cozy night in, whether you’re watching a game or reminiscing about the legendary Stanley Cup moments. Now, let’s take a look at some of the strangest events to ever happen with the Stanley Cup.
The Stanley Cup: A History Full of Strange Events
Over the years, the Stanley Cup has witnessed its fair share of odd moments, some funny, others downright bizarre. From players to fans to even celebrities, the Stanley Cup has seen it all.
The Cup’s “Vacation” Time
One of the weirdest things to happen with the Stanley Cup occurred in 1996. When the Colorado Avalanche won the Cup, they were given the prestigious opportunity to take the trophy home for a day. This tradition allows each player to take the Stanley Cup for a day, a gesture that becomes a big part of the celebration. However, one player decided to take it to a whole new level: he left it in a hot tub overnight. The next morning, the Stanley Cup was covered in mildew! Thankfully, the trophy was cleaned and restored, but it goes to show how sometimes the Stanley Cup takes on a life of its own.
The Time It Went on a Boat Ride
In 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. One of the players, Patrick Kane, took the Cup on an unexpected adventure: a boat ride down the Chicago River. The Stanley Cup made its way from a boat on the river, and people along the shores cheered as the trophy sailed by. But what really made this moment weird was that Patrick Kane got the bright idea to take the Cup into a Chicago bar! He carried the Stanley Cup into the bar, where he was greeted with cheers and, of course, a lot of pictures.
The Cup’s Appearance at a Wedding
Another strange event happened in 1994, when the New York Rangers won the Stanley Cup. The Cup had its fair share of wild moments that year, but perhaps one of the most unusual was its appearance at a wedding. At a private ceremony, one of the Rangers brought the Stanley Cup as a guest of honor. Guests at the wedding posed for pictures with the Cup, even pouring champagne into it and drinking from it like it was part of the celebration. The Stanley Cup, a revered symbol of hockey greatness, has now taken part in weddings, birthdays, and celebrations of all kinds. It’s certainly a memorable way to bring people together, though perhaps a bit unexpected.
The Stanley Cup Gets a Ride on the Zamboni
In 2003, the New Jersey Devils won the Stanley Cup. During their celebrations, the Cup had a brief ride on a Zamboni, the ice resurfacing machine used in hockey rinks. The Zamboni ride became a major hit with fans, who loved seeing the trophy riding along on the ice. It’s a fun, quirky moment that made the Stanley Cup even more of a symbol of joy and celebration.
The Maple Leaf Cocktail: Perfect for a Stanley Cup Celebration
These wild moments with the Stanley Cup are part of what makes the trophy so special. The Stanley Cup is more than just a hockey prize; it’s a symbol of years of hard work, dedication, and passion. Its strange and funny moments only add to its legacy and show that the spirit of hockey is full of surprises.
If you’re looking to raise a glass to the Stanley Cup, there’s no better drink than the Maple Leaf cocktail. It’s a nod to the Canadian roots of the game and the spirited nature of hockey. Whether you’re reminiscing about bizarre Stanley Cup moments or celebrating the future, the Maple Leaf cocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy while reflecting on the rich history of the sport.
The Stanley Cup and Its Legacy
From drunken adventures to boat rides and weddings, the Stanley Cup has been a part of some of the most outrageous and fun moments in hockey history. As we sip on the Maple Leaf, we can’t help but appreciate the strange, funny, and unforgettable moments that make the Stanley Cup so iconic. Whether it’s passed around between players or getting a ride on a Zamboni, the Stanley Cup always seems to find itself in the middle of something unexpected. And that’s just one of the reasons we love it.
So, the next time you watch a game or enjoy a Maple Leaf cocktail, remember the funny, strange history of the Stanley Cup. Cheers to the game, the cup, and all the wild moments that come with it.
