The recently launched Professional Women’s Hockey League has announced the name of the coveted trophy that the six competing teams will be vying for once the playoffs kick off next month. The league revealed that the trophy will be named the Walter Cup, in honor of the league’s primary financial supporter, Mark Walter, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his family. Tennis legend Billy Jean King, a member of the PWHL advisory board, proposed the name of the trophy. King had collaborated with Walter to bring the league to life, following Walter’s acquisition of the rival Premier Hockey Federation. Walter’s substantial financial commitment of hundreds of millions of dollars has been instrumental in the launch of the league, which commenced play on January 1st.
Billy Jean King aptly summarized the significance of the Walter Cup, calling it a “monumental milestone in women’s hockey and for all women’s sports.” She highlighted the historic dedication demonstrated by Mark and Kimbra Walter in realizing the dreams of PWHL players, present, and future. The Walter Cup symbolizes more than just a trophy – it symbolizes a commitment to advancing women’s sports and creating opportunities for female athletes to showcase their talents on a professional platform.
The unveiling of the Walter Cup featured a detailed description of the trophy’s design, crafted by none other than Tiffany & Co. The cup, made of sterling silver, is held aloft by two hockey sticks and mounted on a removable base, where the name of the championship team for each year will be engraved. The cup bears six engraved “Ws” on its side to represent the league’s inaugural teams, along with rays of light signifying a new dawn in women’s hockey. Standing at 24 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and weighing 35 pounds, the trophy exudes a sense of prestige and honor. Mark Walter, speaking on behalf of his family, expressed his hopes that the trophy would inspire young players everywhere to dream of championship victories in the PWHL.
The PWHL is currently on a three-week hiatus to allow players to participate in the women’s world championships in Utica, New York, featuring teams from ten nations. With five games remaining for each team, the regular season is scheduled to conclude on May 5th. The upcoming playoffs will see the top four teams competing in best-of-three semifinal and final rounds, culminating in the championship game for the coveted Walter Cup.
The Walter Cup joins a lineage of championship trophies in women’s hockey, following in the footsteps of the Isobel Cup and the Clarkson Cup. The Isobel Cup, previously awarded by the PHF, honored Lady Isobel Gathorne-Hardy, one of the earliest known women to participate in hockey. The Clarkson Cup, instituted by former Canadian Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, was contested in the former Canadian Women’s Hockey League, which ceased operations in 2019. The introduction of the Walter Cup adds another chapter to the rich history of women’s hockey and underscores the growing presence and significance of women’s sports on a global stage.
The Walter Cup represents not only a prestigious award for the champion of the PWHL but also a symbol of empowerment, progress, and equality in the realm of women’s sports. As the league continues to grow and flourish, the Walter Cup will serve as a testament to the dedication, skill, and determination of female athletes who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of hockey.
Leave a Reply