The Stanley Cup, the oldest trophy in all professional American sports, celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. The National Hockey League unveiled two TV spots on Wednesday to commemorate “the most coveted trophy in sports.”
The two spots debuted March 1 during NHL programming in the U.S. and Canada.
In a spot titled “Imperfectly Perfect,” below, the Stanley Cup’s splendor and unique blemishes are illuminated in intimate visuals of the 3-foot, 35-pound trophy. The wear of its 125-year existence is found in and around the names that are “forever etched into this scuffed and scarred, yet still beautiful silver skin,” making its imperfections “a testament to time spent in the grasp of heroes.”
Another clip titled “If This Cup Could Talk,” below, explores the excitement the Stanley Cup inspires in both athletes and spectators. In the clip, pictures and video showcase players and teams reveling in their championship wins with the prestigious trophy. A voice over in the spot says, “If this Cup could talk, it would recall countless hearts it has touched, and all of the places it has been.”
Las Vegas-based creative agency R&R Partners developed both spots in collaboration with the NHL. The company also worked with the NHL on a long-form video piece featuring the Stanley Cup that will be released next week.
“As we commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup, we take a moment to recognize its significance in the NHL’s 100-year history,” said Brian Jennings, NHL chief brand officer and executive vice president in a statement. “The Stanley Cup continues to dutifully serve in its mission as a worldwide hockey ambassador and our symbol of excellence. This campaign celebrates the Stanley Cup’s continued impact in the growth of the game, on and off the ice.”
March 18 marks the 125th anniversary of the 1892 donation of the Stanley Cup® by Sir Frederick Arthur, Lord Stanley of Preston and son of the Earl of Derby, to be presented to “the championship hockey club of the Dominion of Canada.”
“Imperfectly Perfect” and “If This Cup Could Talk” will run across the media platforms of NBC, Rogers and the NHL, including NHL NetworkTM, NHL.com, in-arena, digital and social media.
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