The Stanley Cup is a championship trophy that is contested in the sport of ice hockey. It is awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion at the end of each season. The Stanley Cup has a long and storied history, dating back to 1893 when it was first awarded to the Montreal Hockey Club. Over the years, the Cup has become one of the most iconic and revered trophies in all of sports, and winning it is considered the ultimate achievement for any NHL team. Many great players and teams have etched their names into the Stanley Cup's history, and it remains a symbol of excellence in the sport of hockey.