The Prestigious Walter Cup in PWHL
The Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has officially announced that the coveted Walter Cup will be presented to the team that emerges victorious in the league’s championship at the conclusion of the season.
The Walter Cup is named in honor of the Walter family, whose foundational support was instrumental in the establishment and growth of the PWHL. Notably, Mark Walter, a part-owner of Chelsea FC and the Los Angeles Dodgers, has played a pivotal role in the league’s development.
It was PWHL board member Billie Jean King who proposed the name “Walter Cup” for the prestigious trophy. In a statement, King expressed her sentiments, stating that “The Walter Cup is the greatest prize a PWHL team can win and the finest gift the players can give their fans.” She emphasized that this trophy symbolizes a significant milestone for women’s hockey and sports in general, highlighting the remarkable dedication of Mark and Kimbra Walter to supporting the current and future players of the PWHL.
Renowned luxury jeweler Tiffany, known for crafting iconic sports trophies since the 1870s, will be responsible for designing the Walter Cup. Tiffany’s portfolio includes designing trophies for prestigious sporting events such as the NFL’s Vince Lombardi Trophy, MLB’s Commissioner’s Trophy, the NBA’s Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, the U.S. Open’s singles and doubles championship trophies, and MLS’ Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.
Mark Walter, speaking on behalf of his family, expressed immense pride in the establishment of the Walter Cup, remarking that “It is a tremendous achievement to become the best team in the world’s best women’s hockey league.” He hopes that this trophy will serve as a source of inspiration for young players everywhere, fueling their aspirations of championship success in the future.
As the PWHL regular season draws to a close on May 5, the top four teams in the standings will advance to the playoffs. The playoff format will consist of semifinals and a championship final, both contested as best-of-five series, adding an extra layer of excitement and competition to determine the ultimate winner of the Walter Cup.
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