The Walter Cup, the championship trophy for the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), has gone missing in transit, the league confirmed Friday. The trophy was expected to arrive in Lethbridge, Alberta, for a scheduled appearance with Montreal Victoire forward Dara Greig.
The PWHL issued a statement indicating the trophy "did not arrive as expected at its latest stop" and that the league is "working closely with the shipping company to locate it." Details regarding the specific circumstances of the disappearance or where the trophy was last seen have not been disclosed.
As a result of the trophy's delayed arrival, Greig's planned day with the cup, which included a public event at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena, was postponed.
Unlike some other professional sports leagues, the PWHL does not have a dedicated individual to accompany the trophy during its travels with players. The missing trophy is a version issued to the championship-winning team to keep, distinct from the one permanently housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
The Walter Cup, designed by Tiffany & Co., is made of sterling silver, weighs approximately 35 pounds (16 kilograms), and stands about 24 inches (61 centimeters) tall. It features engraved "W"s representing the league's six original franchises and a base designed to resemble a puck, where championship teams are etched.
Montreal Victoire secured the Walter Cup in May, defeating Ottawa in the finals to become the PWHL's first Canadian championship team. The trophy is named after PWHL founder and financier Mark Walter and his wife, Kimbra.