Vegas Golden Knights Share the Glory of the Stanley Cup with the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Captain Harkin with Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Lord Stanley’s Cup traveled on the M/V Cape Henlopen from Cape May to Lewes, July 17, 2023, on the 4:30 departure. In 1995, a tradition began within the National Hockey League allowing the Stanley Cup-winning team the honor of having the trophy for the following year. During this year-long celebration, individual members of the team and their organization have 24 hours each to bring the Cup back to their “hometown.”
Katy Boettinger, Vegas member who brought the honor of the Stanley Cup on the ferry.
“They say the best part of the journey isn’t the destination. It’s the journey itself… [it’s] so very true when you’re on the Ferry… When the weather’s nice, you’re out on the deck and watching the dolphins, the ospreys, the waves.”
Katy Boettinger of the Vegas Golden Knights
Katy Boettinger, the Director of Hockey Administration for the Vegas Golden Knights, is a native Jersey Girl who wanted to share the glory with the Jersey Cape community. She contacted the Cape May-Lewes Ferry a week in advance to discuss the visit, logistics, and security.
The Cup was quietly brought on board with a security escort and Cup Handlers Walt Neubrand and Howie Barrow.
Once safely in the salon, a table was prepared, and the Cup was displayed for all to see. Passengers and crew lined up to take pictures with the enormous silver chalice. People were starstruck!
Gianni and Justin, two hockey fans from Syracuse headed to Rehoboth for vacation.
The response was incredible. The legendary trophy’s presence immediately transformed the salon’s energy and atmosphere. Passengers eagerly took photos with the trophy while expressing their gratitude for such a rare experience.
Laura and L’oreal from Maryland
How Did This Happen? The Cup on the Ferry?
If you’re wondering how Katy even thought of the Ferry, here’s a little background: She began her NHL career with the Washington Capitals before heading to Las Vegas. Her position in the NHL is remarkable, as Katy is one of fewer than 20 women named on the Stanley Cup.
As a Jersey girl, Katy knew she wanted to bring the Cup back home to the East Coast. She spent part of her day at The Ugly Mug in Cape May before boarding the ferry to visit her parents in Delaware. This was the first time the Cup has been on two ferry rides in one year—the first being to Martha’s Vineyard, where it stayed in its secure case.
While in transit, the Stanley Cup must stay within its secure case.
Thanks to Katy’s coordination with the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the DRBA Police Troop 2, the Cup was displayed during the sailing, allowing passengers to bask in the silver glow.
“Every crossing is a blessing, unforgettable. I couldn’t think of any better way to spend my day with the Cup than to share it with other passengers who, regardless of the team they follow, are taking part in the same journey.”
Katy Boettinger
Troop 2 DRBA police pictured with the Cup.
Fun and Interesting Facts About the Stanley Cup
- Only winners with their names engraved on the Cup can hoist it above their head or eat/drink from it.
- Babies have been baptized in the Cup. The first was Sylvain Lefebvre’s daughter after the 1996 Colorado Avalanche win.
- The NHL allows the winning team 100 off-season days with the Cup. The New Jersey Devils (1994–95) started the tradition of each player getting a day.
- There are over 2,000 names engraved. When a band becomes full, the oldest band is retired to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
- This is the closest the Cup has been to Philadelphia since 1975—officially.
- The youngest and oldest Cup winners: Larry Hillman (18) in 1955 and Chris Chelios (46) in 2008.
