NHL Introduces the “Stanley Pup” Competition to Raise Animal Adoption Awareness!

In a twist on the traditional Stanley Cup celebrations, a pack of puppies stole the show in the San Fernando Valley. These adorable canines were gathered to film the inaugural “Stanley Pup,” an event designed to promote animal adoption.

The concept is as charming as it is impactful: 16 dogs, each representing one of the teams that made it to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, competed playfully for a miniature version of the Stanley Cup. The event, produced by Michael Levitt, will air on NHL Network and ESPN+ in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada. Levitt, who views the combination of hockey and animal rescue as a perfect match, remarked on the natural affinity hockey players have for dogs and the cause of animal rescue.

“I’m really touched by the organic love and affection that hockey players have for dogs and helping rescue animals,” Levitt said. “It just felt like a really good marriage because the players are already invested in helping these animals.”

Howie Borrow, the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Cup chaperone, said, “The puppies were the big attraction today. If you’re a sports fan, and maybe even if you’re not, the Stanley Cup is something special. It was nice to see and have the two combined for a great cause.”

The show will feature special appearances by celebrity dog lovers like Kristin Chenoweth, Mickey Guyton, Miranda Lambert, and others. Akbar Gbajabiamila and Mark Shunock will provide commentary, with Alexa Landestoy reporting rinkside. NHL players, including Kyle Burroughs, Anton Forsberg, Nick Suzuki, MacKenzie Weegar, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Tom Wilson, will introduce adoptable dogs and Support local pet adoption. Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella will also make an appearance.

Though the puppies didn’t formally meet the Stanley Cup during the filming, Borrow has witnessed many delightful interactions between dogs and the trophy. NHL players often include their pets in their celebratory photos with the Cup, sometimes even filling the bowl with dog biscuits. The “Stanley Pup” aims to highlight the joy of rescuing animals and to encourage viewers to consider adopting from local shelters. Levitt emphasized the dual benefit of adoption, noting that it saves two dogs: the one brought home and the one that takes its place at the rescue.

For more information about the featured pups and adoption opportunities, visit PetcoLove.org/StanleyPup. Additional highlights and behind-the-scenes content from “Stanley Pup” can be found at NHL.com/StanleyPup.

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