11/05/24
May 12, 2004
When Trophies Go Bad.: The Stanley Cup is, bar none, the best professional sports trophy. However hockey will now have to take credit for this abomination. The damn thing looks like a toy. Seriously I thought this was a joke. Via ColbyCosh.com
You guys are looking at it all wrong. You put your weed in it.
posted by rcade at 02:16 PM on May 12, 2004
So they'll be playing for the World Vase? Oy.
posted by alex_reno at 02:25 PM on May 12, 2004
....or macguyver into a binger.
posted by garfield at 02:49 PM on May 12, 2004
I kind of like that World Cup trophy, actually. Though I wonder if you can serve poutine out of it. Anyway, this is still the best trophy of all time.
posted by molafson at 03:10 PM on May 12, 2004
"I would like them to accept it as a trophy for this match and that it was seriously conceived for its purpose and that they don't dismiss it as some kind of trivial thing that doesn't look like the Stanley Cup," he said. "It is the same issue that I am involved with in all my work. People, when they see the models in the beginning, when they are not involved, they think it is a little weird, but when they experience it physically they realize there is something to it. Over time, I have had success with that and I hope the same thing happens here."I could see it being kind of fun to pick up and hold over your head. Also, filling it with champagne would probably create a champagne-waterfall effect for free.
posted by Succa at 03:22 PM on May 12, 2004
If it doesn't work out, they can sell the design to Pier 1 Imports. I'd buy two to bookend my couch.
posted by usfbull at 03:25 PM on May 12, 2004
Lots better than the ass-ugly soccer world cup trophy. Really, looks less offensive than anything Gehry has done in ages :)
posted by tieguy at 03:26 PM on May 12, 2004
Dear Mr. Gehry, You don't design trophies, we won't design buildings. Deal? Yours, the Canadian World Ice Hockey Champions
posted by kokaku at 03:57 PM on May 12, 2004
Most trophies look ridiculous. Exceptions include the World Cup one, the Stanley cup and anything that has to do with bowling.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 10:47 PM on May 12, 2004
hey, with Gehry at least it didn't end up being asymetrical and made of titanium sheeting. (and this is a perfect place to recall my column 10 Reasons why the Stanley Cup just plain kicks ass)
posted by gspm at 01:19 AM on May 13, 2004
The World Cup of ice hockey is a joke. By definition, it should be organised by the international body, under international rules. Oh yeah, we already have such a tournament - the World Championship. The trophy sucks as well.
posted by salmacis at 02:52 AM on May 13, 2004
I say the more international hockey tournaments, the better. I can't wait for next year's Spengler Cup. I kinda like it, actually. Unlike other trophies, it could have a practical use. It looks like it'd be very adept at holding the players' rolls of tape in the dressing room. Or maybe a stick bin. Lots of possibilities!
posted by DrJohnEvans at 09:36 AM on May 13, 2004
posted by Succa at 10:03 AM on May 13, 2004
I'm going to agree with salmacis when I say that the World Cup is really nothing more than a marketing tool for the NHL. It would be really nice if the NHL could finish a couple months earlier (or perhaps the World Championships could be played a little later) to allow ALL of the worlds best players to compete. I think that would really give the tournament a lot more credibility in North America anyway. The fact of the matter is the World Cup is the only tournament that can boast all of the worlds best players. What about the Olympics you say? Don't even get me started about NHL players at the Olympics. Weren't the Olympics supposed to be about amateur athletes or something? After seeing multiple images of the new World Cup I still think it's awful. I just not sure a modern type sculpture was really the way to go for a hockey trophy.
posted by camcanuck at 11:10 AM on May 13, 2004
The World Cup and its predecessor the Canada Cup, were venues for some of the greatest hockey ever played. Hockey needs a showcase for it's best players, with some time for them to practice together. The IIHF World Championship is never going to be that. I give them credit for trying something different. The world doesn't need another inferior imitation of the Stanley Cup. I think that trophy will look better on video and in person than it does in photos, with the way the plastic will refract light. At least it's an improvement on the last World Cup trophy. That thing was hideous.
posted by Steve-o at 02:05 PM on May 13, 2004
I agree - the World Cup is essentially the Canada Cup reprised. Not more than 8 years ago - it was the only showcase for the top NHL talent to play for their countries (outside of the World Championships, but the playoffs are on). Its pedegree is the '72 series and that should lend a little credibility. Though it has certainly lost lustre since Nagano (and hasn't been played for a while).
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 12:57 AM on May 14, 2004
Another shot of it here. Yeech. I think the bit underneath the urethane shield could have had potential. I'll hand it to Gehry for bucking the trend but holly poop, is that ugly.