Phil Pritchard, keeper of the Stanley Cup.

Phil Pritchard has the impressive title of Vice President and Curator of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. However, most people know him for his babysitting job.

For over 25 years, Pritchard has been the caretaker of the Stanley Cup. The Hockey Hall is the home of the Cup, but for over 200 days a year the trophy is circling the globe and Phil Pritchard is either serving as escort or managing those who are.

“I’ve been to Japan three times with it. We’ve been to Siberia,” Pritchard tells Steve Fast. “The game is growing worldwide. Everyone wants to play in the National Hockey League and win the Stanley Cup.”

The Stanley Cup was the star of Danvers Days on August 15 with an open photo opportunity. The number of fans lined up down Exchange Street awaiting their moment with the Cup rivaled the town’s population. This summer marked the third Cup visit to Danvers, due to Blackhawks Executive Vice President Jay Blunk, who again this year brought the trophy home to his family and shared the experience with the open viewing.

Given the fact that Lord Stanley’s trophy has been awarded to over 100 teams over the years, it is amazing that the Cup looks so good. That is in no small part due to the watchful eye of Pritchard and his crew over the last few decades.  The Cup may have a constant bodyguard but Pritchard says although the players have their share of fun, many look to share their day with Stanley for the greater good.

“They do the quiet stuff like taking it to sick kid’s hospital or taking it their sixth grade teacher,” Pritchard says. “It’s all very emotional and powerful.”

The Cup appearance in Danvers was paired with a donation push for the Delavan Tornado Relief Fund. A collection was held with the Cup photo opportunity and the Blackhawks donated signed memorabilia for a raffle.

Listen to the interview: Phil Pritchard on The Steve Fast Show

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