The Stanley Cup Is Being Engraved With The Names Of The 2013 Blackhawks

By Chuck Sudo in News on Sep 24, 2013 7:15PM

The Stanley Cup, being used as a holder for a tray of shots. (Photo credit: Tony Maro)

After a summer where it was brought onstage to a Jimmy Buffet concert and at Riot Fest during Fall Out Boy’s set, the Stanley Cup is back in Canada having the names of the 2013 Chicago Blackhawks stamped into what space is left on its outer bands.

Louise St. Jacques has been the official Cup engraver for the past 24 years after taking over for her father-in-law. St. Jacques uses the same tools as her three predeccessors—a hammer and a series of metal shanks with raised lettering. St. Jacques told the Tribune’s Phillip Hersh in July she plans up to five days in advance to get the names of the defending Cup champions on the lower band. She removes the band from its foundation and punches the names into its silver surface, all by freehand. For St. Jacques, consistency is key to keeping the names straight and even.

"When I punch in the name, you do not want to punch too hard and you can't be too soft," she says. "I use a special hammer and you have to be consistent with the banging of your hammer. It is a controlled touch and it takes a lot of eye-hand co-ordination."

St. Jacques has 10 days to complete the process before turning the Stanley Cup back over to the NHL to give to the defending champions to display at their home opener.

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