1893    Former Governor General Lord Stanley pledges to donate a silver challenge cup, later named after him, as an award for the best hockey team in Canada; originally presented to amateur champions, the Stanley Cup has been awarded to the top pro team since 1910, and since 1926, only to National Hockey League teams.

1894    The first playoff game for the Stanley Cup starts.

1994    The New York Rangers defeat the Vancouver Canucks to win their first Stanley Cup Championship in 54 years.