Lord Stanley of Preston played a huge role in the development of professional hockey and gave the game its most iconic trophy in 1892. More than a century and a quarter later, though, his family’s love for the game doesn’t appear to be as strong.
Edward Stanley, a 19-year-old economics and management student at England’s Oxford University and the great-great-great grandson of Stanley, recently revealed that he has never seen a full NHL game- an experience he claims he is saving for when he travels to Canada. Stanley admitted to The Star’s Dave Feschuk that he’s slightly embarrassed by the ironic fact.
The following is an excerpt from The Star
“I’ve watched clips (of the NHL). But slightly embarrassed that I’ve not been able to watch a game in full,” Stanley said. “But I’d love to go out and watch it in person, in Canada, when I do it for the first time, rather than having a cheap man’s TV session.”
Stanley played rugby during his high school days and even gave field hockey a try. He understands that similar to rugby, hockey is violent sport.
The following is an excerpt from The Star
“Ice hockey looks like a very violent sport, which I quite enjoy being a rugby player myself. I’ve had a lot of hematomas and broken thumbs. I’ve had a number of injuries to my neck and shoulder, ligaments and knees … I’m technically still vice-captain of my college rugby team, but I put my shoulder out again just after being appointed, so I haven’t managed to play yet.”
Stanley also claimed that he uses the holiday season to give skating a try, but isn’t exactly the greatest skater himself.
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The UK isn’t known as a hockey haven, but Stanley could have witnessed a game in his youth. In 2007, the NHL hosted a two-game series between the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks in London, England.
Bob Martin/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images
Another cross-seas game would present the perfect opportunity for Stanley to catch his first glimpse of live NHL action, but it’s pretty sad to think that a member of Lord Stanley’s ancestry has yet to catch even one contest yet. Let’s hope he makes the trip to Canada sooner than later.
(H/T The Star)
