Lightning coach Jon Cooper shares strange story of Gretzky and the Stanley Cup

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Liam McCormick
August 2, 2024 (3:59 PM)

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In a recent interview, Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper recalled a somewhat strange aspect about a time when he was hanging out with Wayne Gretzky and the Stanley Cup.

Anyone within hockey has the utmost reverence for the Cup, and will not touch the Trophy until they actually win it. Gretzky is obviously a multi-time champion, but Jon Cooper said that Gretzky was still nervous to touch it.

There's nothing like it. You almost wish everyone could win it, just to have that experience. Like even Gretzky, who's won it four times, he was almost afraid to touch it.
- Lightning coach Jon Cooper

Cooper also explained the harsh realities of actually travelling with the Stanley Cup as a champion. He's constantly lifting the trophy for others who haven't won it, so much so that he started seeing some bruising and wondering if he had arthritis.

The pure respect for the Stanley Cup and all that it represents is still felt by even the undisputed great of the NHL, and it's incredible to hear. Hockey players as a whole are extremely superstitious, and the Great One is no different. Neither is this year's team, who shied away from touching the Clarence Campbell Bowl when they won the Western Conference.

These behind the scenes rituals, traditions, and superstitions in hockey are always great to learn about, and still it changes every year. Matthew Tkachuk has taken plenty of liberty with the Cup this year, showing a much different attitude than Gretzky's timid approach around it. Hopefully next year, the Oilers will make their way to the final again and bring the Cup back to Edmonton.

Source: MissinCurfew

Jon Cooper on spending a day with the Stanley Cup and Gretzky