Geography for Hockey Fans

This may seem out of season, talking about hockey in July and all, but the NHL has a tradition where the winning team of the oldest trophy in North American sports, the Stanley Cup spends a day with each member of the team. And they can take it anywhere in the world they want - most return to their home town, and pretty much do whatever they want. (The keepers of the cup accompany the trophy, keep it safe and shiny (never mind the dings and dents, they get those out), and move it from player to player).

This turns out to be an excellent geography assignment! So far the cup has toured parts of the US and Canada, and it will spend time overseas. (The NHL boasts lots of European players).

The NHL has established the Stanley Cup's own blog which is updated with the Cup's exploits. And while large quantities of champagne and beer have been consumed from the Cup, many of the players are husbands and fathers, so the day of celebration often involves eating cereal out of the cup for breakfast (and later on ice cream) with the kids and sweet family moments.

So a map of the US and Europe, and some stickers, along with the blog, and you have yourself a geography project as you track the Cup around the world! (If you have a AAA membership be sure to get your maps there for free!)

Plus, a lot of the players focus on sharing the cup with those who helped get them there, so you have some pretty inspiring stories too!

Hockey, the Cup, and geography - works for me!

(Plus the Cup has a very long and rich history - just think of all the homeschooling lessons this one trophy can help teach!)