NHL Sets First-Ever ‘Stanley Pup’ To Celebrate The 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Football has the Puppy Bowl, and now hockey has the Stanley Pup.

The NHL has set the first-ever Stanley Pup to celebrate the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Partnering with the nonprofit organization Petco Love, the friendly competition will feature adoptable rescue dogs.

All 32 NHL teams will be represented by a four-legged friend, many of whom will be available for adoption from a shelter or rescue group in their respective city.

During the hour-long special, 16 pups representing the teams that qualified for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs will face off in a friendly competition showcasing their adorable canine skills.  

Kristin Chenoweth, Mickey Guyton and Miranda Lambert are set to make an appearance during the one-hour special. Play-by-play commentary will be provided by Akbar Gbajabiamila and Mark Shunock with Alexa Landestoy reporting rinkside.

“At the NHL, we love supporting great causes and the opportunity to produce a program that finds homes for rescue dogs is so fulfilling,” said NHL Chief Content Officer Steve Mayer. “The show promises to be great fun and we can’t wait for our participating puppies Nathan McKibble, Joe Pawvelski, Alexander O-fetch-kin and many more hit our Stanley Pup rink.”

Creator and producer Michael Levitt said, “The cuteness overload is going to be off the charts! I can’t wait to show viewers how special rescue dogs are and how profoundly they enhance our lives when we welcome them into our families.”

The Stanley Pup will air on Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m. ET on NHL Network and ESPN+.