2024 marked a historic year in Stanley Cup history, as Miragh Bitove became the first female Keeper of the Cup. She joined the group that takes care of hockey’s most famous trophy.

Bitove plays an important role in hockey’s biggest moments. She helps look after the Stanley Cup during championship celebrations and hometown visits. She also travels with the trophy to different arenas, cities, and events.

Wearing the Hockey Hall of Fame’s famous blazer and white gloves, Miragh Bitove works with longtime Keeper of the Cup Phil Pritchard and other staff. Her appointment is not only a personal achievement but also an important step for representation in a traditional sport role.

Her journey took more than 20 years. Bitove joined the Hockey Hall of Fame as an intern in 2003 and became a full-time archivist in 2005.

She worked behind the scenes to preserve hockey history and participated in events that brought her closer to the Stanley Cup.

Speaking to Esquire, Bitove reflected on the emotional aspect of her job.

“An average day for the Cup on the road is creating a lot of smiles,” she stated. “Any day in your life you can make people happy, that’s a good thing.”

Her connection to hockey goes back many years. Her great-uncle was Ted Kennedy, a Toronto Maple Leafs legend who won five Stanley Cups. This family link first made her interested in hockey history and shaped her career in the sport.

From Hall of Fame Archivist to Stanley Cup History-Maker

Before officially becoming a Keeper of the Cup, Bitove had already spent years traveling with the Stanley Cup for NHL events like the NHL Draft and NHL Awards. Her experience with the trophy and its busy travel schedule made her a strong fit for the role.

The Stanley Cup travels almost 300 days each year, including about 100 days in the offseason when the winning team gets time with it. Bitove works as part of that rotation, taking on one of the most unique jobs in sports.

Speaking about her responsibilities, Miragh Bitove said that constant travel is a big part of the role.

"It is early mornings and late nights, flights and hotels. Before we get to any event, our event has started,” she explained.

Her promotion came at a time when leadership in the Cup Keeper group is changing. Phil Pritchard, who has held the role since 1988, said that Bitove will play an important role in the group's future.

“She's gonna take over my job,” he stated. “She's the right person to do that. She has the personality to talk with fans, family, with Stanley Cup champions.”

From art galleries and internships to becoming an Associate Curator at the Hockey Hall of Fame, Miragh Bitove's journey to looking after the Stanley Cup is nothing short of inspiring.

What are your thoughts? How important is Bitove’s appointment for women seeking leadership opportunities in hockey?

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul