The names of Brad Aldrich and Basil Pocklington were notably removed or X'd out from the Stanley Cup due to different circumstances. These instances represent rare corrections made to the prestigious trophy's engravings.
Notable Removals from the Stanley Cup Engravings
The process of "removing" a name from the Stanley Cup typically involves striking it out with a series of "X" marks, making it unreadable but not physically erasing the engraving.
Brad Aldrich (2021)
In 2021, the name of Brad Aldrich, a former video coach for the Chicago Blackhawks, was removed from the Stanley Cup. His name was covered with Xs following revelations of illegal actions, specifically related to allegations of sexual assault. This unprecedented action marked a significant decision to dissociate the individual from the revered trophy.
Basil Pocklington (1983-84)
During the 1983-84 engraving for the Edmonton Oilers, the name of Basil Pocklington was X'd out. While the exact reason for his removal is not detailed, such instances typically occur when an individual's presence on the Cup is deemed inappropriate, often due to not meeting specific criteria for inclusion or being an error. Basil Pocklington was the father of then-Oilers owner Peter Pocklington.
Other Stanley Cup Engraving Peculiarities
While complete removals are rare, the Stanley Cup's engraving history includes other interesting corrections and peculiarities:
- Misspellings: The 1980-81 New York Islanders engraving famously contains a misspelling.
- Corrections: For the Chicago Blackhawks, KRIS VERTSEEG was later corrected to KRIS VERSTEEG. These types of corrections highlight the meticulous, yet sometimes fallible, nature of the engraving process.
Summary of Names Removed
To provide a clear overview, here's a summary of the names specifically "removed" or "X'd out" from the Stanley Cup based on available information:
| Name | Team | Year(s) of Removal | Method of Removal | Noted Reason (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Aldrich | Chicago Blackhawks | 2021 | Covered with Xs | Illegal actions |
| Basil Pocklington | 1983-84 Edmonton Oilers | 1983-84 | X'd out | (Reason not specified) |
