The 2026 Stanley Awards, a prestigious event honoring the best in club business and marketing achievements, have been announced, with the Anaheim Ducks emerging as the big winners. This year's ceremony, held in Denver, showcased the creativity and innovation of NHL teams, with the Ducks claiming two prestigious awards. The "Masks On" marketing campaign, a brilliant initiative to promote the club's brand, secured the Ducks' first win in this category. Additionally, the Ducks' Game Presentation Moment of the Year award recognized their exceptional execution of creative and entertaining elements during games. This marks the Ducks' third Stanley Award win, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the league.
Among the other winners, the San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators each claimed their first Stanley Awards. The Ottawa Senators' "When Rivalry Becomes Unity" initiative, based on the show "Heated Rivalry," raised funds for Ottawa Pride Hockey and promoted inclusion, making it a standout program. The Tampa Bay Lightning, a three-time Stanley Award winner, was honored as the Social Media Club of the Year for their outstanding social media presence and creativity. The Winnipeg Jets' "Apologetically Winnipeg: A Slurpee Story" sponsorship activation and the San Jose Sharks' "Holiday Fees on Us" ticketing initiative also received recognition.
The Buffalo Sabres' innovative "Buffalo Beer Sabre Sword" concession product and the Toronto Maple Leafs' "Fan Access" program were acknowledged for their contributions to venue business and strategy, analytics, and innovation. The event, hosted by Marc Moser and featuring notable presenters like Ryan Harris and Jeremy Bloom, attracted over 1,300 attendees, making it the most-attended Club Business Meetings ever. The Stanley Awards, now in their eighth year, have become a significant platform for NHL clubs to showcase their achievements and learn from each other's successes, fostering growth and excellence in the league.
