Which Canadian governor general donated the original Stanley Cup?

The Canadian governor general who donated the original Stanley Cup was Lord Stanley of Preston.

Born Frederick Stanley, he was appointed Canada’s sixth governor general in 1888 and served until 1893. After watching hockey in Montreal, Stanley and his sons became enthusiastic supporters of the growing sport. In 1892, he announced that he would provide a challenge cup for Canada’s top hockey team.

Stanley purchased a silver bowl in London and had it engraved “Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup” and “From Stanley of Preston.” The first trophy was presented in 1893 to the Montreal Hockey Club, then champions of the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada.

The other options were also Canadian governor generals or prominent British figures, but they donated different trophies or were associated with other honors. Lord Aberdeen followed Stanley in the office; Earl Grey donated the Grey Cup; Lord Byng of Vimy served later and did not donate the Stanley Cup.