Each year the NHL team winning the Western Conference playoffs receives the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl — it’s been the NHL Western Conference trophy since 1967-68, although due to expansion, realignment and other factors, the award criteria have changed somewhat over the years. And though the award is relatively new to the NHL, the trophy itself was made way back in 1878 by a master British silversmith.
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl — History
In 1967, the NHL added six teams to its Original Six, which was the largest expansion ever in any major professional sport. The new teams were the California Seals, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues. At this time, the West Division was created along with the East Division. From that point, the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl was awarded as follows:
- From 1967-68 to 1973-74, it was awarded to the team with the best regular-season record in the West Division.
- From 1974-75 to 1980-81, it was awarded to the team with the best regular-season record in the Campbell Conference (new name of the West Division).
- From 1981-82 to 1992-93, it was awarded to the playoff champions of the Campbell Conference.
- Since 1993-94, it has been awarded to the Western Conference playoff champions (the new name of the Campbell Conference).
The NHL Western Conference trophy is named for Clarence Sutherland Campbell, who was president of the NHL from 1946 to 1977. During his tenure, league expansion reached historic levels, as earlier noted. Campbell, who passed away in 1984, rose from the ranks to become a lieutenant colonel in the Canadian Army during World War II.
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl — Trivia
- It’s a superstition in the NHL that the winners of the Campbell Bowl do not hoist it in victory, for fear of jinxing themselves for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The same superstition holds for the Eastern Conference Wales Trophy.
- The Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers each have won the NHL Western Conference trophy seven times. Right on the heels of their skates with six trophies each are the Detroit Red Wings and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl — Complete List of Winners
- 2018: Vegas Golden Knights
- 2017: Nashville Predators
- 2016: San Jose Sharks
- 2015: Chicago Blackhawks
- 2014: Los Angeles Kings
- 2013: Chicago Blackhawks
- 2012: Los Angeles Kings
- 2011: Vancouver Canucks
- 2010: Chicago Blackhawks
- 2009: Detroit Red Wings
- 2008: Detroit Red Wings
- 2007: Anaheim Ducks
- 2006: Edmonton Oilers
- 2004: Calgary Flames
- 2003: Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
- 2002: Detroit Red Wings
- 2001: Colorado Avalanche
- 2000: Dallas Stars
- 1999: Dallas Stars
- 1998: Detroit Red Wings
- 1997: Detroit Red Wings
- 1996: Colorado Avalanche
- 1995: Detroit Red Wings
- 1994: Vancouver Canucks
- 1993: Los Angeles Kings
- 1992: Chicago Blackhawks
- 1991: Minnesota North Stars
- 1990: Edmonton Oilers
- 1989: Calgary Flames
- 1988: Edmonton Oilers
- 1987: Edmonton Oilers
- 1986: Calgary Flames
- 1985: Edmonton Oilers
- 1984: Edmonton Oilers
- 1983: Edmonton Oilers
- 1982: Vancouver Canucks
- 1981: New York Islanders
- 1980: Philadelphia Flyers
- 1979: New York Islanders
- 1978: New York Islanders
- 1977: Philadelphia Flyers
- 1976: Philadelphia Flyers
- 1975: Philadelphia Flyers
- 1974: Philadelphia Flyers
- 1973: Chicago Blackhawks
- 1972: Chicago Blackhawks
- 1971: Chicago Blackhawks
- 1970: St. Louis Blues
- 1969: St. Louis Blues
- 1968: Philadelphia Flyers