Listen up, Generation Z—and all those flocking to TikTok. Imagine my surprise while facilitating a marketing lecture, when one of the student groups decided to conduct a market survey on the Stanley Cup—to evaluate whether the material is sustainable and if the colors are pleasing to the Gen X eye.

Wait a minute. The Stanley Cup? The coveted trophy that Canadians and Americans alike associate with the greatest game ever invented—hockey?

Apparently not.

It turns out that images of Stanley cups (note the lowercase “c”), now attached to backpacks and resembling oversized sippy cups, are flooding TikTok. These trendy tumblers have somehow gained street cred, signaling that their proud owners have serious buying power and an eye for what’s “in.”

But that’s not the Stanley Cup I know and grew up with.

I have fond memories of my father and his friends gathered around the television, beers in hand, a bowl of pretzels on the table. There was lots of shouting, some cursing over referee calls, and an electrifying sense of anticipation. It was all about hockey—and the big question in the air: Would Canada once again show the world (and the Americans) who truly dominates the sport?

This experience was a reminder of how different generations can interpret the same term—like “Stanley Cup”—in entirely different ways. For some, it’s a trendy water bottle; for others, it’s the holy grail of hockey. And let’s be clear: the only thing ever meant to be drunk out of a Stanley Cup is champagne—just ask Sidney Crosby.

When working cross-generationally, it’s important to approach these differences with curiosity rather than judgment. By bridging generational perspectives, we gain richer insights, spark more creative ideas, and build more inclusive, dynamic teams—whether we’re marketing a product or simply trying to understand what’s trending on TikTok.

this image was generated by AI