The annual conference champion, Black Division, will be awarded the Philip E. Schroeder Memorial Trophy (Hap Cup). This completely wooden cup-style trophy was designed to honor Commissioner Tom Breunig's grandfather who passed away as the NCHL was forming. Philip got the nickname "Hap" from his co-workers at the Wisconsin Gas Company because we was alway happy and smiling. Hap introduced Tom and his brother, Dan, to the game of hockey by flooding his backyard to create the first ice sheet they would skate on. He also made them their first hockey sticks out of wood (symbolized by the cup supports on the trophy) and cut their first pucks out of tree limbs. Hap would also accompany Tom and Dan to their first UW Badger hockey games. Just as Hap taught Tom and Dan the value of determination and hard work, the Hap Cup will be awarded annually to the team that puts forth the determination and hard work to win the NCHL Championship.
The trophy was built by Tom, Dan, and Steve Breunig in Hap's workshop using wood that he had accumulated over the years. Tom and Steve completed all of the frabrication of the parts, and Dan and Tom finished the trophy varnishing and assembly. The large base of the trophy is made of oak, while the small base and cup supports are made of cherry. The trophy was only varnished as Philip was a true believer of letting a piece of wood's beauty naturally shine.
The Philip E. Schroeder Memorial Trophy is on loan to the NCHL indefinitely.
