Editing Coupe Balbuzard

The '''Coupe Balbuzard''' (English: ''Osprey Cup'') is a cup-stylem single-elimination professional ice hockey tournament held yearly by the [[Valorian Hockey Federation]]. It typically takes place sometime in July and August. 45 editions have been held since 1978.

All sixteen teams competing in the [[Valorian Hockey League|VHL]] participate in the Coupe Balbuzard. Owing to its tense single-elimination style and ability to produce underdog victors, the competition is among the most watched sports events in Valoria. Winning the Couple Balbuzard is also the final necessary step to completing the [[Double (VHF award)|Double]].

The [[Newfoundland Sailors]] are current champions, having won their ninth title by defeating the [[Acadia Rage]] 4 - 3 in the [[2023 Coupe Balbuzard Finals|2023 finals]].

== Format ==
Every VHL team also takes part in the Coupe Balbuzard, and all matchups are determined by random draw. The Round of 16 matchups are always drawn just a few days before the first match is scheduled, giving teams little time to study their opponents and strategize. The first match is typically held sometime in mid-to-late July, and the entire tournament lasts roughly two weeks.

== Difficulty ==
The Coupe Balbuzard differs from the regular VHL season in many ways, which makes the tournament distinct from all other domestic professional ice hockey competitions.

The short amount of time between matches allows teams little time to rest, as compared to the roughly-week-long breaks during the regular season. This, along with the little amount of time between matchup draws and the matches themselves, makes the Coupe Balbuzard far more fast-paced, and gives competing teams far less time to prepare themselves and strategize against their opponents.

The single-elimination style adds to the pressure of a Coupe Balbuzard match, as there are no second chances for teams. The winning side cannot lose a single game throughout the competition.

Because of these differences with the regular VHL season, the Coupe Balbuzard is far more unpredictable, and supports more upsets and underdog victories. These differences with the regular season and the playoffs, all of which a team must excel at, contribute to the rarity and prestige of the [[Double (VHF award)|Double]].

== Coupe Balbuzard winners by year ==

== Teams by Coupe Balbuzard wins ==

== Teams by Coupe Balbuzard finals appearances ==