This Day In Hockey History

This Day In Hockey History - October

This day in hockey history, October 2nd 1948, Donald Harold Luce was born in London Ontario. Don played three years of junior hockey for the Kitchener Rangers where he led the OHA in assists with 70 in 1967-68. After turning pro he played on the Rangers farm team the Omaha Knights that won the CHL regular season and playoff titles in 1969-70. Luce was named to CHL All-Star First Team.

In spite of two strong seasons in the CHL (1968-69 22 goals and 56 points in 72 games and 1969-70 with 22 goals and 57 points in 64 games), Luce appeared in only 21 NHL games during that time as the Rangers were a strong team and deep at center with Jean Rattelle, Walt Tkaczuk, Juha Widing and Orland Kurtenbach in an era where team employed only three regular forward lines.

On November 2nd 1970 the Rangers traded Don to the Detroit Red Wings for Steve Andrascik.

While with Detroit, Luce assisted on Gordie Howe’s last goal before he retired from the Red Wings. Then on May 15th 1971, Don was traded to the Buffalo Sabres along with defenseman Mike Robitaille for goaltender Joe Daley.

Luce blossomed in Buffalo where he developed into one of the best two way players of the 1970’s. Don won the Buffalo Sabres' Unsung Hero Trophy and Wilkinson Sword Award as team's Most Improved Player in 1971-72. He recorded the first playoff assist in Buffalo Sabres history on April 4, 1973, at Montreal. He was the inaugural winner of the Buffalo Sabres' Charley Barton Silver Stick Award for dedication and spirit in 1972-73.

Don was named an alternate captain during 1973-74 season and wore the "A" through the 1975-75 season. He won the Wilkinson Sword Award as the Buffalo Sabres MVP in 1973-74. He set a Buffalo Sabres team record for the fastest three goals by one player with three goals in span of 3:49 on Dec. 22, 1974, at Washington. He set a Buffalo record (since tied) for the most shorthanded goals in a game with two on Dec. 22, 1974, at Washington.

Luce was voted the Bill Masterson Trophy winner for the 1974-75 season which is awarded to the NHL player annually who best demonstrates the qualities of perseverance, leadership and dedication to the sport of hockey

Don represented Buffalo in 1975 NHL All-Star Game. He set Sabres single season records for shorthanded goals (8) and highest plus-minus rating (plus-61) in 1974-75. The eight shorthanded goals were also an NHL record (since broken), breaking Dave Keon's previous mark of seven. He scored the first postseason shorthanded goal in Buffalo Sabres history on May 3, 1975, at Montreal and played on Buffalo team that went to 1975 Stanley Cup Finals. H e scored the series winning goal at 14:27 of overtime as Buffalo eliminated St. Louis from the first round of the 1976 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Luce was traded by new Sabres GM/coach Scotty Bowman to the Los Angeles Kings March 10th 1981 for a 1982 sixth round draft pick which he used to draft Jeff Parker 111th overall. He left Buffalo ranked third behind Gil Perreault and Craig Ramsay for most games as Sabre with 766. The Kings later traded Don to Toronto where he finished his career.

Don was named as the head coach of the Pine Bridge Bucks in the ACHL prior to 1983-84 season. He was a pro scout for Buffalo for the 1984-85 season and also served as a part time assistant coach for the Sabres that season. He was an assistant coach for Buffalo for parts of 1985-86 and 1986-87 seasons.

Luce was named the director of U.S. Scouting for the Sabres prior to 1985-86 season and remained in position through 1986-87 season. He was named Buffalo’s Director of Amateur Evaluation and Development prior to 1987-88 season and remained in that position through 1989-90 season. Played key role in helping to get Alexander Mogilny out of USSR and into NHL in 1989.

He was then named Buffalo’s Director of Player Personnel prior to 1990-91 season and remained in that position through 2004-05 season. His work was recognized when The Hockey News ranked team's prospects No. 2 in NHL for 1997. He was named Buffalo Director of Player Development prior to 2005-06 season and remained in that position through 2005-06 season. Luce left the Sabres in July 2006, when the team let him go and cut much of its scouting department. Luce had been responsible for bringing in the likes of Alexander Mogilny, Maxim Afinogenov, Martin Biron, Brian Campbell, and Jason Pominville.

Luce was named the Director of Player development for the Philadelphia Flyers in late November 2006. He was a pro scout for the Flyers starting in the 2012-13 season and joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in that same capacity on September 20th 2015. He is now retired from hockey

Don Luce played 894 career NHL games, scoring 225 goals and 329 assists for 554 points. His best statistical season was the 1974-75 when he set career highs with 33 goals and 76 points.

Don was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame in 1986 and into the Greater Buffalo Sports hall of Fame in 1997.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy Birthday to Glenn Hall, born on this day in hockey history, October 3rd 1931. Glenn earner the nickname “Mr. Goalie” over his 21 year career. He developed the innovative Butterfly Style of goaltending is credited with incorporating the butterfly style of goaltending which was revolutionary in its day where goaltenders played a stand up style primarily because keeping their head above the crossbar protected their faces better. As a result goalies would leave a wide open “Five Hole” between their legs and tended to let in some easy shots along the ice. Tony Esposito further popularized this style in the 1970’s and today most goalies use a modernized butterfly style in a golden era of great goaltenders (But boring hockey).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This day in hockey history, October 3rd,1989, Darryl Sittler, Vladislav Tretiak and Herbie Lewis were inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with "builders" Alan Eagleson and Father David Bauer.

This day in hockey history, October 3rd 1953 ,Wally Hergesheimer of the New York Rangers scored twice within 5:25 of the opening faceoff to set an all star record game for the fastest two goals from the start of a game, as the all stars beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Montreal Canadiens 3-1. Hergesheimer went on to score a career best 30 goals and 59 points that season.

Happy Birthday to Glenn Hall, born on this day in hockey history, October 3rd 1931. Glenn earner the nickname “Mr. Goalie” over his 21 year career. He developed the innovative Butterfly Style of goaltending is credited with incorporating the butterfly style of goaltending which was revolutionary in its day where goaltenders played a stand up style primarily because keeping their head above the crossbar protected their faces better. As a result goalies would leave a wide open “Five Hole” between their legs and tended to let in some easy shots along the ice. Tony Esposito further popularized this style in the 1970’s and today most goalies use a modernized butterfly style in a golden era of great goaltenders (But boring hockey).

Happy Birthday to “Gentleman” Jean Ratelle, born on this day in hockey history, October 3rd 1940. Over his 21 season career with the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins he averaged almost a point a game. Combining a high level of playing ability with great sportsmanship, he twice won the Lady Byng Trophy.

His greatest success came with the linemates Rod Gilbert and Vic Hadfield to form the GAG line (Goal A Game). He was the annual scoring leader for the Rangers from 1968 and 1973 when the team was a powerhouse and ranked among the best teams in the NHL.

Ratelle’s greatest season was 1971-72 when he led the league’s scorers with 109 points and certainly would have beaten the legendary Phil Esposito for the scoring tittle when he was injured and missed the final 15 games of the season.

At that time only three players had ever scored more than the 109 points in Ratelle’s injury shortend season including Esposito, Bobby Orr and Johnny Bucyk. Ratelle was voted the winner of the Lester Pearson Trophy as the best player in the league as chosen by the NHL players.

In one of the most shocking trades in NHL history, November 1975, Ratelle was traded along with Brad Park and Joe Zanussi to the Rangers hated arch rivals the Boston Bruins for Phil Esposito and Carol Vadnais. Ratelle Ratelle had started the year relatively slowly going 5-10-15 in 13 games for the blueshirts (1.15 PPG) but picked up the pace with the Bruins with 31 goals and 90 points in 67 games (1.34 PPG). And finished with 105 points, the second best total of his career. He continued his excellent play with the B’s for several more years as the Boston fans marveled at his all around game, slick passing and mastery of the face off circle until he retired in 1981.

Ratelle played twenty one seasons in the NHL scoring 491 goals and adding 776 assists for 1,267 points. ranking him as the sixth all time leading scorer when he retired.. While he never played on a team that won the Stanley Cup championship, he was a member of the 1972 Team Canada squad that defeated the Soviet Union He earned his reputation as a gentlemanly player, finishing in the top-five for the Lady Byng Trophy awarded for sportsmanship and excellence nine times, including a stretch between the 1970 and 1978 seasons where he was in the top three six times and won the trophy twice.

Ratelle was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985. In 2009, Ratelle was ranked No. 7 on the all-time list of New York Rangers in the book 100 Ranger Greats. The Rangers plan to retire Ratelle's No. 19 jersey on February 25, 2018.

This day in hockey history, October 3rd,1959, Jean Beliveau scored two goals, and teammate Doug Harvey added three assists, as the Canadiens beat the All Stars 6-1 at the 13th NHL All Star game, in Montreal.

This day in hockey history, October 3rd 1934 , the Montreal Canadiens traded Howie Morenz, Marty Burke and Lorne Chabot to the Chicago Black Hawks in exchange for Lionel Conacher, Roger Jenkins and Leroy Goldsworthy. Goldsworthy was the first American born player to skate for the Red Wings.

On May 15, 1926, the Townsend syndicate of investors was granted a conditional expansion NHL franchise, to begin play in the upcoming season if their arena was ready. For players, the syndicate decided to purchase one of the most successful teams from the bankrupt Western Canada Hockey League, the Victoria Cougars, who had won the Stanley Cup in 1925. On September 25, 1926, the NHL made the franchise purchase permanent, although the arena was not ready.The expansion club kept the Cougars name. The club played in Windsor for the entire season.

On this day in hockey history, October 4th 1926, the Townsend Syndicate, owners of the new Detroit Cougars franchise who would begin NHL play in a month, purchased the Victoria Cougars team from the defunct Western Hockey League for $100,000 because they needed players for their NHL team The Victoria players made up nearly half of the Detroit squad which played it’s first season across the river from Detroit in Windsor, Ontario because the Olympia was not yet ready in Detroit. The Detroit team would be known as the Falcons in 1930 before changing their name to the Red Wings in 1932.

This day in hockey history, October 4th 1934, Connie Madigan was born in Port Arthur, Ontario. Madigan is remembered as the oldest rookie in NHL history at age 38 with the St. Louis Blues. He had been a long time player in the minor leagues primarily for the Portland Buckaroos of the Western Hockey League. Madigan played in 20 games for the Blues during the 1972-73 season and had three assists. He appeared in the movie Slap Shot as “Mad Dog” Madigan,

This day in hockey history, October 4th 1991, the San Jose Sharks lost 4-3 to the Vancouver Canucks in their their first NHL game. Jeff Hackett was besiged with 52 shots and Crag Coxe a native of Chula Vista California, scored the first goal in Sharks history. The sharks lost 58 games that season finishing with a 17-58-5 record. The next year was even worse with an 11-71-2 record. But their teal jersey was the NHL’s best seller.

This day in hockey history October 4th 1991, the Edmonton Oilers traded Mark Messier to the New York Rangers for Bernie Nicholls, Steven Rice, and Louie DeBrusk. Messier had been the Oilers captain and a member of five Stanley Cup championship teams with Edmonton. Messier would be named the Captain of the Rangers lead them the Cup championship in 1994.

This day in hockey history October 4th 2001, the Detroit Red Wings won 4-3 in OT at San Jose against the Sharks with Brendan Shanahan scoring a hat trick for the second time in his career. On a related note, the Hockey News reported that Shanahan holds the unofficial NHL record for most modern day career Gordie Howe hat tricks, with 17.

This day in hockey history, October 2^nd 1948, Donald Harold Luce was born in London Ontario. Don played three years of junior hockey for the Kitchener Rangers where he led the OHA in assists with 70 in 1967-68. After turning pro he played on the Rangers farm team the Omaha Knights that won the CHL regular season and playoff titles in 1969-70. Luce was named to CHL All-Star First Team.

In spite of two strong seasons in the CHL (1968-69 22 goals and 56 points in 72 games and 1969-70 with 22 goals and 57 points in 64 games), Luce appeared in only 21 NHL games during that time as the Rangers were a strong team and deep at center with Jean Rattelle, Walt Tkaczuk, Juha Widing and Orland Kurtenbach in an era where team employed only three regular forward lines.

On November 2^nd 1970 the Rangers traded Don to the Detroit Red Wings for Steve Andrascik.

While with Detroit, Luce assisted on Gordie Howe’s last goal before he retired from the Red Wings. Then on May 15^th 1971, Don was traded to the Buffalo Sabres along with defenseman Mike Robitaille for goaltender Joe Daley.

Luce blossomed in Buffalo where he developed into one of the best two way players of the 1970’s. Don won the Buffalo Sabres' Unsung Hero Trophy and Wilkinson Sword Award as team's Most Improved Player in 1971-72. He recorded the first playoff assist in Buffalo Sabres history on April 4, 1973, at Montreal. He was the inaugural winner of the Buffalo Sabres' Charley Barton Silver Stick Award for dedication and spirit in 1972-73.

Don was named an alternate captain during 1973-74 season and wore the "A" through the 1975-75 season. He won the Wilkinson Sword Award as the Buffalo Sabres MVP in 1973-74. He set a Buffalo Sabres team record for the fastest three goals by one player with three goals in span of 3:49 on Dec. 22, 1974, at Washington. He set a Buffalo record (since tied) for the most shorthanded goals in a game with two on Dec. 22, 1974, at Washington.

Luce was voted the Bill Masterson Trophy winner for the 1974-75 season which is awarded to the NHL player annually who best demonstrates the qualities of perseverance, leadership and dedication to the sport of hockey

Don represented Buffalo in 1975 NHL All-Star Game. He set Sabres single season records for shorthanded goals (8) and highest plus-minus rating (plus-61) in 1974-75. The eight shorthanded goals were also an NHL record (since broken), breaking Dave Keon's previous mark of seven. He scored the first postseason shorthanded goal in Buffalo Sabres history on May 3, 1975, at Montreal and played on Buffalo team that went to 1975 Stanley Cup Finals. H e scored the series winning goal at 14:27 of overtime as Buffalo eliminated St. Louis from the first round of the 1976 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Luce was traded by new Sabres GM/coach Scotty Bowman to the Los Angeles Kings March 10^th 1981 for a 1982 sixth round draft pick which he used to draft Jeff Parker 111^th overall. He left Buffalo ranked third behind Gil Perreault and Craig Ramsay for most games as Sabre with 766. The Kings later traded Don to Toronto where he finished his career.

Don was named as the head coach of the Pine Bridge Bucks in the ACHL prior to 1983-84 season. He was a pro scout for Buffalo for the 1984-85 season and also served as a part time assistant coach for the Sabres that season. He was an assistant coach for Buffalo for parts of 1985-86 and 1986-87 seasons.

Luce was named the director of U.S. Scouting for the Sabres prior to 1985-86 season and remained in position through 1986-87 season. He was named Buffalo’s Director of Amateur Evaluation and Development prior to 1987-88 season and remained in that position through 1989-90 season. Played key role in helping to get Alexander Mogilny out of USSR and into NHL in 1989.

He was then named Buffalo’s Director of Player Personnel prior to 1990-91 season and remained in that position through 2004-05 season. His work was recognized when The Hockey News ranked team's prospects No. 2 in NHL for 1997. He was named Buffalo Director of Player Development prior to 2005-06 season and remained in that position through 2005-06 season. Luce left the Sabres in July 2006, when the team let him go and cut much of its scouting department. Luce had been responsible for bringing in the likes of Alexander Mogilny, Maxim Afinogenov, Martin Biron, Brian Campbell, and Jason Pominville.

Luce was named the Director of Player development for the Philadelphia Flyers in late November 2006. He was a pro scout for the Flyers starting in the 2012-13 season and joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in that same capacity on September 20^th 2015. He is now retired from hockey

Don Luce played 894 career NHL games, scoring 225 goals and 329 assists for 554 points. His best statistical season was the 1974-75 when he set career highs with 33 goals and 76 points.

Don was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame in 1986 and into the Greater Buffalo Sports hall of Famein 1997.

Happy Birthday to Glenn Hall, born on this day in hockey history, October 3rd 1931. Glenn earner the nickname “Mr. Goalie” over his 21 year career. He developed the innovative Butterfly Style of goaltending is credited with incorporating the butterfly style of goaltending which was revolutionary in its day where goaltenders played a stand up style primarily because keeping their head above the crossbar protected their faces better. As a result goalies would leave a wide open “Five Hole” between their legs and tended to let in some easy shots along the ice. Tony Esposito further popularized this style in the 1970’s and today most goalies use a modernized butterfly style in a golden era of great goaltenders (But boring hockey).

This day in hockey history, October 3rd,1989, Darryl Sittler, Vladislav Tretiak and Herbie Lewis were inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with "builders" Alan Eagleson and Father David Bauer.

This day in hockey history, October 3rd 1953 ,Wally Hergesheimer of the New York Rangers scored twice within 5:25 of the opening faceoff to set an all star record game for the fastest two goals from the start of a game, as the all stars beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Montreal Canadiens 3-1. Hergesheimer went on to score a career best 30 goals and 59 points that season.

Happy Birthday to “Gentleman” Jean Ratelle, born on this day in hockey history, October 3rd 1940. Over his 21 season career with the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins he averaged almost a point a game. Combining a high level of playing ability with great sportsmanship, he twice won the Lady Byng Trophy.

His greatest success came with the linemates Rod Gilbert and Vic Hadfield to form the GAG line (Goal A Game). He was the annual scoring leader for the Rangers from 1968 and 1973 when the team was a powerhouse and ranked among the best teams in the NHL.

Ratelle’s greatest season was 1971-72 when he led the league’s scorers with 109 points and certainly would have beaten the legendary Phil Esposito for the scoring tittle when he was injured and missed the final 15 games of the season.

At that time only three players had ever scored more than the 109 points in Ratelle’s injury shortend season including Esposito, Bobby Orr and Johnny Bucyk. Ratelle was voted the winner of the Lester Pearson Trophy as the best player in the league as chosen by the NHL players.

In one of the most shocking trades in NHL history, November 1975, Ratelle was traded along with Brad Park and Joe Zanussi to the Rangers hated arch rivals the Boston Bruins for Phil Esposito and Carol Vadnais. Ratelle Ratelle had started the year relatively slowly going 5-10-15 in 13 games for the blueshirts (1.15 PPG) but picked up the pace with the Bruins with 31 goals and 90 points in 67 games (1.34 PPG). And finished with 105 points, the second best total of his career. He continued his excellent play with the B’s for several more years as the Boston fans marveled at his all around game, slick passing and mastery of the face off circle until he retired in 1981.

Ratelle played twenty one seasons in the NHL scoring 491 goals and adding 776 assists for 1,267 points. ranking him as the sixth all time leading scorer when he retired.. While he never played on a team that won the Stanley Cup championship, he was a member of the 1972 Team Canada squad that defeated the Soviet Union He earned his reputation as a gentlemanly player, finishing in the top-five for the Lady Byng Trophy awarded for sportsmanship and excellence nine times, including a stretch between the 1970 and 1978 seasons where he was in the top three six times and won the trophy twice.

Ratelle was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985. In 2009, Ratelle was ranked No. 7 on the all-time list of New York Rangers in the book 100 Ranger Greats. The Rangers plan to retire Ratelle's No. 19 jersey on February 25, 2018.

This day in hockey history, October 3rd,1959, Jean Beliveau scored two goals, and teammate Doug Harvey added three assists, as the Canadiens beat the All Stars 6-1 at the 13th NHL All Star game, in Montreal.

This day in hockey history, October 3rd 1934 , the Montreal Canadiens traded Howie Morenz, Marty Burke and Lorne Chabot to the Chicago Black Hawks in exchange for Lionel Conacher, Roger Jenkins and Leroy Goldsworthy. Goldsworthy was the first American born player to skate for the Red Wings.

On May 15, 1926, the Townsend syndicate of investors was granted a conditional expansion NHL franchise, to begin play in the upcoming season if their arena was ready. For players, the syndicate decided to purchase one of the most successful teams from the bankrupt Western Canada Hockey League, the Victoria Cougars, who had won the Stanley Cup in 1925. On September 25, 1926, the NHL made the franchise purchase permanent, although the arena was not ready.The expansion club kept the Cougars name. The club played in Windsor for the entire season.

On this day in hockey history, October 4th 1926, the Townsend Syndicate, owners of the new Detroit Cougars franchise who would begin NHL play in a month, purchased the Victoria Cougars team from the defunct Western Hockey League for $100,000 because they needed players for their NHL team The Victoria players made up nearly half of the Detroit squad which played it’s first season across the river from Detroit in Windsor, Ontario because the Olympia was not yet ready in Detroit. The Detroit team would be known as the Falcons in 1930 before changing their name to the Red Wings in 1932.

This day in hockey history, October 4^th 1934, Connie Madigan was born in Port Arthur, Ontario. Madigan is remembered as the oldest rookie in NHL history at age 38 with the St. Louis Blues. He had been a long time player in the minor leagues primarily for the Portland Buckaroos of the Western Hockey League. Madigan played in 20 games for the Blues during the 1972-73 season and had three assists. He appeared in the movie Slap Shot as “Mad Dog” Madigan,

This day in hockey history, October 4th 1991, the San Jose Sharks lost 4-3 to the Vancouver Canucks in their their first NHL game. Jeff Hackett was besiged with 52 shots and Crag Coxe a native of Chula Vista California, scored the first goal in Sharks history. The sharks lost 58 games that season finishing with a 17-58-5 record. The next year was even worse with an 11-71-2 record. But their teal jersey was the NHL’s best seller.

This day in hockey history October 4th 1991, the Edmonton Oilers traded Mark Messier to the New York Rangers for Bernie Nicholls, Steven Rice, and Louie DeBrusk. Messier had been the Oilers captain and a member of five Stanley Cup championship teams with Edmonton. Messier would be named the Captain of the Rangers lead them the Cup championship in 1994.

This day in hockey history October 4^th 2001, the Detroit Red Wings won 4-3 in OT at San Jose against the Sharks with Brendan Shanahan scoring a hat trick for the second time in his career. On a related note, the Hockey News reported that Shanahan holds the unofficial NHL record for most modern day career Gordie Howe hat tricks, with 17.

On this day in hockey history, October 5^th 1932, the Detroit Falcons are renamed the Red Wings. The team logo is changed to a winged wheel and red uniforms are introduced. It's the third name for the franchise, known as the Detroit Cougars from 1926-30 and the Detroit Falcons from 1930-32.

On this day in hockey history, October 5^th 1976, the Colorado Rockies made their debut in Denver and defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 with rookie forward Larry Skinner scoring the first goal. The franchise had just transferred from Kansas City where they played from 1974-1976 and had been known as the Scouts. The franchise would relocate again in 1982, to New Jersey where on October 4^th 1982 the New Jersey Devils would play their first NHL game, a 3-3 tie with the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins.

On this day in hockey history, October 5^th1983, Wayne Gretzky scored a goal and added an assist as the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4 at the Northlands Coliseum. Thus began Gretzky’s famous record 51 game scoring streak where he had at least one point in every Oilers game until January 28^th 1984.

On this day in hockey history, October 5^th1983, rookie Steve Yzerman scored his first career NHL goal as the Detroit Red Wings' tied the Jets 6-6 in Winnipeg. He finished his career with 692 goals, 1,063 assists and 1,755 points in 1, 514 games. And four Stanley Cup championships.

On this day in hockey history, October 5^th1983, Marcel Dionne scored his 545^th goal during a 3-3 tie against the Minnesota North Stars at the Forum in Inglewood. With that goal he passes Maurice Richard into fifth place on the NHL’s all time goal scoring list.

On this day in hockey history, October 5^th 1990, Kevin Stevens sets an NHL record for most points in a season-opening game when he scores twice and added four assists for six points in the Pittsburgh Penguins 7-4 victory against the Capitals in Washington.

On this day in hockey history, October 5^th 1993: Neal Broten scored twice and Andy Moog makes 31 saves as the Dallas Stars playing in their first game since relocating from Minnesota defeated the Detroit Red Wings 6-4 at Reunion Arena.

This day in New York Rangers, October 5th 1991, Mark Messier played in his first game as a New York Ranger as the blueshirts defeated the Boston Bruins, 2-1, in overtime at Boston Garden. Rookie Sergei Nemchinov scores his first NHL goal for the overtime winner.

On this day in hockey history, October 5^th 2005, Alexander Ovechkin made his NHL debut for the Washington Capitals scoring twice in a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Verizon Center.

Ovechkin had been the No. 1 pick in the 2004 NHL entry draft. The goals are the first two of 52 rookie goals by Ovechkin as he won the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. He was also named to the first all star team for the first of three consecutive seasons.

This day in hockey history, October 6^th, 1955 - Toe Blake made his NHL coaching debut as the Montreal Canadiens beat Toronto 2-0. Jacques Plante got his 11th career shutout.

This day in hockey history, October 6^th 1984, the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Washington Capitals 4-1 at the Spectrum with Mike Keenan picking up his first NHL coaching victory.

This day in hockey history, October 6^th 1992, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers played to a 3-3- tie at the Igloo with Mario Lemieux scoring to begin a team record 12 game goal scoring streak. Flyers rookie Eric Lindros also scored his first NHL goal.

This day in hockey history, October 6^th 1996 , Tony Granato, in his second game back from a career-threatening brain surgery in February '96, scored his 6th career hat trick, his first with San Jose, and added an assist in the Sharks' 7-6 overtime win, at Los Angeles.

This day in hockey history, October 6^th 1955, the Detroit Red Wings lost 3-2 to the Chicago Blackhawks as Detroit goaltender Glenn Hall began an NHL record of 502 consecutive complete games played. He started every game and played all 60 minutes during that streak. The streak ended seven years later when Hall was the goaltender for the Blackhawks.

This day in hockey history, October 6^th 1976, the Minnesota North Stars lost 6-5 to the New York Rangers in spite of rookie Roland Eriksson tieing an NHL rookie record with four assists in his first NHL game. The mark had been set in 1953 by Earl “Dutch” Reibel of the Detroit Red Wings.

This day in hockey history, October 6^th1989, the New York Rangers defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-1 with Roger Nielson behind the bench making him the first man in history to coach five different NHL teams. Exactly four years later (1993), he’d become the first man to coach six different teams, when his Florida Panthers tied the Blackhawks 4-4 at Chicago in the Panthers first regular season game.

On this day in hockey history, October 7th 1901, Frank Boucher was born in Ottawa, Ontario.

Although later Rangers such as Gilbert and Mark Messier have been more honored by recent fans, Boucher's status as the star of two Ranger Stanley Cup championship teams and the coach of another makes him, except perhaps for team builder Lester Patrick, as the greatest Ranger of them all.

Boucher played for the Rangers until he retired in 1937–38 and Boucher centered the famous Bread Line with the brothers Bill and Bun Cook. Together they helped the Rangers win the Stanley Cup in 1928 and 1933, also reaching the Finals in 1932.

Frank was not only a brilliant forward, but was also one of the game's classies players. Lady Byng, wife of Viscount Byng, the Governor-General of Canada, donated a trophy to be awarded to the NHL's "most gentlemanly player." While playing for the New York Rangers, Boucher won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy 7 times in 8 years. He was then given the trophy outright, and Lady Byng donated another trophy to the NHL.

The Rangers hired him to coach the New York Rovers, a minor-league team that also played at Madison Square Garden, as his apprenticeship to coaching the Rangers. When general manager Lester Patrick made the decision to retire from coaching prior to the 1939–40 season, he hired Boucher, who led his Ranger club to the last Stanley Cup. The franchise would be in existence for 68 seasons before they won a Cup without Boucher being directly involved.

After finishing first in the NHL's regular season in 1942, the Rangers lost in the playoffs to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Soon they became victims of the military draft of World War II and went into a steep decline. In 1943–44 NHL season the New York Rangers were so bad that Boucher came out of retirement for 15 games to play where he recorded 14 points; at age 42, he was the oldest position player ever to play in the NHL, a record he held until surpassed by Doug Harvey in 1968. The Rangers finished the 50 game season with only 6 wins. From 1940 to 1972 they reached the Stanley Cup Finals only once.

When Patrick retired, Frank took over as general manager. He got the Rangers into the playoffs in 1947–48 with his trade to get Buddy O'Connor and Frank Eddolls. He stepped down from coaching to concentrate on his manager's job and hired Lynn Patrick, Lester's son and an ex-teammate, to coach the Rangers, and Lynn came very close to winning the Stanley Cup in 1950, proving Boucher astute in hiring him as coach. But the Rangers were an aging team, and eroded. Lynn Patrick resigned to go to Boston, and neither Neil Colville nor Bill Cook, also former teammates of Boucher's, could get the Rangers into the playoffs. General John Kilpatrick, the Rangers' owner, thought about replacing Boucher, but he held off.

During the 1945–46 season, Boucher became the first coach to use two goalies regularly. Alternating Charlie Rayner and Jim Henry every game, and later, every four to six minutes, he proved the usefulness of having two goalies.

Frank went back behind the bench in 1953–54, but could not get the Rangers into the playoffs. He then hired Muzz Patrick, another son of Lester and ex-teammate, to coach the team, but the Rangers won only 17 games and missed the playoffs again. So General Kilpatrick had a talk with Frank and reluctantly expressed that Frank could not build the Rangers into a winner, and recommended Frank resign as general manager. Frank thought it over, realizing that it was better than being fired. He then typed his resignation and handed it in to the General, ending his 29-year association with the Rangers.

He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1958. In 1998, he was ranked number 61 on The Hockey News' list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players. His uniform number 7 hangs in the rafters of Madison Square Garden, although it was retired for a later Ranger, Rod Gilbert.

In 1974, Boucher wrote When the Rangers Were Young, a book about his experiences with the old-time Broadway Blueshirts, giving him one last moment of fame during his lifetime. He died of cancer on December 12, 1977 in the town of Kemptville, Ontario, near Ottawa at the age of 76. In 2009, Boucher was ranked No. 9 on the all-time list of New York Rangers in the book 100 Ranger Greats.

On this day in hockey history, October 7th 1991, Mark Messier was introduced as the 22nd captain in Rangers history in a pre game ceremony prior to the Blueshirts’ home opener. Messier would set up Mike Gartner’s game-winning goal in a 2-1 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 7^th2001, In the Rangers’ first regular season game in New York after the 9/11 tragedy, Brian Leetch scores the overtime winner in a 5-4 Rangers victory over the Buffalo Sabres at MSG. Also, Mike Richter becomes the first Rangers goaltender to appear in 600 games.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in hockey history, October 7th 1954, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1, extending their opening-night unbeaten streak to 15 games (14-0-1).

----------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in hockey history, October 7th 1955, New York Rangers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 7-4 as rookie Andy Hebenton played his first career game, the first of 630 consecutive games, an NHL record at the time.

On this day in hockey history, October 7th 1983, the Minnesota North Stars scored four power play goals and the Vancouver Canucks scored six in a 10-9 win by Vancouver.

On this day in hockey history, October 7th 1986, 21 year old Steve Yzerman was named the youngest captain in Detroit Red Wings history and the teams 34^thcaptain. He would remain captain of the Red Wings for 19 seasons.

On this day in hockey history, October 7th 1996, the Phoenix Coyotes defeated the Boston Bruins 5-2 with Mike Gartner scoring the first goal in Coyotes history in the first NHL game played in Arizona. He added two more to also score the first hat trick in team history.

On this day in hockey history, October 7^th2001, the first hockey game since the 9/11 tragedy was played in New York City, as the Rangers beat the Sabres 5-4 in overtime. Newly acquired Eric Lindros scored his first goal as a Ranger and added an assist. Both teams jerseys featured the words "New York" diagonally on the front replacing their usual logos to show solidarity and support for the people of New York.

On this day in hockey history, October 7th 2000, the Toronto Maple Leafs shutout the Montreal Canadiens 2-0 in the season opener at the Air Canada Center in Toronto. As at the end of the 2006-07 season, the Leafs and Canadiens have played each other a total of 766 times in the regular season, more than any other two teams in NHL history. The Habs lead with 355 wins 285 losses 88 ties and 8 OT losses. In the playoffs the Habs have won seven series and the Leafs six but have not met in the postseason since 1979.

On this day in hockey history, October 7^th1995 , the Montreal Canadiens retired jersey #1 worn by goaltender Jacques Plante three decades earlier, as the Canadiens lost 7-1 in their season opener to the Flyers, at the Forum.
Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 7^th1995 , Cam Neely became the first player in NHL history to get an opening night hat trick twice in his career.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 7^th1972, Nassau Veterans County Coliseum opened in New York, but the Islanders lost their first NHL game, 3-2 to the Atlanta Flames. Eddie Westfall scored the Isles' first goal. Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 7^th1976, Bobby Orr played his first game with the Chicago Black Hawks. He scored a goal and added an assist, as the Black Hawks won 6-4 at St. Louis.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 7^th1990, Penguins rookie Jaromir Jagr scored the first goal of his NHL career in his second NHL game as Pittsburgh won 7-4 over the Devils. Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 10^th1974, the Buffalo Sabresdefeated the Boston Bruins 9-5 at the Aud in Buffalo with rookie right wing Danny Gare opening the scoring with his first NHL goal, only 18 seconds into his first NHL game, the second fastest NHL goal ever scored by a rookie. The record is 15 seconds, set by Gus Bodnar in 1943.

---------------------------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, October 10^th1979, Wayne Gretzky earned his first NHL point assisting on a goal by Kevin Lowe as the Edmonton Oilers playing their first game as an NHL team lost 4-2 to the Blackhawks at the venerable Chicago Stadium.

------------------------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, October 10^th1979, the Quebec Nordiques lost 5-3 to the Atlanta Flames with Real Cloutier scoring three times becoming the second player in NHL history to score a hat trick in his first career game.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, October 10^th1989, the Calgary Flames won 4-2 at the Meadowlands against New Jersey. What made the game historic was that with the Cold War era drawing to a close, four Soviet players faced each other for the first time in an NHL game; Viacheslav Fetisov and Sergei Starikov of the New Jersey Devils went up against Calgary’s Sergei Makarov and Sergei Priakin. Sergei, Sergei, Sergei. And Slava.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, October 10^th1979, the Winnipeg Jets lost 4-2 at the Igloo against the Penguins with Gary Smith of the Jets becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to play for seven different NHL teams.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, October 10^th1987, the Hartford Whalers lost 6-2 to the New York Rangers as Doug Jarvis played in his NHL record 964^th consecutive game. Jarvis’s streak ended that night as he sat out the next game with an injury, and never played another NHL game.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, October 11^th 1924, the NHL sold franchises to the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Maroons for $15,000. The Montreal Canadiens received $11,000 of the Maroons fees as compensation for their infringement of their territorial rights in Montreal. The Bruins were the first NHL franchise in the United States. The first managers of these teams also left their mark on the NHL with trophies named after them; Boston’s manager was Art Ross and Montreal’s was Cecil Hart.

This day in hockey history, October 11^th 1952, the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 in Montreal. This was the first hockey game ever televised by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

This day in hockey history, October 11^th 1953 , the Detroit Redwings whitewashed the Toronto Maple leafs 3-0 with Dave Gatherum earning the shutout in his first NHL game. He was the seventh goalie to accomplish that feat. He only played two more NHL games allowing only three goals in his three game career, winning two games with one tie and sporting a 1.00 GAA. He had filled in while Terry Sawchuck was injured and never got another chance to play in the NHL. He was number three on the Red Wings depth cart behind Sawchcuk and Glenn Hall, both future Hall Of Famers. That’s just how tough it was to make it in the six team league with only six jobs and each goalie playing the entire schedule.

This day in hockey history, October 11^th 1967, the Minnesota North Stars and St. Louis Blues tied 2-2 in the first NHL game for each team. Larry Keenan scored the first Blues goal and Bill Masterton scored the first ever goal by the North Stars.

This day in hockey history, October 11^th 1984, rookie Mario Lemieux scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game, in his first NHL shift, and on his first shot, Pittsburgh rookie Mario Lemieux scored his first NHL goal. And added an assist as the Pittsburgh Penguins lost 4-3 to the Boston Bruins.

This day in hockey history, October 11^th1979, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Washington Capitals 6-3 with Lindy Ruff scoring his first NHL goal and Scotty Bowman behind the bench coaching his first game for the Sabres.

This day in hockey history, October 11^th1930, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired two time Stanley Cup winner (1923, 1927)King Clancy from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Art Smith, Eric Pettinger and $35,000 ($500,000 in 2017 dollars). With the Leafs, Clancy was a four time all star, first team in 1931 and 1934 and 2nd team 1932 and 1933. He won a third Stanley Cup championship with Toronto in 1933.

This day in hockey history, October 11^th1973, Kate Smith made her first live appearance at the Spectrum, and the Flyers won 2-0 over Toronto.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 11^th1967, two former Toronto Maple Leafs opened the scoring for the expansion California Seals as Kent Douglas scored the first goal in Seals history assisted by Bobby Baun, the Seals' first captain. Kent Douglas had won the Calder trophy as rookie of the year with the Leafs in 1963.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in Toronto Maple Leafs history, October 11^th2007, Leafs captain Mats Sundin scored his 39^th goal of the season in the third period of an 8-1 victory against the New York Islanders. He passed Darryl Sittler and became the teams all time leading scorer with his 390th goal and 917th point as a Leaf in his 912^th game. Sundin finished his career with 1346 game played scoring 564 goals 785 assists and 1349 points with only 373 PIM. As a Leaf he finished with 981 games played scoring 420 goals and 567 assists for 987 points with only 273 PIM.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 12^th1940, the Buffalo Bisons of the American Hockey League opened their hockey season in Buffalo’s brand new Memorial Auditorium which opened its doors to hockey for the first time. The team had previously played at the Broadway Arena which is now a municipal garage for the cities snowplowsas well as at the Ft. Erie Arena in Ft. Erie Ontario.

This day in hockey history, October 12^th1963, Jacques Plante returned to the Montreal Forum for the first time as a member of the New York Rangers. The fans were happy to see him back in the Forum and cheered him. But they were also probably happy that Plante lost the game 6-2.

This day in hockey history, October 12^th1972, the New York Islanders defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 for their first victory in team history with Germain Gagnon scoring the game winner ed with just 69 seconds remaining. Rookie Billy Harris scored two goals. The win evened their record at 1-1. They finish the season 12-60-6.

This day in hockey history, October 12^th1976, New York Rangers' Don Murdoch scored five goals to tie the NHL record for most goals in a game by a rookie, in a 10-4 win over the Minnesota North Stars. The five goals tied the mark set in 1944 by Toronto's Howie Meeker.

This day in New York Rangers history, October 12^th1978, Ulf Nilsson and Anders Hedberg played in their first NHL game as the New York Rangers' tied the Philadelphia Flyers 3-3 at Madison Square Garden.

This day in hockey history, October 12th 1980, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2 at the Spectrum with Wilf Paiment scoringthe 100,000 goal in NHL historyinto the empty net to clinch the victory.

This day in hockey history, October 12th 1988, the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-2 with Greg Adams scoring a hat trick and adding an assist. The win ended an 0-24-3 (27 game) winless streak by the ‘Nucks against the Oilers.

This day in hockey history, October 12th 1988, the Chicago Blackhawks knocked off the Winnipeg Jets 10-1. Denis Savard scored two shorties to tie a club record and added three helpers, and Rick Vaive had his 13th career hat trick and an assist.

This day in hockey history, October 12th 1992, the Vancouver Canucks beat the Winnipeg Jets 8-1. Pavel Bure had four goals including a pair of shorties for his first NHL hat trick and added an assist.

This day in hockey history, October 12th 1996, Dale Hunter scored a goal in a 4-3 Washington Capitals loss to the Los Angeles Kings to become the first player in NHL history to score 300 goals and have 3,000 penalty minutes in his career.

On November 2^nd 1970 the Rangers traded Don to the Detroit Red Wings for Steve Andrascik.

Don Luce played 894 career NHL games, scoring 225 goals and 329 assists for 554 points. His best statistical season was the 1974-75 when he set career highs with 33 goals and 76 points.

Don was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame in 1986 and into the Greater Buffalo Sports hall of Famein 1997.

This day in hockey history, October 3rd,1989, Darryl Sittler, Vladislav Tretiak and Herbie Lewis were inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with "builders" Alan Eagleson and Father David Bauer.

On this day in hockey history, October 5^th 2005, Alexander Ovechkin made his NHL debut for the Washington Capitals scoring twice in a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Verizon Center.

This day in hockey history, October 6^th, 1955 - Toe Blake made his NHL coaching debut as the Montreal Canadiens beat Toronto 2-0. Jacques Plante got his 11th career shutout.

On this day in hockey history, October 7th 1901, Frank Boucher was born in Ottawa, Ontario.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 7th 1954, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1, extending their opening-night unbeaten streak to 15 games (14-0-1).

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 7th 1983, the Minnesota North Stars scored four power play goals and the Vancouver Canucks scored six in a 10-9 win by Vancouver.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 7th 1986, 21 year old Steve Yzerman was named the youngest captain in Detroit Red Wings history and the teams 34^thcaptain. He’d would remain captain for 19 seasons.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 7^th1995 , Cam Neely became the first player in NHL history to get an opening night hat trick twice in his career.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 7^th1990, Penguins rookie Jaromir Jagr scored the first goal of his NHL career in his second NHL game as Pittsburgh won 7-4 over the Devils.

This day in hockey history, October 8th 1983, the New York Islanders defeated the Washington Capiatls 8-7 in overtime. Bob Nystrom had two goals and an assist in the third period and Bob Bourne scored the NHL's first regular season overtime goal since 1942.

This day in hockey history, October 9th 1970, the Vancouver Canucks lost to the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 in front of a crowd of 15,062 in their first NHL game.

This day in hockey history, October 9th 1974, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Kansas City Scouts 6-2 at Maple Leaf Gardens with Dave Keon scoring a goal and two assists to become the first player in franchise history to score 350 goals.

This day in hockey history, October 9th 1980, Mark Howe scored two shorthanded goals to become the first NHL defenseman with two shorties in one game. Howe finished the game with his first NHL hat trick but Hartford lost to the St. Louis Blues 8-6.

This day in hockey history, October 9th 1978, the Boston Bruins traded goaltender Ron Grahame to the Los Angeles Kings for the Kings 1979 first round draft choice. Grahame played only 66 games for LA over the next three season winning just 22 with a 4.25 GAA. The Bruins used the pick eight months later to select Ray Bourque. This was one of the great trade heists in NHL history.

The Kings also traded away draft picks for veteran players at the end of their careers suc as when they acquired Rick Martin and Jerry Korab from Buffalo in exchange for draft choices which the Sabres used to select Phil Housley and Tom Barasso. Ooops again.

Graham's son John was an NHL goaltender who played on the 2004 Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Ron's wife
Charlotte and son John are the only mother/son combination to have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup. Charlotte was a member of the Colorado Avalanche executive management team during their 2001 Stanley Cup season.

This day in hockey history, October 9th 1981, the Winnipeg Jets defeated the visiting New York Rangers 8-3 with rookie Dale Hawerchuk scoring his first NHL goal 54 seconds into the first period and adding another goal and two assists for a four point game.

This day in hockey history, October 9th 1996, the Detroit Red Wings traded Keith Primeau and Paul Coffey along with a 1997 first round draft pick (#22-Nikos Tselios) to the Hartford Whalers for Brendan Shanahan and Brian Glynn. Shanahan played with the Wings for nine seasons scoring 309 goals in 716 games and winning three Stanley Cup championships.

Shanahan holds the unofficial record for most “Gordie Howe Hat Tricks”, a goal, an assist and a fight in same game, with 17 which is 15 more than “Mr. Hockey” had himself.

This day in hockey history, October 10^th 1974, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Boston Bruins 9-5 at the Aud in Buffalo with rookie right wing Danny Gare opening the scoring with his first NHL goal, only 18 seconds into his first NHL game, the second fastest NHL goal ever scored by a rookie. The record is 15 seconds, set by Gus Bodnar in 1943.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 10^th 1989, the Calgary Flames won 4-2 at the Meadowlands against New Jersey. What made the game historic was that with the Cold War era drawing to a close, four Soviet players faced each other for the first time in an NHL game; Viacheslav Fetisov and Sergei Starikov of the New Jersey Devils went up against Calgary’s Sergei Makarov and Sergei Priakin. Sergei, Sergei, Sergei. And Slava.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 10^th 1979, the Winnipeg Jets lost 4-2 at the Igloo against the Penguins with Gary Smith of the Jets becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to play for seven different NHL teams.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 10^th 1987, the Hartford Whalers lost 6-2 to the New York Rangers as Doug Jarvis played in his NHL record 964^th consecutive game. Jarvis’s streak ended that night as he sat out the next game with an injury, and never played another NHL game.

This day in hockey history, October 9th 1952, the Montreal Canadiens lost 3-2 to the Chicago Blackhawks in the season opener at the Forum with Montreal's legendary announcer Danny Gallivan calling his first NHL game on radio.

This day in hockey history, October 11th 1953 , the Detroit Red Wings whitewashed the Toronto Maple leafs 3-0 with Dave Gatherum earning the shutout in his first NHL game. He was the seventh goalie to accomplish that feat. He only played two more NHL games allowing only three goals in his three game career, winning two games with one tie and sporting a 1.00 GAA. He had filled in while Terry Sawchuck was injured and never got another chance to play in the NHL.

He was number three on the Red Wings depth cart behind Sawchcuk and Glenn Hall, both future Hall Of Famers. That’s just how tough it was to make it in the six team league with only six jobs and each goalie playing the entire schedule. The players appreciated his effort so much that they all signed his stick and insisted his name be engraved on the Stanley Cup.

This day in hockey history, October 11^th 1979, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Washington Capitals 6-3 with Lindy Ruff scoring his first NHL goal and Scotty Bowman behind the bench coaching his first game for the Sabres.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 11^th 1930, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired two time Stanley Cup winner (1923, 1927) King Clancy from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Art Smith, Eric Pettinger and $35,000 ($500,000 in 2017 dollars). With the Leafs, Clancy was a four time all star, first team in 1931 and 1934 and 2nd team 1932 and 1933. He won a third Stanley Cup championship with Toronto in 1933.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 11^th 1973, Kate Smith made her first live appearance at the Spectrum, and the Flyers won 2-0 over Toronto.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in Toronto Maple Leafs history, October 11^th 2007, Leafs captain Mats Sundin scored his 39^th goal of the season in the third period of an 8-1 victory against the New York Islanders. He passed Darryl Sittler and became the teams all time leading scorer with his 390th goal and 917th point as a Leaf in his 912^th game. Sundin finished his career with 1346 game played scoring 564 goals 785 assists and 1349 points with only 373 PIM. As a Leaf he finished with 981 games played scoring 420 goals and 567 assists for 987 points with only 273 PIM.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 11th 1967, the Philadelphia Flyers played the first game in franchise history losing 3-1 to the California Seals.

Visit vintagehockeyjserseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 12^th1940, the Buffalo Bisons of the American Hockey League opened their hockey season in Buffalo’s brand new Memorial Auditorium which opened its doors to hockey for the first time. The team had previously played at the Broadway Arena which is now a municipal garage for the cities snowplows as well as at the Ft. Erie Arena in Ft. Erie Ontario.

This day in hockey history, October 12^th1963, Jacques Plante returned to the Montreal Forum for the first time as a member of the New York Rangers. The fans were happy to see him back in the Forum and cheered him. But they were also probably happy that Plante lost the game 6-2.

This day in hockey history, October 12^th1972, the New York Islanders defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 for their first victory in team history with Germain Gagnon scoring the game winner with just 69 seconds remaining. Rookie Billy Harris scored two goals. The win evened their record at 1-1. They finished the season 12-60-6.

This day in hockey history, October 12^th1976, New York Rangers' Don Murdoch scored five goals to tie the NHL record for most goals in a game by a rookie, in a 10-4 win over the Minnesota North Stars. The five goals tied the mark set in 1944 by Toronto's Howie Meeker.

This day in New York Rangers history, October 12^th1978, Ulf Nilsson and Anders Hedberg played in their first NHL game as the New York Rangers' tied the Philadelphia Flyers 3-3 at Madison Square Garden.

This day in hockey history, October 12th 1980, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2 at the Spectrum with Wilf Paiment scoring the 100,000 goal in NHL history into the empty net to clinch the victory.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 12th 1952, Ted "Teeder" Kennedy got his 5th. and final career "hat trick" against Detroit at Olympia Stadium and added an assist in a 4-4 tie.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 12th1971, the Buffalo Sabres lost 4-1 to the St. Louis Blues at the Checkerdome with Rick Martin scoring his first NHL goal.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 13th1989, the Sabres defeated the Hartford Whalers 4-1 with Mike Foligno playing in his 500th Sabres game. Foligno would finish his Sabres career with 664 games played, tying Ric Seiling for 10^th most in franchise history.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 13th1930, the five year old Pittsburgh Pirates franchise was transferred to Philadelphia and renamed the “Quakers.” The Quakers did not inspire much of a following in Philly with a dreadful 4-36-4 record, and folded after just one season.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 13th1947, the NHL held its first All Star Game, which featured the defending Stanley Cup Champions against a selected group of All Stars from the remaining teams. The All Stars won 4-3 with the proceeds benefiting the players’ pension fund.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rebUCMOGRic

This day in hockey history, October 13th 1979, Following his retirement from the NHL and returning to play seen seasons in the WHA, Gordie Howe returned to the NHL and scored his 787^th NHL goal and first since 1971, as the Hartford Whalers tied the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-3.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 13th1970, Roger Doucet sang "O Canada" for the first time at the Montreal Forum, before a 4-3 Canadiens' win over the Red Wings. He remained the Forum's national anthem singer for the next 10 years. His stunning renditions of the national anthems of the European participants in the 1976 Canada Cup games held at the Montreal Forum were his crowning achievement. Doucet was so revered and respected that Montreal’s arch rivals in Boston hired their own opera trained French anthem singer Rene Rancourt so that they could compete with the Habs for best anthem singer as well as best on the ice.
Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 13thOctober 1951, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost their season opener 3-1 against the Chicago Black Hawks at Maple Leaf Gardens. Earlier that day, the Leafs and Hawks had played a special exhibition game for Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 13^th, Leaf President Stafford Smythe, son of Maple Leafs Founder Conn Smythe, passed away. He was 50 years old. It was the morning of the Leafs 1971-72 home opener against the Detroit Red Wings. It became the first and only game in Leaf history that was postponed. The game was re-scheduled for November 1. The Leafs defeated the Wings 6-1.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th1967, the Los Angeles Kings played their first NHL game, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2 at the Long Beach Arena, in California.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14thOctober 14, 1967, the St. Louis Blues defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 earning the first victory in franchise history.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th October 14, 1970, Phil Esposito recorded a hat trick with four goals in an 8-5 Bruins win over the Kings. It was his first of seven hat tricks that season when he scored a record 76 goals, passing Bobby Hull’s mark of 58. That record has since been broken. Espo also took 550 shots on goal that season, and that is a record that will never be broken.

This day in hockey history, October 14th1971, Fort Erie Ontario native Tom Reid scored on the first successful penalty shot goal in Minnesota North Stars History in the third period to give the North Stars to a 1-1 tie against the Montreal Canadiens at the Met Center.

This day in hockey history, October 14thOctober 14th 1972, the Atlanta Flames and the Buffalo Sabres tied 1-1 at the Omni in the first NHL game played in the American south. Ernie Hicke scored a power play goal for the Flames 2:03 into the first period. Goaltender Phil Myre made 30 saves, 17 in the third period, allowing only a first-period goal by Jim Lorentz.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th1978, Darryl Sittler scored three goals and added four assists propelling the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 10-7 win over the New York Islanders. This was the first time since 1917 that Toronto scored double digit goals in a home opener.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th 1978 - 17-year-old Wayne Gretzky played in his first pro hockey game, a 6-3 Indianapolis Racers' loss to Winnipeg, in the WHA.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th 1979, the Edmoton Oilers tied the Vancouver Canucks 4-4 in Edmonton with Wayne Gretzky scoring his first NHL goal victimizing Glen Hanlon.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th 1979, the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 at the Spectrum to begin an NHL record 35 game undefeated streak with a . They went 25-0-10 over the next three months.

This day in hockey history, October 14th 1979,the New York Rangers raised Rod Gilbert’s #7 is to the rafters at Madison Square Garden.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th1979, Minnesota’s rookie defenseman Craig Hartsburg scored the first goal of his NHL career, in a 5-4 North Stars’ win in Buffalo.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th1982, Dino Ciccarelli and Mike Eaves each scored twice to lead the North Stars to a 6-2 win over Toronto in Minnesota.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14thOctober 14 1988, the Detroit Red Wings scored eight goals in an 8-8 with the st. Louis Blues. This was the first time in franchise history (63 years and 4,052 games) that there was an 8-8 tie.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th1991, the New York Rangers' lost 5-3 to the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden with Mike Gartner beating Mike Liut at 3:27 to score his 500th NHL goal. Gartner was the first player to score his 500tth goal as a Ranger and was the 16th player in NHL history to score 500. Ironically Gartner began his NHL career as a Capital.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th 1992 - Rookie Teemu Selanne scored his first career hat trick, and added an assist to lead the Jets to a 7-3 win over Edmonton in Winnipeg. Phil Housley had three assists to reach the 500 assist mark in his career.
Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th 2000, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets.Patrick 3-1 with Roy matching Terry Sawchuk's career victory record with his 447th victory.
Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 14th2006, the New York Islanders defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1at Nassau Coliseum with Mike Sillinger scoring to become the first NHL player to score a goal for 12 teams. Sillinger finished his NHL career with 240 goals in 1,049 games.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 15 1970, The Montreal Canadiens shutout the Buffalo Sabres 3-0 in the first home game in Sabres franchise history.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 15th 1935 , the NHL Board of Governors purchased the St. Louis Eagles franchise, including the players, for $35,000. The league then sold off the players to seven of the remaining eight NHL clubs (Chicago didn’t make any purchases).

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 15th 1935, Former NHL left winger Willie O’Ree was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick. O’Ree, as many of you know, was the first African American player to play in an NHL game, making his debut with the Bruins in 1957. He lived a short career but broke a huge and important barrier.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 15th 1955, the Montreal Canadiens' defeated the visiting New York Rangers 4-1 victory at the Forum with the Richard brothers running the Blueshirts out of town. Maurice Richard scored two goals and younger brother Henri Richard, in his rookie season, scored the game winner.

This day in hockey history, October 15^th1964, the Detroit Red Wings lost 5-3 to the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs at Olympia Stadium with Ted Lindsay appearing in his 1,000th NHL game. Only Gordie Howe (1,189), Bill Gadsby (1,129) and Red Kelly (1,122) had played in more games.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 15^th

1972, Stan Mikita of the Chicago Blackhawks assisted on Cliff Koroll's goal in a3-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues at Chicago Stadium to become the sixth NHL player with 1,000 career points.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 15^th 1974, The Washington Capitals played their first home game, at the Capital Center, in Landover, Maryland. The Caps tied the Kings 1-1. The Capitals finished with one of the worst records of all time: 8-67-5, scoring 181 goals while surrendering 446 for an incredible -265 goal differential. It took them nine seasons to qualify for the playoffs.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 15^th 1983, the Chicago BlackHawks scored 8 goals and lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs who scored 10. The two teams to established a record for the fastest five goals by two teams 1:24 (84 seconds).

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 15^th1987 – Dan Quinn and Mario Lemieux each scored hat tricks for the Penguins…but Pittsburgh ended up tying the Rangers 6-6 (Mario also had two assists). That’s kind of ridiculous.

This day in hockey history, October 15^th 1988, Oh, more Super Mario? Lemieux, clearly upset from a year ago that his hat trick came in a tying effort, scored a total of eight points: two goals and six assists. Yes, that was one game. The Pens did manage to win this one though: 9-2 against the Blues was the final.

This day in hockey history, October 15th 1989, the Los Angels Kings defeated the Edmonton Oilers at Northlands Coliseum. Wayne Gretzky picked up his 1,850th career NHL point, to tie Gordie Howe for the most career points. Then he scored the record breaking goal late in the game to tie the score and send the contest to overtime and officially become the NHL’s all-time leading scorer. He also scored the OT winner for the Kings.

The Kings rally from down 2-1 and 3-2, but the Oilers score again and take a 4-3 lead into the final minute of the third period. With time running out, Gretzky picks up a loose puck to the left of the crease and flips a backhand shot past Oilers goaltender Bill Ranford with 53 seconds remaining to tie the game and pass Howe. "My initial reaction was, 'Hey, we've tied it,'" Gretzky says. "Then it struck me, 'Wow, that's the record breaker.'" Gretzky received a three minute standing ovation from the crowd of 17,503. The game is stopped for a 15 minute celebration that includes Howe and Gretzky's parents.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

This day in hockey history, October 15^th1991, Derek King scored the fastest hat trick in New York Islanders’ history, scoring three times in 1:18. Mario Lemiex also had a hat trick as the Pittsburgh Penguins won 7-6 in overtime.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

THIS DATE IN HISTORY: Oct. 15

On this day in hockey history, October 16th 1926, the NHL was re-aligned into two divisions: the Canadian Division (Canadiens, Maroons, Ottawa, Toronto and NY Americans -- relocated from Hamilton) and the American Division (Detroit, Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh and Rangers).

On this day in hockey history, October 16th 1946, a teenage 18 year old Gordie Howe scored his first NHL goal during his first game as the Detroit Red Wings tied the Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-3. Howe wore uniform #17 and also had two fights for a hat trick of sorts.

On this day in hockey history, October 16th 1960, the Toronto Maple Leafs' defeated the New York Rangers 7-2 at Madison Square Garden with rookie Dave Keon scoring the first goal of his NHL career.
Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 16th 1960, the Boston Bruins lost 5-2 to the Chicago Blackhawks. Bruins goalie Don Simmons was injured during the game and was replaced by forward Jerry Toppazzini in the Bruins net. Toppazzini was the last non goaltender to play in an NHL game.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 16th 1968, Toronto rookie defenseman Jim Dorey picked up 48 penalty minutes in his first NHL game; four minors, two majors, two misconducts and a game misconduct, as the Maple Leafs tied the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-2 at Maple Leafs Gardens.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 16th 1971, the Detroit Red Wings lost 9-2 at St. Louis with rookie Marcel Dionne scoringhis first NHL goal.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 16th 1988, Guy Lafleur of the New York Rangers scored a goaland added a helper in a 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square garden. It was his first goal as a Ranger and first goal in three years, 11 months, and 22 days.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 16^th1973, linesman Neil Armstrong set an NHL record for most games officiated with 1,314, breaking linesman George Hayes’ record, in a 3-2 Blues win at Detroit.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 16th 1989, the Toronto Maple Leafs made a terrible decision when they traded their first round pick in the 1991 entry draft to the New Jersey Devils for Tom Kurvers. That pick ended up being the third overall pick which the Devils used it to select Hall Of fame defenseman Scott Niedermayer.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 17th 1974, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Oakland Seals 6-1 with Lee Fogolin and Don Luce scoring only four seconds apart. The two goals in four seconds by one team tied the NHL record set in 1931 by the Montreal Maroons.

1971: Norm Ullman of the Toronto Maple Leafs becomes the fourth NHL player to reach 1,000 career points. Ullman has two assists during a 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto.

1979: Rookie forward Mike Gartner scores his first NHL goal in the Washington Capitals' 8-6 victory against the visiting Los Angeles Kings. Gartner has 36 goals in his first season and finishes his career with 708.

1986: Denis Potvin is credited with the 684th assist of his NHL career, breaking a tie with Brad Park for the most by a defenseman in League history. He reaches the milestone during the Islanders' 7-4 win against the Capitals at Nassau Coliseum. The record-setting assist comes exactly 13 years after Potvin's first NHL point.

On this day in hockey history, October 20th 1963, Phil Goyette set a New York Rangers record with four assists in one period as the Broadway Blueshirts defeated the Boston Bruins 5-1 at Madison Square Garden.

On this day in hockey history, October 20th 1965, Gordie Howe scores two goals and adds an assist for the NHL All Stars to a 5-2 victory against the Stanley Cup champion Montreal Canadiens at the Forum in the 19th and last preseason all star game. After the League's first expansion adds six teams in 1967-68 the format was changed to east vs West and the game is shifted to midseason.

The game was notable for the bizarre goalie rotation used by Toe Blake who switched goaltenders Charlie Hodge Hodge and Gump Worsley every five minutes by their coach during the Canadiens' 5-2 loss. "What I mostly recall about the game in my day was its intensity," said Hodge, "The players who didn't win the Cup were ticked off about it all summer, and the Cup champion was determined to win. It was still an exhibition game, but there was a little more to it than there is now. The pride today is probably a little more of an individual thing. Back then, it was for the team."
Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 20th 1971, during a 7-2 Toronto Maple Leafs victory over the Buffalo Sabres, Leaf Paul Henderson was granted a penalty shot but was unable to beat Roger Crozier. Exactly two years later to the day, during a Leafs 3-2 win against the New York Rangers at Maple Leaf Garden, Henderson was awarded another penalty shot, this time against goalie Gilles Villemure who also stopped him.

On this day in hockey history, October 20th 1971, the Minnesota North Stars set a team record with 57 shots in a 7-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks at the Met Center. Cesare Maniago recorded his 17th career shutout and Doug Mohns and Jude Drouin each had a goal and added three assists.

On this day in hockey history, October 20th 1971, the Minnesota North Stars set a team record with 57 shots in a 7-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks at the Met Center. Cesare Maniago recorded his 17th career shutout and Doug Mohns and Jude Drouin each had a goal and added three assists.

On this day in hockey history, October 20th 1973, the Minnesota North Stars tied the St. Louis Blues 4-4 at the Met Center with J.P. Parise scoring two goals and an assist.

On this day in hockey history, October 20th 1976, the Minnesota North Stars defeated the Atlanta Flames 4-3 at the Met Center with Bill Hogaboam leading the way with three assists.

On this day in hockey history, October 20th 1977, the Minnesota North Stars lost 7-4 to the visiting Cleveland Barons with Roland Eriksson setting a Minnesota North Stars’ franchise record for fastest goal from the start of a game, when he scored just 12 seconds into the game.

On this day in hockey history, October 20th 1978, the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association lost 4-3 to the Edmonton Oilers as Wayne Gretzky scored his first two WHA goals in his second league game and scored them against his future team, the Oilers, in a 4-3 loss. Gretzky played six more games for Indianapolis before being traded to Edmonton. Exactly 15 years later, Gretzky is now with the Los Angeles Kings and plays an NHL game against his brother Brent, a 21 year-old center for Tampa Bay and scores one goal with two helpers for the Kings in a 4-3 victory.

On this day in Toronto Maple Leafs history, October 20th 1972, team president Harold Ballard was sentenced to two consecutive three year terms for theft and fraud of money, goods and services stolen from Maple Leaf Gardens. Ballard was released on parole after one year and,he returned to run Maple Leaf Gardens and turn the Maple Leafs into the Maple Laughs for much of the 1980's.

He's been called a bully, a tyrant, a mogul, and now... a criminal. Harold Ballard, the irascible president of Maple Leaf Gardens, was found guilty of 48 out of 50 charges of theft and fraud. A judge says Ballard showed "a clear pattern of fraud" involving the misuse of $205,000 - including $82,000 of Gardens money used to remodel his home. The then 69 year old faced up to 20 years in prison but was sentenced to three consecutive three year terms in Millhaven prison. He served one year.

After release, he said prison was like staying in a motel, with colour television, golf, and steak dinners. He claimed to have photographs of himself drinking beer with the guards and wearing one of their uniforms.

In 1961, Ballard became president and one of the three principal owners of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He took control of the Gardens in 1971. He quickly developed a reputation for only thinking of the bottom line, and letting players and fans suffer for it. He was known to be vain, crude, racist and sexist. But he also had a generous side, donating money and Maple Leaf Gardens ice time to several charities.

In 1965, the Beatles were scheduled to play one show at Maple Leaf Gardens. Ballard sold tickets to two shows and told Beatles manager Brian Epstein the band would have to play twice. Epstein was furious, but agreed. The Beatles performed on one of the hottest days of summer, so Ballard ordered the start of each show delayed, the thermostats turned up and the water fountains turned off, and the concession stands to only sell large drinks.

After being released from prison, Ballard made an effort to kill off the World Hockey Association's Toronto Toros by raising the cost of leasing the arena, then telling them it would cost and additional $3,500 per game to have the lights on. The Toros soon moved to Alabama.

In 1978, Harold Ballard fired popular head coach Roger Neilson, but could not find a replacement, so he rehired Neilson and told him to walk to the bench for the next game wearing a bag over his head before removing it to show the Leafs fans tat he was still the coach. Nielson refused to do so.

After the Neilson affair Ballard went on the CBC Radio program As It Happens. When things didn't go his way he told host Barbara Frum "they shouldn't let females on the radio anyway, they're a joke." He told Frum to mind her own business, and hung up.

Harold Ballard built an apartment inside Maple Leaf Gardens and lived there.
Harold Ballard once refused an order from NHL President John Ziegler to have names sewn on the backs of players' jerseys because he thought it would hurt sales of programs. After being fined $2,000 a day, he gave in -- but the letters were the same color as the background.

On this day in hockey history, October 21st 1988, the Buffalo Sabres reacquired Larry Playfair from the Los Angeles Kings in a trade for Bob Logan and a ninth round draft choice in 1989 which turned out to be 182nd overall which the Kings used to draft Jim Giacin. The Sabres had originally drafted Playfair in 1978 amateur draft ,13th overall after he “earned” 402 PIM with Portalnd of the WCHL where he also earned 1st team all star status along with Brad Mcrimmon. The Sabres needed his toughness to bolster a soft lineup. Playfair went on to become perhaps the most feared fighter of his era despite his inauspicious debut suffering a concussion on his first NHL shift when hit by John Wensink at the Boston Garden. The Sabres originally traded him to Los Angeles along with Sean Mckenna and Ken Baumgartner on Januray 29th 1986 for Doug Smith and Brian Engblom.

On this day in hockey history, October 21st 1989, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 with Rob Ray scoring a goal on his first NHL shot with a slap shot between Tom Barasso’s pads. This was the first game Buffalo played against their former Vezina and Calder Trophy winning goaltender. Ray added an assist later. Despite his offensive production in his first game, Ray was not destined to become a scorer in the NHL. But he made his mark.

This day in hockey history, October 21st 1961, Gump Worsley of the New York Rangers was injured in a game against Gordie Howe and the Detroit Red Wings and could not continue. Danny Olesevich was the trainer and practice goalie for the Red Wings and he suited up for the Rangers and finished the game as the Gumpers' replacement. Olesevich hadn't played any type of organized hockey for two years but had some limited minor league experience. He played 29 minutes and surrendered only two goals in a 4-4 tie. Perhaps Olesevich had an advantage against his mates because he certainly would have known tendencies of the Red Wing shooters from those practices.
Pictured at left are Red Wings trainers Danny Olesevich on the right with Lefty Wilson on the left and Gordie Howe in the middle at the 1980 NHL all star game in Detroit.

On this day in hockey history, October 21st 1967, the Metropolitan Sports Center opened in Bloomington, Minnesota and the North Stars won their first home game, taking a team record 53 shots in a 3-1 victory over the Oakland Seals, before a crowd of 12,951. Bill Goldsworthy scored the first goal at Met Center at 8:23 of the second period.

On this day in hockey history, October 21st 1962, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Chicago Black Hawks 3-1 with Bill Gadsby joining Gordie Howe as the second player in NHL history to appear in 1,000 career games.

On this day in hockey history, October 21st 1972 , the New York Rangers played the New York Islanders for the first time ever, and won 2-1 at Nassau Coliseum.

On this day in hockey history, October 22nd 1980, Edmonton Oilers rookie defenseman Paul Coffey scored his first NHL goal, in a 5-3 win over the Calgary Flames at Edmonton's Northlands Coliseum.

This day in hockey history, October 21st 1987, the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 10-3 with Mats Naslund scoring a goal and three assists. He was the first European-born player to play for the Montreal Canadiens.

This day in hockey history, October 21st 1996, Brendan Shanahan scored his first two goals as a member of the Detroit Red Wings in a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings with
Chris Osgood recording his 10th career shutout and second of the season.

This day in hockey history, October 21st 1967, the Pittsburgh Penguins were a new expansion team playing their first NHL game against the Chicago Blackhaws and defeated the Hawks 4-2 at the Igloo in Pittsburgh. Ken Schinkel led the way by scoring his first career hat trick.

Front row, from left, Ken Schinkel, Bob Dillabough, Earl Ingarfield, Keith McCreary, Paul Andrea, Val Fonteyne, Al McNeil, Billy Dea, and Gil Gilbert.
Back row, Coach Red Sullivan, trainer Ken Carson, Les Binkley, Hank Bassen, Al Stratton, Dick Mattiussi, Ab McDonald, Andy Bathgate, Dune McCallum, and Leo Boivin.

This day in hockey history, October 21st 1990, the Chicago Blackhawks extended their home unbeaten streak against Minnesota to nine games (7-0-2) by defeating the North Stars 7-1. Chris Chelios led the way for the Hawks with Chris Chelios scored a goal and three assists.

On this day in hockey history, October 22nd 1953, the Montreal Canadiens beat the Black Hawks 3-2 at Chicago with Dick Irvin becoming the first coach in NHL history to win 600 career games.

On this day in hockey history, October 22nd 1966, The New York Rangers tied the Toronto Maple Leafs. 4-4 with Rod Gilbert netting the first hat trick of his NHL career.

This day in hockey history, October 22nd 1971, the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vancouver Canucks 6-0 with rookie Ken Dryden recording his first NHL shutout and Frank Mahovlich scored his 12th career hat trick, his first with Montreal.

This day in hockey history, October 22nd 1983, the Toronto Maple Leafs claimed Dale McCourt after he was placed on waivers by the Buffalo Sabres following two disappointing seasons under coach Scotty Bowman of just 20 goals each.
McCourt had not been successfull in Buffalo, the home of speedy center Gilbert Perreault. McCourt had all the skills and hockey sense, but was never a fast skater.
He finished the season with Toronto scoring 19 goals and 43 points and never played in the NHL again. He spent the next eight seasons playing in Switzerland then coaching until 2000 after which he returned to Canada and worked as a truck driver.
McCourt was the first player chosen in the 1977 amateur draft after scoring 124, 139 and 139 points in successive seasons for the Hamilton/St. Catharines Fincups.
McCourt was primarily known for being involved in a major legal battle erupted after NHL arbitrator Ed Houston ordered that Detroit transfer McCourt's NHL rights to Los Angeles as compensation for the signing of restricted free agent Rogie Vachon on Aug. 8, 1978. The Red Wings had been offering Jim Rutherford and Bill Lochead as compensation, but the Kings demanded McCourt, and the arbitrator sided with Los Angeles, which was offering McCourt a $3 million contract.
Despite the big money, McCourt refused to go to Los Angeles, and sought legal protection. He got a temporary restraining order from U.S. District Court Judge Robert DeMascio on Sept. 18, 1978, overturning the arbitrator's decision and allowing him to remain with the Red Wings.
The judge ruled that compensation requirements on NHL free agency were an illegal restraint of trade because they limited competition. McCourt's lawyer, Brian Smith, then sued the NHL, the NHLPA, the Red Wings and Kings in an effort to prevent McCourt from ever being sent to Los Angeles as part of any compensation package.
While the cases were tied up in the courts, McCourt continued to play for Detroit, spending the entire 1978-79 season there along with Vachon. In the process, McCourt angered many fellow players, who thought his actions were undermining the NHLPA, which had agreed to the compensation requirements in its Collective Bargaining Agreement.
McCourt appeared to have lost his legal battle at the end of the 1978-79 season, when the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati upheld the arbitrator's original decision, but McCourt immediately appealed the case to the United States Supreme Court.
The situation was resolved, and the need for a Supreme Court ruling avoided, when Los Angeles traded McCourt's rights back to Detroit for Andre St. Laurent, 1980 first-round pick (Larry Murphy) and the option of having Detroit's 1980 second-round pick or 1981 first-round pick (Los Angeles chose the 1981 first-round pick -- Doug Smith) on Aug. 22, 1979. This was an alternate compensation package that Los Angeles had been willing to accept in 1978, but Detroit had rejected. Los Angeles' original request, before the McCourt request set off a legal battle, had been for Reed Larson, two No. 1 picks and $700,000 in cash.
The McCourt case helped to eventually change the NHL's rules on compensation but the experience took its toll on McCourt. He later said he lost his love for being in the NHL as a result of the legal ordeal. McCourt's refusal to join the Kings and his after treatment helped change the way many players looked at their team and ushered in the era of NHL free agency.

On this day in hockey history, October 22nd 1981, Minnesota’s Dino Ciccarelli scored his second career hat trick as the North Stars tied the St. Louis Blues, 5-5.

On this day in hockey history, October 23rd 1966, Bobby Orr fired a 50 foot shot past Gump Worsley for his first NHL goal, during a 3-2 Bruins' loss to Montreal.

On this day in hockey history, October 23rd 1944, the Indianapolis Capitals beat the Hershey Bears 7-3 but forfeited because Ted Lindsay played in that game and was immediately called back up to Detroit. AHL rules required players sent down from the NHL to be in the league for two weeks before being called up. It would be the only game played by “Terrible Ted” in a Capitals uniform.

On this day in hockey history, October 23rd 1974, the Atlanta Flames defeated the Detroit Red Wings 10-1 with Curt Bennett and Eric Vail each getting their first career hat tricks. Curt Bennett added a pair of assists for a five point game.

This day in hockey history, October 22nd 1977, the Colorado Rockies defeated the Chicago Black Hawks 3-0 with Dave Hudson scoring a goal and an assist and Doug Favell recording his 18th and final career shutout.

This day in hockey history, October 23rd 1991, the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Quebec Nordiques 3-2 , at the Forum in Montreal with Kirk Muller setting up each goal finishing with three assists.

This day in hockey history, October 23rd 1975, the New York Islanders defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 with rookie Glenn Resch recording his 5th career shutout.

"Chico" finished the season with a 23-11-8 record, 2.08 GAA, .928 SP and was voted to the second all star team behind Ken Dryden. Resch also finished second in as rookie of the year to his teammate Bryan Trottier who won the Calder Trophy.

This day in hockey history, October 23rd 1992, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-4 at the Aud coming from behind three times to earn the win. Pat LaFontaine assisted on Buffalo's first three goals then tied the game before scoring the game winning goal on a power play with 1:10 remaining in the game.

This day in hockey history, October 23rd 1993, back when goal scoring was popular, the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 9-6 with Teemu Selanne scoring two goals and three assists, Keith Tkachuk netting his first career hat trick and Alexei Zhamnov adding a goal and four assists.

On this day in hockey history, October 24th 1988, Mike Bossy retired after 10 NHL seasons at a young age 31. He played his entire career with the New York Islanders and was on four Stanley Cup champions. He scored 573 goals and 553 assists for 1206 points in only 752 games. In comparison, the other great goal scorer of his era Wayne Gretzky played 1,487 career games. If Bossy had played as long as Gretzky and remained productive, he likely would have scored over 1,000 goals.

On this day in hockey history, October 24th 2002, Patrick Roy passed Terry Sawchuk as the NHL’s all-time leader in games played by a goaltender when he appeared in his 972nd career game, a 3-2 Avalanche win over the Coyotes. It wasn’t the only goalie record he’d break.

On this day in hockey history, October 24th 2003, the Detroit Red Wings beat the Dallas Stars 4-0 with Dominik Hasek recording his 62nd career shutout, to set a franchise record with their 15th consecutive home victory.

This day in hockey history, October 24th 1972, the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Oakland Seals 5-0 at the fabulous Forum with Rogie Vachon recording his 14th career shutout and first as a King.

This day in hockey history, October 24th 1951, Curt Ridley was born in Minnedosa, Manitoba. Ridley was selected by Boston from Portage la Prairie (MJHL) in the second round 28th overall.

He led the MJHL in shutouts (5) and goals against average (3.31) with the Portage Terriers in 1970-71 and was named to MJHL All-Star First Team in 1970-71.

With Gerry Cheevers and Eddie Johnston the Bruins were set with MHL goaltenders so Curt spent the next three seasons tending goal along the Bruins' chain in Oklahoma, Dayton and Boston (AHL Braves) He led the IHL with a 2.70 GAA with Dayton in 1972-73.

On June 13th 1973 Ridley was claimed by the Providence Reds (AHL, N.Y. Rangers affiliate) from Boston in the Reverse Draft. But New York had Ed Giacomin and Gilles Villemure in the nets so Curt was again destined for assignment to the minor leagues although he did play to games for the Blueshirts in 1974-75. He led the IHL with a 2.70 goals-against average for Dayton in 1972-73. He then played on the 1974-75 Providence team that won AHL regular-season title. He led the AHL in games played by a goaltender (57), wins (32), and minutes (3,311) with Providence in 1974-75.

On September 9th 1975 he was traded by the Rangers to the Atlanta Flames for Jerry Byers. Atlanta was loaded in goal with Dan Bouchard and Phil Myre so Curt played with their farm team the Tulsa Oilers where he led the CHL with a 2.66 GAA average in 30 games in 1975-76 but did not play in enough games to officially qualify as league leader. Tulsa won the CHL regular season and playoff titles, but Curt was traded away midway through season and was not with team during the postseason.

Curt was traded by Atlanta to Vancouver on January 20, 1976 in exchange for 1976 first-round pick (Dave Shand). He recorded his lone NHL shutout in Vancouver's 5-0 win over the California Golden Seals on April 2, 1976 and was 6-0-2 in his nine games with Vancouver in 1975-76. He made 25 saves for Vancouver to shut out visiting Moscow Spartak 2-0 in an exhibition game on Dec. 28, 1977, becoming the first NHL goalie to shut out a touring Russian team.

Curt was the runner up to Cesare Maniago in Vancouver's 1977-78 Molson Cup standings for most three stars selections at home games. He won the CHL Adams Cup with Dallas and led the CHL playoffs in games played by a goaltender (9), wins (8), minutes (520), and goals-against average (3.00) in 1979. He won the CHL Max McNab Trophy as MVP of playoffs in 1979. Curt stopped 30 shots for Vancouver in 6-2 victory over visiting Moscow Dynamo on Dec. 26, 1979.

Vancouver sold his rights to Toronto on February 10th 1980. He finished his career splitting time in Toronto with their minor league affiliates in New Brunswick and Cincinnati.

Curt's crossed hockey stick design on his mask became an iconic part of the legacy of the Vancouver Canucks.

This day in hockey history, October 24th 1974, the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Buffalo Sabres 7-2 despite being outshot 55 to 31. Rogie Vachon stopped 53 shots and Don Kozak scored his second career hat trick along with two helpers to lead the way.

This day in hockey history, October 24th 1989, the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Detroit red Wings 5-3 with Troy Murray scoring his 4th career hat trick and added an assist.

This day in hockey history, October 24th 1976, Bobby Orr scored two goals to lead the Black Hawks to a 7-2 win over St. Louis. The two points gave Orr 900 in his career, in only 638 NHL games.

This day in hockey history, October 24th 1965, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-0 with Roger Crozier picking up his 9th career shutout.

This day in hockey history, October 24th 1970, the Black Hawks to a 1-0 win over the Maple Leafs with Tony Esposito recording his 18th career shutout.

On this date in hockey history, October 25th, 1954, Mike Eruzione was born in Winthrop, Massachusetts. He learned hockey playing for Youth Hockey of Winthrop as part of the GBYHL Greater Boston Youth Hockey League.
He graduated from Winthrop Senior High School in 1972, where he was captain of the varsity hockey team during his senior year. He then spent a year at Berwick Academy to fine tune his hockey skills in a New England Prep environment.
After attending Berwick, Eruzione starred for Boston University, averaging over twenty goals a season for four years. Eruzione also played for Team USA at the 1975 and 1976 Ice Hockey World Championship tournaments. So he was no stranger to the Soviets style of hockey and their players.
He then moved on to the Toledo Goaldiggers of the International Hockey League, winning the rookie of the year award in 1978 and leading the team to the Turner Cup championship in that year.
After his second year in Toledo, Eruzione, who played forward, was named the captain of the 1980 Olympic hockey team, scoring the winning goal against the Soviets and helping the Americans win the gold medal against Finland. Eruzione's winning goal has become one of the most played highlights in American sports, and was voted the greatest highlight of all time by ESPN viewers in March 2008.

On this day in hockey history, October 25th 1991, the Buffalo Sabres traded former number one overall pick Pierre Turgeon, along with Benoit Hogue, Uwe Krupp, and Dave McLlwain to the New York Islanders. In return the Sabres received Pat LaFontaine, Randy Hillier and Randy Wood.

On this day in hockey history, October 25th 1977, Rick Smith of the Boston Bruins scored the 10,000th goal in franchise history during a 4-4 tie against the Colorado Rockies. Smith played eight seasons in Boston scoring 36 times for the B’s. Coach Don Cherry could not have suspected that he would be coaching the Rockies two years later.

On this day in hockey history, October 25th 1979, the Indianapolis Checkers were shutout 1-0 in their first ever game by Jim Craig and the U.S. Olympic Team in Chicago. Craig stopped 28 shots to outduel Jim Park, who made 32 saves. Dave Silk scored the lone goal for the future gold medalists.

On this day in hockey history, October 25th 1990, the St. Louis Blues beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 8-5 with Brett Hull scoring a hat trick to become the first player in franchise history with back to back hat tricks. He had three goals against the Leafs in the previous game.

This day in hockey history, October 27th 1926, Lester Patrick was named as the new coach and general manager of the New York Rangers replacing GM Conn Smythe and coach Frank Carroll.

This day in hockey history, October 27th 1965, the San Francisco Seals showed that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Western Hockey League this season as they demolished the Los Angeles Blades 9-5.

On this date in hockey history, 1979 Wayne Gretzky played his first NHL game. He earned an assist in a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

This day in hockey history, October 27th 1957, the Chicago Black Hawks defeated the Detroit Red Wings with Glenn Hall earning his 19th career shutout.

This day in hockey history, October 27th 1966, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the New York Rangers 5-3 with Paul Henderson scoring four goals for his first career NHL hat trick and adding an assist.

On this day in hockey history, October 27th 1965, Bobby Orr the 17 year old Ontario Hockey Association sensation leads the league in scoring with 15 points on 4 goals and 11 assists in only 6 games.

This day in hockey history, October 27th 1966, rookie goalie Dave Dryden makes the Chicago Blackhawks roster as backup to Glenn Hall. Dryden, from Hamilton Ontario, played junior hockey for the Toronto Marlboros. He played in one NHL game as the emergency goalie finishing a game for the New York Rangers when Gump Worsley was injured and unable to play. He was then played senior A for the Galt Hornets before signing as a free agent with Chicago. After playing four games with the Hawks farm team the Buffalo Bisons where he sported a 1.50 goals against average, Dryden earned a spot with the NHL club.

Visit vintagehockeyjerseys.net for more vintage hockey

On this day in hockey history, October 29th 1949, Frank Brimsek recorded his 36th career shutout and his first with Chicago Black Hawks in a 2-0 win over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.. Metro Prystai and Bill Mosienko scored power play goals in the first four minutes of the game for the victory.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, October 29th 1942, Maurice Richard signed his first contract. with the Montreal Canadiens. He played his first game as a Hab two days later.

-------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, in 1970 Gordie Howe became the first NHL player with 1,000 career assists when he scored a goal and earned a pair of assists as Detroit recorded a 5-3 victory over Boston.
-----------------------------------------------------

On this day in hockey history in 1953 Denis Potvin was born in Ottawa Ontario. Potvin won the Stanley Cup four times with the Islanders and compiled 1,052 points in 1,060 games on 310 goals and 742 assists. Potvin is considered one of the greatest players in NHL history and is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Along with his offensive ability, Potvin played a punishing physical style. Don Cherry described him as a mean player as evidenced by his 1356 penalty minutes.
--------------------------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, October 29th 1977, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Detroit Red Wings 7-4 with Toronto's Lanny McDonald scored three goals for his 4th career hat trick and added an assist. Darryl Sittler had a goal and three assists.
--------------------------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, October 29th 1981, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Calgary Flames 12-4 with Mike Foligno and John Ogrodnick each scoring a hat trick.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, October 29th 1992, the New York Rangers lost 6-3 to the Quebec Nordiques with Mike Richter picking up two assists. His offensive output is rather impressive for a goaltender. Richter stopped 35 of 41 shots while Ron Hextall blocked 40 of 43 attempts for Quebec.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This day in hockey history, October 29th 1942, Maurice Richard signed his first contract. with the Montreal Canadiens. He played his first game as a Hab two days later.