Wayne Gretzky's 10 Most Unbreakable Records & 20 Years of 1st Overall Draft Picks – Power Rankings
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", a lookback at Jonathan Cheechoo's career and where he is now, revisiting the Montreal Forum, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
Today in Hockey History: July 17
July 17 turned out to be a very active day in the history of the National Hockey League. In New York, a general manager, who ended a historic drought, was hired, and a key member of a legendary dynasty was born. Also, one of the best defensive forwards in the game hung up his skates.
Wayne Gretzky – The Great One’s 10 Most Unbreakable Records
Wayne Gretzky spent his entire professional hockey career (20 seasons in the NHL and one in the WHA) rewriting the record books. When ‘The Great One’ retired following the 1998-99 season, he held 61 NHL records.
20 Years of 1st Overall Draft Picks – Power Rankings
Every year, the NHL welcomes the best teenagers in the world to the top league. Of course, in each draft, someone has to be selected first, and often, they have an immediate impact in the NHL and go on to have fantastic careers.
Today in Hockey History: July 16
July 16 has not been the busiest day in National Hockey League history. However, a pair of Hockey Hall of Famers found new homes, and two playoff heroes were born on this date, as well.
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Where Are They Now? The Jonathan Cheechoo Edition
In 2005-06, a 25-year-old native of Moose Factory, Ontario, one of the most northern settlements in the Province located at the base of Hudson Bay, shattered expectations and won the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal scorer. Four year later, he had played in his last NHL game.
The Montreal Forum 1908-1996
The Montreal Forum was built at the foot of a mountain dominated by St. Joseph’s Oratory on one side and an illuminated cross on another. It was a fitting place for fans to make pilgrimages to a hockey shrine.
