Paul Henderson & Origin of Gordie Howe Hat Trick
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
In today’s edition, we have a few “Today in Hockey History” posts, looking back at Paul Henderson’s career, the origin of the Gordie Howe Hat Trick, Ron Francis’ best and worst moves as general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, and more.
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Today in Hockey History: Oct. 23
One of the greatest scorers in NHL history hit a milestone on this date that very few players have ever reached. This date has been very kind to Boston hockey fans and has seen a ton of hats get thrown onto the ice. The THW time machine is warmed up and ready to take us all back through the decades to revisit all the best moments from Oct. 23.
Paul Henderson: More Than Just “The Goal”
Paul Henderson is best remembered for being a Canadian hero during the Summit Series of 1972, but his career and life have more to offer than just eight games. He played over 1,000 professional games between the NHL and World Hockey Association (WHA). He was a multiple-time NHL All-Star and a Memorial Cup winner. After he hung up his skates, he became a minister, a successful motivational speaker, and an author.
Ron Francis’ 5 Best & Worst Moves as Hurricanes General Manager
Francis, the fifth all-time points leader in the NHL with 1,798 in 1,731 games played, became the director of hockey operations for the Carolina Hurricanes, his former club, in June of 2011. He would later assume the role of General Manager in 2014.
Francis operated as Carolina’s GM from April 28, 2014, to March 7, 2018. He was ultimately relieved of his duties after a tumultuous four seasons. In his duration, Francis’s moves managed to assist in setting up the team for its current success, but also managed to stifle the franchise.
As fans look to the future at what the Seattle Kraken could look like under Francis, here are the five best and worst moves by Francis while he was with the Hurricanes.
Today in Hockey History: Oct. 22
Oct. 22 has provided plenty of memorable moments in NHL history. Some of the greatest skaters to ever play the game hit personal milestones on this date. Also, a handful of Hall of Fame goaltenders left their mark on the record books. So, let’s begin our journey back in time to relive all the best moments this date has given us over the years.
The Gordie Howe Hat Trick
by Andrew Forbes
From the Ted Lindsay Award to the James Norris Trophy, hockey (and sports) have a history of naming things after former players, coaches and integral people. It’s no different when it comes to the Gordie Howe hat trick.
No, we’re not talking about a three goal performance of some kind. Rather, a Gordie Howe hat trick includes three different hockey plays for a player to accomplish the feat.
Today in Hockey History: Oct. 21
Oct. 21 has seen plenty of memorable moments from some of the best players in NHL history. This date has been big over the years for hockey fans in Quebec City, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. So, let’s climb aboard the THW time machine to revisit all the great memories.
Chicago Blackhawks’ Top-20 Goal Scorers All-Time
The Chicago Blackhawks have had a long and storied history as one of the National Hockey League’s “Original Six” franchises. There have been a number of Hall of Famers and colorful characters to have put on the famed Blackhawks sweaters through the decades. This list chronicles the top 20 goal scorers in team history.