Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
In today’s edition, we have a couple “Today in Hockey History” posts, a look back at how the Maple Leafs stole Terry Sawchuk, the return of Grant Fuhr, and a look at what players are paid during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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Today in Hockey History: Sept. 28
On this date, one of Canada’s most unlikely heroes became a legend after his third straight game-winning goal. Also, two Hockey Hall of Famers were born while one signed his first National Hockey League contract on his way to becoming one of the greatest undrafted free agents ever. It’s time for our daily trip back through the decades to revisit all the best memories this date has given us.
Terry Sawchuk – How the Maple Leafs Snagged the Hall of Fame Goalie
It’s a slow hockey news day this 27th of September, 1964, so we thought we’d inform you of a little intrigue that took place at the NHL’s Intra-league draft during the annual June shin-dig in Montreal. Some astute maneuvering by Toronto Maple Leafs’ General Manager George (Punch) Imlach resulted in Toronto acquiring not one, but two veterans destined to be members of the Hockey Hall of Fame when their playing days are over – Terry Sawchuk and Dickie Moore. And what isn’t well-known, it might have been three, if NHL prexy Clarence Campbell hadn’t intervened.
Today in Hockey History: Sept. 25
Two of the most storied franchises in NHL history were officially added to the league on this date. Plus, three key players from the most successful teams of the 1970s were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Finally, one of the best offensive defensemen the game has ever seen made a huge announcement. The THW time machine is warmed up and ready to take back through the decades, so let’s hop aboard.
Montreal Canadiens 50-Goal Scorers
The Montreal Canadiens have six players who have made it into the celebrated 50-goal club. Prior to 1970, the elusive milestone was rarely reached. During the 1970s and 1980s, as seasons became longer, stick blades curved and offense increased, 50-goal seasons became more frequent. By 1980, it had been reached 24 times in NHL history but 76 times in the 1980s alone. Scoring seemed to peak during the 1992-93 season when an unbelievable 14 players exceeded 50 goals.
Oilers History: The Return of Grant Fuhr
From the moment he made his NHL debut against the Winnipeg Jets on October 14, 1981, to the Edmonton Oilers elimination in the first round of the 1989 playoffs at the hands of Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings, no goaltender had accomplished more during said period of time than Grant Fuhr. In fact, only a handful of players in the history of the game had put together the kind run the former Victoria Cougars standout did to start his career.
Today in Hockey History: Sept. 27
On this date, the NHL did two things for the first time it would later do on a regular basis; play outdoors and in the city of Las Vegas. Also, a future dynasty made its league debut on Long Island to less-than-ideal results. So, let’s jump aboard the THW time machine to relive all the best moments this date has given us over the years.
How Much Do Players Get Paid in the Playoffs?
When a hockey player wins the Stanley Cup and gets to hoist the greatest trophy in all of sports, their mind is flooded with so many thoughts. Memories of skating on frozen ponds when they were kids. Dreams they had to win it all when they were growing up. The countless number of times their parents schlepped them to the rink at all hours. All of their family, coaches and teammates that believed in them and encouraged them.