THW Hockey History Substack - Sept. 26, 2023
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, a look back at Steve Yzerman’s career as “The Captain” of the Red Wings, all of the Canadiens 50-goal scorers, and the Ottawa Senators jersey history.
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Now on to the good stuff…
Today in Hockey History: Sept. 26
Sept. 26 is the birth date of four current Hockey Hall of Famers. Also, the most infamous international series ever played was evened up in a dramatic fashion and the Seattle Kraken played their first-ever preseason game in the NHL. Finally, the last NHL game was played in a historic building before its long-time tenants moved across the street. So, let’s begin our daily trip back in time to revisit all the great moments from this date.
Steve Yzerman, The Captain
To locals, he was simply known as “The Captain.” Unfortunately overshadowed by two guys named Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux over most of his career, Steve Yzerman finally got the respect he deserved in 1997 when he finally led the Detroit Red Wings to that ever-elusive Stanley Cup, a drought of 42 years had ended. The Captain became a legend.
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.
Today in Hockey History: Sept. 24
Sept. 24 has been a very busy day in NHL history that saw everything from rule changes, coaching hires, a new captain, and the induction of a talented Hall of Fame class. This date saw one of the most memorable slashing penalties ever to take place on the international stage. So, let’s begin our daily trip back in time to relive it all.
Ottawa Senators Jersey History
After years of rumours and speculation of a logo change, the Ottawa Senators finally joined the rest of the league. Prior to the 2020 draft, the team announced they were updating the unpopular 3-D centurion they’ve used since 1999 and returning to their original concept with the 2-D logo. The new logos and uniforms were received incredibly well, not only because they looked great, but because fans had grown accustomed to seeing sub-par redesign after sub-par redesign. A return to something that worked in the past was, surprisingly, something that didn’t happen all that often in Ottawa.
Today in Hockey History: Sept. 23
Sept. 23 will be remembered for having the first woman to ever play in a NHL game take to the ice. Also, a group with a lot of Stanley Cup rings took their place in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The greatest U.S.-born scorer in league history called it a career. Finally, the league’s first trip to China came to a successful end. So, let’s hop aboard the THW time machine to relive all the best moments from this date.