Hockey is one of the most popular sports in North America, and the National Hockey League (NHL) has a rich history that dates back to 1917. There are many fascinating facts about NHL hockey that you may not know. Here are some of them:
Origins of NHL Hockey
Did you know that the first organized ice hockey game was played on March 3, 1875? The game took place at the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal, Canada. It wasn’t until several years later that the sport started gaining traction in other parts of Canada before spreading southward into the United States. In fact, it wasn’t until 1924 that the Stanley Cup became an exclusively NHL trophy after being awarded to amateur teams for decades prior.
Little-Known Facts About the Stanley Cup
Speaking of the Stanley Cup, there are plenty of interesting tidbits surrounding this iconic piece of hardware. For example, did you know that the original cup was actually made from silver? Over time, it evolved into the large, ornate trophy we recognize today, but it still retains its status as the oldest professional sports trophy in existence. Another fun fact about the Stanley Cup is that each player who wins it gets their name engraved onto it permanently – even if they only spent a few games with the winning team!
Unusual Superstitions and Rituals in NHL History
Professional athletes are known for having superstitions and rituals, and NHL players are no different. One particularly unusual example comes from former Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas. Before every game, he would take a shot of vodka and then vomit in order to “clear his mind” and get ready for action. Another strange tradition involves the Detroit Red Wings, who used to keep a stuffed octopus in their locker room during playoff runs. Legend has it that the number of arms on the octopus represented the number of games needed to win the championship.
Surprising Records Set by NHL Players
There have been countless incredible feats accomplished by NHL players over the years, but here are just a few examples:
Wayne Gretzky holds the record for most career points with 2,857. He also scored more than 100 points in nine separate seasons.
Mario Lemieux won four consecutive scoring titles between 1986 and 1990 while playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Martin Brodeur set numerous records during his long career as a goaltender, including most shutouts (125), most saves (28,928), and most minutes played (74,054).