Hockey enthusiasts around the world are familiar with the prestigious Art Ross Trophy, an award that honors the National Hockey League’s (NHL) leading point scorer in the regular season. However, not everyone may be acquainted with the man behind the name—Arthur Howey Ross. Let’s dive into the legacy of Art Ross, exploring his impact on the world of hockey and the history of the trophy named in his honor.
The Man Behind The Trophy:
Art Ross was a key figure in the development of ice hockey and a pioneer of the sport. Born in 1885, he began his career as a player in the early 1900s but truly left his mark as a coach and administrator. Ross introduced innovative strategies that revolutionized the game, including, pulling the goalie to use five forwards together to create more offensive opportunities. He also popularized tactics such as line changing on the fly, allowing teams to maintain a fast pace during games. Moreover, Ross is credited with inventing one of hockey’s most iconic pieces of equipment: the puck with three rubber edges.
As an administrator, he served as president of both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Boston Bruins franchise for several years. His most enduring contribution is undoubtedly his role in creating and naming the annual award presented to the NHL’s leading scorer—the Art Ross Trophy—establishing his legacy within hockey’s history books. Through his innovations and dedication to improving the game, Art Ross solidified himself as one of its foremost architects.
The Birth of the Art Ross Trophy:
The Art Ross Trophy, instituted in 1948, stands as a testament to Ross’s contributions to the game. The trophy is awarded annually to the NHL player who accumulates the most points during the regular season, combining goals and assists. Ross’s impact on the league was so profound that naming the trophy in his honor was a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.
The trophy itself is a symbol of excellence and offensive prowess, reflecting Ross’s belief in the importance of skilled and dynamic play on the ice. Over the years, the Art Ross Trophy has become one of the most prestigious individual awards in the NHL, with players striving to etch their names alongside the legends who have previously claimed the title.
NOTE: If two or more players finish the season with the same number of points, the trophy is awarded in the following manner: 1. Player with most goals; 2. Player with fewer games played; 3. Player scoring the first goal of the season.
Multiple Winners and Records:
In 1947/48 Elmer Lach of the Montreal Canadiens became the first player to receive the Art Ross Trophy.
Since that time several iconic players have etched their names into the history of the Art Ross Trophy by becoming multiple-time winners. Wayne Gretzky, often regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, holds the record for the most Art Ross Trophy wins. He has an astonishing ten wins, including seven in a row from 1980-81 through 1986-87. Other notable names include Gordie Howe and Mario Lemieux each winning the award six times. Most recently Connor McDavid has won the award 5 times between 2017 and 2023.
The Art Ross Trophy, with its impressive list of winners, serves as a timeline of the NHL’s most prolific offensive performers.
Hockey Tidbit: In 2007 at the age of 19 Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins became the youngest player ever to win the Art Ross Trophy.
Conclusion:
Art Ross’s influence on hockey is immeasurable, and the trophy named in his honor is a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy. As fans continue to witness the dazzling skills of today’s NHL stars, they can appreciate the connection to a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the sport we love. The Art Ross Trophy not only celebrates individual achievement but also serves as a reminder of the rich history and evolution of hockey.
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