Established in 1917, the NHL was founded as a result of the need to establish a professional governing body to ensure the growth and stability of the sport of hockey. The Original 6 refers to the six teams that made up the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1942 until 1967. These teams were the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. These teams were the foundation of modern-day professional hockey and are still some of the most storied franchises in the NHL.
Boston Bruins:
The Boston Bruins were founded in 1924 and were the first American team to join the NHL. The Bruins’ early years were tumultuous, as they struggled both on and off the ice. However, in 1929, the team signed a young player named Eddie Shore, who would become one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history. The Bruins won their first Stanley Cup in 1929 and went on to win four more during the Original Six era.
The Bruins played their home games at the Boston Garden from 1928 until 1995. The Garden was known for its small ice surface and rowdy atmosphere, which made it a difficult place for opposing teams to play.
Chicago Black Hawks
In 1926, the Chicago Blackhawks – or “Hawks” for short – were added to the league and remain the fourth-oldest team in the NHL. Over the years, the Hawks have had many exciting teams, with three Stanley Cup Championships, as well as many close regular season and playoff appearances. The unique name of the Blackhawks is an homage to the original owner’s Native American heritage, which makes them a team that is truly unique in the hockey world. The team struggled in its early years but became a powerhouse in the 1930s, winning the Stanley Cup in 1934 and 1938. During the Original Six era, the Blackhawks won one more Cup in 1961, led by superstar forward Bobby Hull.
The Blackhawks played their home games at Chicago Stadium from 1929 until 1994. The stadium was known for its loud, boisterous crowds and its unique architecture, which included a massive pipe organ
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings joined the NHL in 1932, taking the historic name of their former Pacific Coast Hockey Association team. The Red Wings have been one of the most successful Original 6 teams, with 11 Stanley Cup Championships and seven consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Red Wings won the Stanley Cup four times during that period, including back-to-back championships in 1954 and 1955. The team was led by legends like Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay and was known for its high-flying offense
The Red Wings played their home games at Olympia Stadium from 1927 until 1979. The stadium was known for its intimate atmosphere and its raucous crowds, who would often chant “Let’s Go Red Wings!” during games
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens, affectionately referred to by hockey fans as the “Habs”, hold the distinction of being the oldest of the Original 6 NHL teams. The Canadiens are one the most successful franchises in the history of the NHL, with over 100 seasons of play in the league. As one of the two Canadian teams in the Original 6, the Canadiens draw a devoted and passionate following, both in their home country of Canada and in the United States. The Montreal Canadiens were founded in 1909 and are one of the most storied franchises in NHL history. The Canadiens won the Stanley Cup a record 24 times, including five during the Original Six era. The team was known for its incredible talent and its rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was one of the most intense in all of sports
The Canadiens played their home games at the Montreal Forum from 1926 until 1996. The Forum was known for its iconic architecture, including the Art Deco facade and the famous “chandelier” in the center of the arena.
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers were founded in 1926 and were the first NHL team based in the United States to win the Stanley Cup. The Rangers won their first Cup in 1928 and went on to win two more during the Original Six era. The team was led by legends like Bill Cook, Bryan Hextall, and Andy Bathgate
The Rangers played their home games at Madison Square Garden from 1926 until the present day. The Garden is one of the most iconic arenas in all of sports and has hosted some of the biggest events in hockey history, including the 1994 Stanley Cup Final.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are the second most successful franchise in NHL history, having won 13 Stanley Cups. The rivalry between the Leafs and the Canadiens is legendary in the hockey world, and is often described as the best and most intense in the entire league. The Maple Leafs played their home games at Maple Leaf Gardens from 1931 until 1999. The Gardens was known for its unique design, including a high ceiling and a massive scoreboard that hung over center ice. It was also home to some of the most iconic moments in Leafs history, including the team’s 1967 Stanley Cup victory. That victory happened a long time ago. The Leafs have been re-building since 1967….I hope they win it again soon.
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