This Day in Hockey History
1967 - NHL expands to 12 teams
The Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Oakland Seals and St. Louis Blues officially join the Original Six franchises on this day in 1967, ushering in an era of expansion that leads to the 30-team league we watch today.
The Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs make up the NHL for 25 seasons prior to expansion. The pre-expansion season in 1967 is also the last time the Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup.
Five of the six initial expansion teams still exist. The North Stars moved to Dallas and dropped the "North" from their name in 1993, while the Oakland Seals moved to Cleveland in 1976 before folding two years later.
1963 - First amateur draft in NHL history
The first amateur draft in NHL history is held in Montreal on this day in 1963. Prior to this, teams rely solely on youth development programs to find new players and receive signing priority based on geographical location.
A total of 21 players are selected by the six pre-expansion teams, with the Canadiens selecting Garry Monahan first overall. Monahan records 285 points in 748 career games with Montreal, Detroit, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver.
The Red Wings own the second selection of the draft and select Pete Mahovlich, who recorded 773 points in 884 games. He is a key part of Montreal's dynasty in the 1970's.
2006 - Chris Pronger scores first penalty shot goal in Stanley Cup Final history
In an unorthodox move in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Final series against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Edmonton Oilers select defenseman Chris Pronger to take a penalty shot midway through the second period.
The decision pays off, as Pronger becomes the first player in Stanley Cup Final history to score on a penalty shot. He hesitates in the slot before firing a wrist shot past Cam Ward's blocker.
The penalty shot is called after determining Hurricanes defenseman Niclas Wallin closed his hand on the puck in the crease. Wallin gives the officials a round of sarcastic applause after Pronger scores.
Birthdays
1965 - Bob Probert
1970 - Martin Gelinas
1980 - Mike Fisher
1986 - Dave Bolland