The first NHL hockey game was played on December 19, 1917. Here are five supporting facts about the inaugural NHL game:
1. Venue: The game was held at the Dey’s Arena in Ottawa, Canada, which was the home rink of the Ottawa Senators at the time.
2. Teams: The two teams that participated in the game were the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens, both of which are still active franchises in the NHL today.
3. Result: The Ottawa Senators emerged victorious, defeating the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 7-4. The first goal in NHL history was scored by Dave Ritchie of the Ottawa Senators.
4. Attendance: The game drew a crowd of approximately 700 spectators, which was considered a decent turnout for hockey games during that era.
5. League Formation: The first NHL game marked the official formation of the National Hockey League. The league initially consisted of four teams, including the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, and Toronto Arenas.
FAQs:
1. Why was the first NHL game held in Ottawa?
– The game was held in Ottawa because the Ottawa Senators were one of the original teams that formed the NHL. Additionally, Ottawa was a prominent hockey city during that time.
2. How many players were on the ice during the first NHL game?
– During the first NHL game, each team had seven players on the ice, which included a goaltender, two defensemen, three forwards, and a rover.
3. Who scored the first goal for the Montreal Canadiens in the first NHL game?
– Joe Malone of the Montreal Canadiens scored the first goal for his team in the inaugural NHL game.
4. Did the NHL have any ties to previous hockey leagues?
– Yes, the NHL had ties to the National Hockey Association (NHA), which was a professional hockey league formed in 1909. The NHL was created as a result of a dispute within the NHA.
5. How much did it cost to attend the first NHL game?
– The ticket prices for the first NHL game ranged from 25 cents to 75 cents, depending on the seating section. The average ticket price was around 50 cents.
6. Did the NHL face any challenges in its early years?
– Yes, the NHL faced several challenges in its early years, including financial struggles, rival leagues, and a need for expansion to ensure its survival.
7. How has the NHL evolved since its first game in 1917?
– Since its inception, the NHL has experienced significant growth and changes. The league expanded to include more teams, introduced various rule changes, adopted new technologies, and became a global spectacle.
BOTTOM LINE:
The first NHL hockey game took place on December 19, 1917, with the Ottawa Senators defeating the Montreal Canadiens. This historic event marked the formation of the NHL, laying the foundation for the growth and evolution of professional hockey.
