NHL Founded: Professional Hockey Takes Root
The National Hockey League was founded on November 26, 1917, at the Windsor Hotel in Montreal, replacing the National Hockey Association after a dispute between franchise owners. The original teams were the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Arenas. The Quebec Bulldogs held a franchise but didn't ice a team until 1919. The Wanderers' arena burned down after just six games, and the team folded. The NHL played its first season with three teams. The league expanded slowly: the Boston Bruins became the first American team in 1924, followed by the New York Americans and Pittsburgh Pirates. The Stanley Cup, which had existed since 1893 as a challenge trophy, became the NHL's exclusive championship in 1926. The league settled into its 'Original Six' era from 1942 to 1967 before the first major expansion doubled the number of teams.
November 26, 1917
109 years ago
Key Figures & Places
National Hockey League
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Montreal Canadiens
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Montreal Wanderers
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Ottawa Senators (original)
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Quebec Bulldogs
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Toronto Arenas
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National Hockey League
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Montreal Canadiens
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Montreal Wanderers
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Ottawa Senators (original)
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Quebec Bulldogs
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Toronto Arenas
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