Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, the NHL has found player representation from many countries that were once part of the Soviet Union. 1994 saw the first Russian-born players win the Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers, and they have won Cups ever since. Additionally, Latvians, Lithuanians, and Belorussians have found names for […]

The 1990s were a time when Finnish hockey players became more prevalent throughout the NHL. By the time that the decade had gotten underway, three Finns already had their names inscribed upon Lord Stanley’s Cup, while a total of four had been NHL All-Stars. While the Finns of the decade prior certainly found NHL success, […]

Nicknamed “The Nuisance” for his sandpapery, face-wash, stick-to-the-groin style of play, Dale Hunter was a difference maker for every season of his 19-year NHL career. Though he never won the Stanley Cup, he was in many ways a “winner” just the same. Hunter did everything in his power to ensure victory for the teams he […]

There is something to say for longevity. In professional sports, longevity typically means one thing more than any other – it means relevancy. A player needs to be good enough at his/her craft, willing to adapt and adjust over the years, keep healthy, and be relevant to their sport and to their team in order […]

The hockey world has lost an icon, and the world has lost a really great guy. Eddie Shack has passed away at the age of 83. Here is an archive piece for you to enjoy, and relive a little bit of Eddie’s great career and life. “Clear the Tracks, here comes Shack!” By the time […]

In March of 1965, a formal process began headed by then NHL President Clarence Campbell so that the league would expand its operation to include a second division of six teams. Gone would be the days of the so-called “Original Six” franchises. Joining them would be a half-dozen new teams that would see the NHL reach further […]

When the NHL expanded from six to twelve teams in 1967, it was imperative for the half-dozen new teams – if they wanted to be competitive, at least – to have solid goaltending. With a West Division housing each of the new teams – the Oakland Seals, St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, […]

In an era when the chances of a collegiate hockey player making it to the NHL were slim to none – let alone a goaltender – Saint Thomas, Ontario’s own Bill McKenzie was the exception to the rule. An undrafted netminder, McKenzie would go on to play 91 games in the NHL across six seasons. […]

Ever since Maurice “The Rocket” Richard became the first to do so in 1944-45, scoring 50 goals in one season has been the pinnacle plateau for NHL goal scorers. The magic 50-number has distinguished the true “snipers” of the league. While Wayne Gretzky once scored 50 in only 39 games – an NHL record – […]

When André Peloffy suited up for the expansion 1974-75 Washington Capitals, he became the first player born in France to play in the National Hockey League. Originally selected by the New York Rangers in the ninth round of the 1971 Draft, Peloffy never played for the “Blueshirts” and was traded to the Capitals prior to […]

Before the 1999 NHL Draft took place in Boston, MA on June 26, many believed it was to have a deep amount of talent to choose from – a treasure trove of sorts. European players especially were considered to predominate the early selections, and they had prospective NHL suitors salivating over their supposed skill sets. […]

The Kansas City Scouts existed for all of two seasons in the National Hockey League. 160 games played, but a mere 27 wins. The team scored a total of 374 goals in that time – just a little bit more than two goals per game. Meanwhile, the Scouts allowed a whopping 679 goals against, or […]

The 1995-96 St. Louis Blues were a collection of hockey’s aged superstars. A team with an all-in mentality. One that endeavored to squeeze whatever elixir was still left in the proverbial fountain of youth. But for some reason, it didn’t quite work. Wayne Gretzky’s time with the Blues is likely the least talked about time […]

Right winger Mike Gartner played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League. He scored at least 30 goals in 17 of those 19 campaigns. This phenomenal feat is an NHL record that seemingly only Alexander Ovechkin will ever be able to break. Such production out of a player is rarely ever seen. In fact, on […]

The fact that Alexander Mogilny has not received enshrinement in the Hockey Hall of Fame is more than a bit perplexing. The man who was nicknamed “Magic” during his early years in Buffalo assembled perhaps the least considered storied career in the NHL. Fans and hockey historians are beginning to forget how talented he truly […]

Ever since Maurice “The Rocket” Richard became the first to do so in 1944-45, scoring 50 goals in one season has been the pinnacle plateau for NHL goal scorers. The magic 50-number has distinguished the true “snipers” of the league. While Wayne Gretzky once scored 50 in only 39 games – an NHL record – […]

On April 29, the NWHL held its final three rounds of the 2020 Draft. Each pick continued to be announced on Twitter by a special guest or celebrity. Rounds 1-2 were held the day prior, and were recapped by our Dan Rice. For rounds 3-5, some of the more recognizable special guests – particularly in […]

The Buffalo Beauts had already re-signed their top scorer from the 2019-20 season. Now they have made certain to re-ink their premier defender as well. Word was released on Apr. 24, 2020 that the Beauts had come to terms with heralded defender Marie-Jo Pelletier for the upcoming NWHL “Season Six”. A native of Dalhousie, New […]

The very first Russian-born and trained player to make it to the NHL was Victor Nechayev. Upon marrying an American woman that allowed him entry into the USA, Nechayev played one season of professional hockey in North America. That included three games for the Los Angeles Kings during the 1982-83 season, one of which saw […]

By the time that Gary Bergman became a member of the Kansas City Scouts, he was 37 years old and a veteran of nearly 800 NHL regular season games. The primary factor behind Bergman’s longevity in the league was that his all-around game was very strong. He was always above average when it came to […]