Sports History

Dorsel Fins Up Hockey fans! Strap on your jerseys and sharpen your skates, because we're about to take a deep dive into the thrilling world of the San Jose Sharks! This series will be your one-stop shop for everything Sharks hockey, from their humble beginnings as an expansion team to their current status as a perennial playoff contender.

Over the next few articles, we'll explore the rich history of the San Jose Sharks, swimming through the victories, the heartbreaks, and the iconic moments that have cemented their place in the NHL. We'll delve into the early days, where the teal wave first crashed onto the scene, and chart their course as they battled for respect and a Stanley Cup.

But a team is only as strong as the individuals who wear its colors. We'll also be shining a spotlight on the legendary players who've donned the Sharks' jersey. From the goal-scoring machines who lit up the lamp to the defensive stalwarts who shut down opponents, we'll celebrate the athletes who have etched their names into Sharks lore.

And of course, no team thrives without a guiding hand. We'll be looking back at the influential coaches who have shaped the Sharks' identity, from the strategists who masterminded winning seasons to the motivators who rallied the team through adversity.

So, whether you're a die-hard Sharks fan or simply a hockey enthusiast, get ready to join us on this exciting journey. We'll explore iconic players, legendary coaches, unforgettable moments, and everything in between. Let's drop the puck and celebrate the San Jose Sharks!

Calling all hockey fans in the Pacific Northwest and beyond! The Kraken have arrived, and with them comes a new era of excitement for Seattle hockey. This series will be your ultimate guide to all things Kraken, from their historic birth in the NHL to the rising stars and seasoned veterans who don the teal and blue.

Get ready to dive deep into the Kraken's inaugural 2022-23 season and witness the birth of a new hockey tradition. We'll explore the team's thrilling journey, from the heart-stopping moments on the ice to the electrifying atmosphere at Climate Pledge Arena.

But a team is more than just wins and losses. We'll also be spotlighting the individuals who make the Kraken tick. From the future Hall-of-Famers etching their names in franchise history to the young guns hungry to prove themselves, we'll delve into the stories of the players who bring their passion and skill to the ice every night.

And of course, no team thrives without a guiding hand behind the bench. We'll meet the coaches who shape the Kraken's strategy, from the masterminds behind the power play to the motivators who rally the team through adversity.

So, whether you're a lifelong hockey fan or simply curious about Seattle's newest sports phenomenon, buckle up and join us on this exciting journey! We'll uncover the Kraken's fascinating history, celebrate their iconic players and coaches, and witness the unfolding chapters in this thrilling new chapter of Seattle hockey. Let's drop the puck and raise the volume for the Seattle Kraken!

The Anaheim Ducks, formerly known as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference.

From Disney Magic to Stanley Cup Glory (1993-2006):

-Founded in 1993 by The Walt Disney Company, the team was initially named the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, inspired by the popular Disney movie of the same name.

-Entering a league dominated by established franchises, the Mighty Ducks quickly captured the hearts of fans with their exciting style of play and a focus on family-friendly entertainment.

-In 2003, defying expectations, the Mighty Ducks led by superstars Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya, captured the Stanley Cup championship, defeating the heavily favored New Jersey Devils.

Transition to the Anaheim Ducks (2006-Present):

-The Walt Disney Company sold the team in 2006, marking the end of the "Mighty Ducks" era. The new ownership rebranded the team as the Anaheim Ducks, retaining the iconic orange and black color scheme.

-The Ducks continued to be a competitive force in the Western Conference, reaching the playoffs on multiple occasions.

-Notable players during this period include Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Scott Niedermayer, who played a pivotal role in leading the Ducks to their second Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

Lace up your skates and get ready to celebrate the greats! We're embarking on a series exploring the iconic figures who have dominated the ice while wearing each jersey number in the NHL. From the single digits donned by legendary goaltenders to the high-flying offensive numbers, we'll uncover the stories behind the sweaters.

Prepare to revisit the careers of legendary goalies like Jacques Plante and Dominik Hasek, who redefined their position while rocking the coveted number 31. We'll delve into the offensive mastery of players like Wayne Gretzky (the undisputed king of number 99) and Mario Lemieux (who made number 66 a symbol of pure skill).

This series isn't just about the undisputed superstars, though. We'll also explore the legacies of those who carved their own paths to greatness within a specific number.

Get ready for heated debates! Was Bobby Orr truly the greatest number 4 of all time, or did someone else own that honor? Did Brett Hull redefine the power forward role more than anyone who wore number 16?

Join us as we celebrate the players who wore their jersey numbers with pride, leaving an indelible mark on the NHL. We'll explore their on-ice brilliance, the moments that cemented their legacies, and the unique stories that make each player a legend in their own right. So, grab your favorite jersey (or borrow a friend's!), and let's embark on this exciting journey through NHL history, one number at a time!

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April 4, 1966 - The NHL Board of Governors officially granted St. Louis a franchise, to be a part of the league’s new six-team expansion in October of 1967. The team was named the Blues after the W.C. Hardy Song “Saint Louis Blues.”

In the Blues Beginning...

The St. Louis Blues, with their iconic blue note logo and passionate fan base, are a cornerstone of the National Hockey League (NHL). However, their story doesn't begin with a bang, but with a calculated gamble during a period of NHL expansion. This essay explores the origins of the St. Louis Blues, tracing their journey from an expansion team to a beloved franchise with a Stanley Cup victory.

Filling the Geographical Void (1960s):

In the 1960s, the NHL was a vastly different landscape. The league primarily consisted of "Original Six" teams located in established hockey markets. Recognizing the potential for growth, the NHL embarked on a strategic expansion. St. Louis, a thriving Midwestern city with a rich sports history but lacking a major league hockey team, emerged as a prime candidate.

Birth of the Blues (1967):

In 1967, the NHL awarded an expansion franchise to St. Louis. The team name, "Blues," paid homage to the city's musical heritage and the genre of blues music. While St. Louis hadn't officially submitted a formal bid, the league saw an opportunity to tap into a passionate sports fanbase and expand the sport's reach.

Early Struggles and Establishing an Identity (1967-1970s):

The Blues' early years were a baptism by fire. Building a competitive team from scratch proved challenging. They faced established teams with a history of success, and initial seasons were marked by struggle. However, the Blues, fueled by a determined core of players and a growing fanbase, slowly began to establish their identity. They were known for their grit, resilience, and a never-say-die attitude, characteristics that would become synonymous with the franchise.

A Foundation for Success: The Hopeful 1970s:

The 1970s brought a glimmer of hope for the Blues. The emergence of talented players like Garry Unger and Bernie Federko solidified their offensive attack. The arrival of legendary coach Al Arbour, known for his demanding style and emphasis on defense, further strengthened their foundation. While the Stanley Cup remained elusive, the Blues established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 1970.

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NHL.com describes a great event from May 16 in Hockey history with Frank Mahovlich and Guy Lafleur lighting the lamp for Montreal. They also have a story on Jack Adams, the Blackhawks, and the New York Islanders

Enjoy daily hockey history from the official website of the National Hockey League.

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The Hockey Writers website shares nuggets like:
1992 - In Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. Mario Lemieux scored a pair of goals in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
2003 - Patrick Roy announced his retirement after 19 seasons in the league with the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche.

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The Hockey Writers website has compiled many great moments on the ice from May 11 including pieces about Bobby Orr, Denis Potvin, Gerry Hart, Glenn Resch, Jaromir Jagr, and more. NHL May 11

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HookedOnHockey.com celebrates May 30 with many pieces of hockey lore like:
1979 - Don Cherry was named coach of the Colorado Rockies (before the franchise moved to New Jersey and became the Devils).
2000 – NJ Devil Defenseman Ken Daneyko, scored his first playoff goal.
plus more...

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ThisDayinHockeyHistory.com remembers the May 29 event of:
1976-Houston Aeros Draft Bobby Orr