Sports History

Born November 22, 1943, in Drummondville, Quebec, was Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing Yvan Cournoyer. This legend was a four-time NHL All-Star on some Montreal Canadiens teams that won eight Stanley Cup Championships. Cournoyer also claims fame for scoring the tying goal in the deciding game eight of the Canada-USSR series with seven minutes remaining in 1972. This lamp lighter led to Team Canada winning the game and series on a Paul Henderson Goal with only 34 seconds remaining. Cournoyer was honored in 2017 as one of the 100 players chosen as the Greatest in NHL History.

Born September 21, 1902, in Mitchell, Ontario, was Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame Center Howie Morenz. This legend spent the majority of his career with the Montreal Canadiens, where he was a three-time Stanley Cup winner. Morenz also played on the lines of the Chicago Blackhawks and the New York Rangers. During his NHL career he placed in the top 10 leading scorers ten times. For seven straight seasons, Morenz led the Canadiens in both goals scored and points. He was named the winner of the Hart Trophy as the most valuable player of the league three times.

Born September 4, 1919 in Montreal, Quebec, was Hockey Hall of Fame Defenseman, Butch Bouchard. This legend played for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1941 to 1956.

Bouchard was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on September 4, 1919. He grew up during the Great Depression and didn't have the opportunity to play hockey until he was 16 years old. He learned to skate on rented skates and borrowed $35 from his brother to buy a complete set of hockey equipment.

Bouchard began his professional hockey career with the Verdun Maple Leafs of the Quebec Senior Hockey League in 1940. He was signed by the Montreal Canadiens in 1941 and made his NHL debut that same year.

Bouchard was a physical defenceman who was known for his strong skating and his ability to break up opposing plays. He was also a skilled passer and a threat to score from the point.

Bouchard was a key member of the Montreal Canadiens' dynasty of the 1950s. He won the Stanley Cup four times with the Canadiens (1953, 1956, 1957, and 1958) and was named to the NHL First All-Star Team three times (1945, 1946, and 1947).

Bouchard retired from hockey in 1956. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966.

Larry Robinson wasn't just a great hockey player but a demonstrative force on the ice. This summary explores his remarkable career, highlighting his dominance as a two-way defenseman, his championship pedigree, and his lasting impact on the sport.

Born June 2, 1951, in Winchester, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Defenseman, Larry Robinson. "Big Bird" as he was known, played for 17 seasons in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, and then tacked on three more with the Los Angeles Kings.

Robinson's Skateway to NHL Stardom

Robinson's path to stardom was familiar. Undrafted after a single year of junior hockey, he battled his way through the minor leagues before finally catching the Montreal Canadiens' eye. His arrival in 1973 marked the beginning of a legendary era for both player and team.

A-Pillar of the "Big Three": Robinson quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Canadiens' defense. Alongside Serge Savard and Guy Lapointe, they formed the famed "Big Three," a defensive unit that revolutionized how the game was played. Robinson wasn't just a defensive stalwart; he possessed a potent offensive skillset, contributing significantly to the team's scoring.

Six Stanley Cups and Individual Accolades

The Canadiens dynasty of the 1970s wouldn't have been possible without Robinson. He was pivotal in securing six Stanley Cup championships with the team between 1973 and 1986. His accolades were equally impressive. He won the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league's best defenseman, a remarkable two times. A testament to his well-rounded game, he earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1978.

Larry was also a well known former ice hockey coach, and executive after he hung up the skates. He was the head coach of the New Jersey Devils (on two stints), as well as the Los Angeles Kings. He was on six Stanley Cup champion teams, made six All-Star teams and won the 1977-78 Smythe Award as well as two Norris Trophies.

Sprague Cleghorn's hockey career, spanning through most of the 1920s, embodied the grit and determination that characterized the sport's formative years. While his statistics may not jump off the page in today's NHL, Cleghorn's impact lies in his pioneering spirit and leadership, leaving an undeniable mark on the game's evolution.

Cleghorn's journey began with the Montreal Wanderers, a prestigious club. His exceptional skating ability and fierce competitiveness made him a standout player. After a fire ravaged the Montreal club's skating home, Sprague's rights were transferred to the Ottawa Senators. The Sens won the Stanley Cup in 1919, and the following season, the NHL attempted parity by dispersing Cleghorn to the Hamilton Tigers.

Refusing to report with the Tigers, Ottawa asked the league to allow Sprague to return to their fold. Other owners bached at the idea, and eventually, Cleghorn signed with the Toronto St. Patricks. He helped them earn a playoff spot, but Toronto lost their series and dismissed Cleghorn. Sprague signed with Ottawa just in time to help them win Lord Stanley's Cup in 1921.

The league again attempted to transfer Cleghorn to Hamilton in 1921, but he again refused to report. Just before the 1921–22 NHL season started, Hamilton traded him to the Montreal Canadiens. Cleghorn played four seasons there before finishing up his career in Boston,

Sprague Cleghorn's name may not be as widely recognized as some of hockey's later superstars, but his contributions are undeniable. He was a pioneer who helped shape the game into what it is today, inspiring future generations with his leadership, skill, and unwavering passion for hockey.

Bob Gainey, a name synonymous with the Montreal Canadiens and NHL excellence, carved a captivating career as both player and executive. From his early days as a scoring forward to his leadership role in five Stanley Cup championships, Gainey's impact on the ice and beyond remains an undeniable force in hockey history.

Scoring Prowess and Early Success:

-Drafted by the Canadiens in 1973, Gainey established himself as a versatile goal scorer. His hustle, competitive spirit, and knack for finding the net earned him the nickname "The Rat."

-He flourished alongside fellow Canadiens legends like Guy Lafleur and Ken Dryden, winning his first Stanley Cup in 1976.

Shifting Gears and Captaincy:

-Recognizing his defensive potential, Gainey transitioned to a two-way forward, earning widespread acclaim for his tenacity and shutdown abilities.

-He was awarded the Frank Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward a record four consecutive times (1978-1981).

-In 1981, Gainey's leadership qualities shone through as he became the Canadiens' captain. Under his guidance, the team experienced continued success, capturing four more Stanley Cups between 1986 and 1989.

Leaving a Legacy and Beyond:

-Gainey retired in 1989, leaving behind a remarkable NHL career: 1160 games played, 239 goals, 263 assists, and five Stanley Cup rings.

-His induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992 cemented his place among the legends of the sport.

-Gainey transitioned successfully into management, serving as general manager for the Minnesota Wild and later returning to his beloved Montreal Canadiens. His leadership helped both teams reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

Born July 19, 1892, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, was Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame Center Dick Irvin. Dick famously played on the Chicago Black Hawks and coached the 1932 Stanley Cup Championship teams of the Toronto Maple Leafs and later the 1944, 46, 53 editions of the Montreal Canadiens.

Ken Reardon wasn't known for flashy moves or highlight-reel goals, but his impact on the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL as a whole was a steady consistent path. This summary explores his career, highlighting his toughness, leadership, and championship pedigree.

A Fearsome Defender: Nicknamed "The Irishman" for his fighting spirit, Reardon carved out a reputation as a physical, intimidating defenseman. He wasn't afraid to mix it up in the corners, racking up a staggering 604 penalty minutes throughout his career. His toughness served as a deterrent to opposing forwards and inspired confidence in his teammates.

Leadership and Consistency: Beyond the physicality, Reardon displayed exceptional leadership qualities. His dedication and work ethic were contagious, earning him the respect of teammates and coaches alike. He was a reliable presence on the ice, known for his consistency and ability to shut down opposing offenses.

A Stanley Cup Champion: Reardon's contributions were instrumental in the Montreal Canadiens' success. He played a key role in their 1946 Stanley Cup victory, solidifying his place as a champion. While his career didn't extend into the era of individual accolades, he was named a First-Team All-Star twice and a Second-Team All-Star three times, signifying his consistent dominance as a defenseman.

Born October 19, 1900, in Toronto, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Goaltender Roy Worters. This legend between the pipes was the Hart Memorial Trophy winner in 1929; took home the Vezina Trophy 1931. Shrimp, as he was called, played twelve seasons in the National Hockey League for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Canadiens and New York Americans.

Born August 29, in Ottawa, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Left Wing, Aurele Joliat. He was known by many as the Little Giant Joliat, and by others as the Mighty Atom, and whatever people said they all agrees he was a magnificent skater in hockey. Joliat helped the Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup in 1924 over the WCHL's Calgary Tigers. He helped the Canadiens win two more cups in 1930 and 1931. His best season was in 1925, when teamed with Howie Morenz and Billy Boucher. Joliat scored 29 goals to lead the NHL, and his 41 points would be a career high. All in he played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League. The Mighty Atom finished his career with 270 goals and 460 points in 655 games. At the time of his retirement, Joliat was the NHL career leader in games played, a mark he held until surpassed by Hooley Smith in 1940.