Sports History

Born July 1, 1977, in Edmonton, Alberta, was Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing Jarome Iginla. This legend was a four-time NHL All-Star, winner of the Messier Award, Ted Lindsay Pearson Award, King Clancy Memorial Trophy, Art Ross, and two-time winner of the Maurice Richard Award. Iginla scored 1300 points during his 22-year career that saw him on the rosters of the Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings.

The Color barrier for skating in the NHL was broken on January 18, 1958, when Willie O'Ree skated for the Boston Bruins.

Born June 6, 1965, in Comox, British Columbia, was Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing Cam Neely. Neely played right wing for the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League from 1983 to 1996. Those that knew him called him " Bam-Bam Cam", as he was one of the most dominant power forwards of his generation. Cam reached the fifty goal mark three times, played in five All-Star games, and was named the league's Second Team All-Star at right wing. At the time of this writing Neely is the Boston Bruins' all-time leading playoff goal scorer with 55. He ranks tenth in playoff points for Boston with 87. Neely was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2005. Neely moved on to become an executive for the Bruins after playing.

Woodrow Wilson Clarence Dumart, better known as "Woody," wasn't just a hockey player; he was a symbol of Boston Bruins glory, an offensive dynamo, and a legend of the early NHL. His career left an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing raw talent, defensive prowess, and the unwavering spirit of a true champion.

Early Days and Boston Beginnings:

Born in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1916, Dumart's talent blossomed early. He joined the Boston Bruins in 1935, forming a legendary line with Milt Schmidt and Art Jackson, dubbed the "Kraut Line" after their German-Canadian heritage. This potent trio terrorized defenses, leading the Bruins to two Stanley Cup victories in 1939 and 1941.

A Scoring Machine and Unconventional Style:

Known for his powerful slapshot and knack for finding the net, Dumart amassed 211 goals and 218 assists in 774 games across 16 seasons. While his aggressive, slashing style drew controversy, his effectiveness was undeniable. He finished as the NHL's leading scorer five times, a testament to his offensive prowess.

Born November 3, 1901, in Toronto, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Defenseman Lionel Hitchman. This legend was a two-time Stanley Cup Champion and Hart Memorial Award winner. Hitchman skated with the Ottawa Senators and the Boston Bruins during his thirteen-year career.

Fern Flaman, a name etched in both Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs lore, wasn't just a defenseman; he was an enigma wrapped in blue and gold, then white and green. His career, split between these two fierce rivals, showcased a player of exceptional talent, unwavering tenacity, and a loyalty that some might call complex, and others, simply captivating.

In Boston, Flaman's arrival in 1944 heralded the dawn of a defensive fortress. His rugged play, characterized by aggressive body checks and a knack for reading the ice like a book, earned him the respect of teammates and the fear of opponents. He anchored the Bruins' blue line for seven seasons, helping them secure two Stanley Cup appearances. He became a fan favorite, his name echoing through the hallowed halls of the Boston Garden.

Then, in a twist of fate worthy of a hockey epic, Flaman found himself traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1950. Donning the white and green, he found himself amidst a dynasty-in-the-making. His defensive prowess seamlessly integrated into the Leafs' powerful machine, and his unwavering determination fueled their championship drive. In 1951, he lifted the Stanley Cup with his former rivals, a poignant feat that solidified his place in hockey history.

But the duality of Flaman's career didn't end there. Traded back to the Bruins in 1954, he embraced his return with the spirit of a warrior returning home. He captained the team for five seasons, leading them to another Stanley Cup appearance in 1957. His loyalty to both Bruins and Leafs wasn't questioned; it was simply understood. He served each team with the same fiery passion, etching his name in the hearts of fans on both sides of the rivalry.

Flaman's legacy transcends mere statistics. He was a pioneer of the "stay-at-home" defenseman, paving the way for generations of blue-liners who prioritized protecting their net over flashy offensive forays. He was a leader, both vocal and by example, inspiring his teammates to push their limits and never back down. He was a symbol of the NHL's golden age, a time when rivalries were fierce but respect between players remained untarnished.

Born June 12, 1912, in Bristol, Quebec, was Hockey Hall of Fame Center Bill Cowley. Known as "Cowboy" Cowley, he played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League for the St. Louis Eagles and Boston Bruins. Many experts consider him to the greatest skater of his era. Cowley's amazing career trajectory started with a single minor-level game for the Tulsa Oilers of the American Hockey Association at the start of the 1934–35 season. A contest in which Cowboy got into a fight and couldn't score a single point, however somebody in St. Louis saw something and they signed him to the Eagles on the spot. After that 1935-35 Rookie season the Eagles disbanded and Boston garnered the rights to the Bill. Bill Cowley finished his career with 195 goals and 353 assists for 548 points in 549 NHL games and was the NHL career leader in assists and points at retirement.

Art Ross wasn't just a hockey player; he was a pioneer, an inventor, and the namesake of the NHL's coveted scoring trophy. His career spanned decades, from the early days of professional hockey to the birth of the NHL, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Dominant Defenseman:

He began playing in 1905, known as one of the best defenders of his era.

-Won two Stanley Cups (1907, 1908) and played with teams like the Montreal Wanderers and Kenora Thistles.

-Pioneered offensive play for defensemen, skating up the ice with the puck, a revolutionary strategy at the time.

Coaching and Executive Success:

-He transitioned to coaching after playing, leading the Boston Bruins to four championship appearances and one Stanley Cup victory (1939).

-Served as general manager of the Bruins for over 20 years, building a dynasty and shaping the team's identity.

-Credited with designing the official NHL puck, with slightly beveled edges for better control.

The Art Ross Legacy:

-Ross donated the Art Ross Trophy in 1947, awarded to the league's leading scorer each season.

-He remains one of the most influential figures in hockey history, his impact lasting beyond his playing days.

-Remembered for his innovative playing style, coaching achievements, and lasting contributions to the NHL.

In short, Art Ross was a multi-faceted legend who shaped hockey in several ways, from his on-ice prowess to his influence as a coach, executive, and innovator.

Born May 31, 1903 in Sandon, British Columbia, was Hockey Hall of Fame Goalie Tiny Thompson. Tiny had a great 12 year NHL career playing for both the the Boston Bruins, and later for the Detroit Red Wings. Helping the Bruins take home the Stanley Cup as a rookie in the 1928–29 season. Thompson was a four-time Vezina Trophy winner, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1959.

Ray Bourque, the "Big Rig," carved his name into hockey history not just with a Norris Trophy record five times but with a career so prolific it spanned generations. He became a loyal cornerstone, drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1979, anchoring their defense for 21 seasons.
Bourque's offensive prowess redefined the role of a defenseman. His graceful skating, laser-like slapshot, and pinpoint passes rivaled many forwards. He held the NHL record for most points by a defenseman for years, scoring 410 goals and 1,169 assists, a testament to his offensive dynamism.

But Bourque was more than just points. He was a defensive stalwart, reading plays like a chess master and clearing pucks with the efficiency of a snowplow. His 1,570 games played stood as a testament to his durability and commitment.

Despite individual brilliance, the Stanley Cup remained elusive for Bourque. The Boston faithful yearned to see their captain hoist the coveted trophy, a dream that grew heavier with each passing playoff.

Finally, in 2000, fate intervened. Traded to the Colorado Avalanche, Bourque found himself on a championship-caliber team. In his final NHL game, at 40, he lifted the Stanley Cup, tears streaming down his face as a city's dream finally came true.

Bourque's legacy extends beyond trophies. He embodied sportsmanship and grace, winning the King Clancy Trophy for leadership and humanitarianism.