May 15, 1926 – The NHL officially granted a second franchise to the city of New York, and that team was named the New York Rangers; the first team, which started play in the previous year, was the New York Americans. Also, the NHL announced that the cities of Chicago and Detroit would be awarded NHL teams to start play in November, provided their rinks were finished, making 10 teams in the NHL.
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Rod Gilbert
Born July 1, 1941, in Montreal, Quebec, was Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame right-wing, Rod Gilbert. From 1960-78 he was with the New York Rangers. He in known to be the first NY Ranger to have his number retired which was number 7. Roger was known as "Mr. Ranger", as he played right wing on the Goal-A-Game line with Vic Hadfield and Jean Ratelle but never with a Stanley Cup championship team.
Johnny Bower
Born November 8, 1924, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, was Hockey Hall of Fame Goalie, "The China Wall," Johnny Bower. This legend between the pipes played for 15 seasons, capturing two Vezina Trophies and four Stanley Cup Championships. He was on the New York Rangers for the first three seasons of his career but experienced much of his success as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Hockey Giant, Builder, and Champion
Curtis Lester Patrick (1883-1960) wasn't just a hockey player; he was a titan who shaped the game itself. From icy Victoria to the bright lights of New York, his career spanned five decades and earned him a place among the sport's all-time greats.
Playing Prowess:
-Six Stanley Cup rings: As a player, Patrick hoisted the coveted trophy with Victoria (1912, 1925) and Montreal (1916, 1917, 1924). His defensive brilliance and leadership were undeniable.
-Scoring touch: Though known for his defense, Patrick wasn't shy about
offense. He twice led the PCHA in scoring and amassed over 300 career goals.
Building Legacies:
-PCHA co-founder: Along with his brother Frank, Patrick helped establish the Pacific Coast Hockey Association in 1911, laying the groundwork for future expansion and ultimately contributing to the NHL's formation.
-Rule innovator: Patrick pioneered significant rule changes like numbered jerseys, player changes "on the fly," and penalty shots, forever impacting the game's flow and fairness.
Coaching & Management:
-Two more Stanley Cups: Patrick transitioned seamlessly to coaching, guiding the New York Rangers to their first championships in 1933 and 1940. His tactical acumen and player management skills were highly respected.
-Executive vision: As general manager, Patrick built contender teams for both Victoria and New York, showcasing his talent for identifying and nurturing talent.
Legacy Lives On:
-Hall of Fame member: Inducted in 1947, Patrick's place among hockey's elite is undisputed.
-The Lester Patrick Trophy: Awarded annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport in the United States, this trophy further cements his lasting impact.
Playing Prowess:
-Six Stanley Cup rings: As a player, Patrick hoisted the coveted trophy with Victoria (1912, 1925) and Montreal (1916, 1917, 1924). His defensive brilliance and leadership were undeniable.
-Scoring touch: Though known for his defense, Patrick wasn't shy about
offense. He twice led the PCHA in scoring and amassed over 300 career goals.
Building Legacies:
-PCHA co-founder: Along with his brother Frank, Patrick helped establish the Pacific Coast Hockey Association in 1911, laying the groundwork for future expansion and ultimately contributing to the NHL's formation.
-Rule innovator: Patrick pioneered significant rule changes like numbered jerseys, player changes "on the fly," and penalty shots, forever impacting the game's flow and fairness.
Coaching & Management:
-Two more Stanley Cups: Patrick transitioned seamlessly to coaching, guiding the New York Rangers to their first championships in 1933 and 1940. His tactical acumen and player management skills were highly respected.
-Executive vision: As general manager, Patrick built contender teams for both Victoria and New York, showcasing his talent for identifying and nurturing talent.
Legacy Lives On:
-Hall of Fame member: Inducted in 1947, Patrick's place among hockey's elite is undisputed.
-The Lester Patrick Trophy: Awarded annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport in the United States, this trophy further cements his lasting impact.
From Stony Mountain to the Hockey Hall of Fame
Born in the frosty Canadian town of Stony Mountain, Manitoba, Walter Peter "Babe" Pratt was destined for the ice. His journey from rural Saskatchewan to the pinnacle of professional hockey is a testament to grit, talent, and unwavering determination.
Pratt's career began in the rough-and-tumble world of senior leagues, where his versatility shone. He could seamlessly switch between defense and left wing, a rare skill that caught the eye of the New York Rangers in 1935. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, known for his booming slap shot and bone-crushing checks.
His impact was immediate. Pratt was instrumental in the Rangers' 1940 Stanley Cup victory, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer. He later joined the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a key player in their 1945 championship run. His leadership and defensive prowess earned him the coveted Hart Memorial Trophy in 1944, a mark of individual excellence rarely achieved by defensemen.
However, Pratt's career wasn't without controversy. In 1946, he was suspended for betting on hockey games, a scandal that threatened to derail his legacy. His heartfelt apology and a promise to quit gambling led to his reinstatement, and he finished his career with the Boston Bruins, showcasing his unwavering passion for the game.
Beyond trophies and statistics, Babe Pratt's legacy lies in his influence on the game itself. He pioneered the two-way defenseman, excelling both offensively and defensively. His booming slapshot inspired a generation of blueliners to unleash their offensive power.
Pratt's career began in the rough-and-tumble world of senior leagues, where his versatility shone. He could seamlessly switch between defense and left wing, a rare skill that caught the eye of the New York Rangers in 1935. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, known for his booming slap shot and bone-crushing checks.
His impact was immediate. Pratt was instrumental in the Rangers' 1940 Stanley Cup victory, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer. He later joined the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a key player in their 1945 championship run. His leadership and defensive prowess earned him the coveted Hart Memorial Trophy in 1944, a mark of individual excellence rarely achieved by defensemen.
However, Pratt's career wasn't without controversy. In 1946, he was suspended for betting on hockey games, a scandal that threatened to derail his legacy. His heartfelt apology and a promise to quit gambling led to his reinstatement, and he finished his career with the Boston Bruins, showcasing his unwavering passion for the game.
Beyond trophies and statistics, Babe Pratt's legacy lies in his influence on the game itself. He pioneered the two-way defenseman, excelling both offensively and defensively. His booming slapshot inspired a generation of blueliners to unleash their offensive power.
Bryan Hextall
Born July 31, 1913, in Grenfell, Saskatchewan, Canada, was Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing, Bryan Hextall. This legend was on the roster of the New York Rangers. Hextall was four-time first team NHL All Star. Officially he was named a first-team All-Star three times, and a second-team All-Star once. Bryan is always remembered as the skater that scored the overtime-winning goal that clinched the 1940 Stanley Cup for the Rangers.
Chuck Rayner
Born August 11, 1920, in Sutherland, Saskatchewan, was Hockey Hall of Fame Goaltender, Chuck Rayner. This legend from between the pipes won the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1950 and was an NHL All-Star 1949, 50, 51. He played his entire nine-year NHL career with the New York Americans, New York Rangers. In 1950 he led the Rangers to overtime in the seventh game of the Stanley Cup finals.
The Moose, Mark Messier's Reign in the Frozen Frontier
Mark Messier wasn't just a hockey player; he was a force of nature on skates. Nicknamed "The Moose" for his imposing physique and unwavering determination, Messier carved his name in hockey history with a ferocity that mirrored his nickname. From Edmonton's dynasty to New York's redemption, his journey is a testament to leadership, resilience, and an insatiable hunger for victory.
Born in Alberta, Canada, Messier's talent blossomed early. Drafted by the Edmonton Oilers, he found himself amidst a constellation of stars like Gretzky and Kurri. Yet, Messier carved his own path, becoming a two-way dynamo: dominating both offense with his powerful slap shot and leadership, and defense with his grit and relentless work ethic. He wasn't just a scorer; he was the heart and soul of the Oilers, the captain who led them to five Stanley Cups, his name forever etched in Edmonton's lore.
But Messier's story doesn't end there. In 1991, he embarked on a new chapter with the New York Rangers, a franchise burdened by decades of disappointment. Here, his leadership truly flourished. He lifted the team onto his broad shoulders, inspiring them with his relentless pursuit of excellence. After years of heartbreak, in 1994, Messier raised the Stanley Cup for the first time in 54 years, his iconic "guarantee" etched in New York legend.
Beyond trophies, Messier's impact transcended the ice. He was a vocal advocate for his players, a fighter for justice, and a role model for generations. He led by example, demanding the best from himself and his teammates, never settling for anything less than dominance.
Born in Alberta, Canada, Messier's talent blossomed early. Drafted by the Edmonton Oilers, he found himself amidst a constellation of stars like Gretzky and Kurri. Yet, Messier carved his own path, becoming a two-way dynamo: dominating both offense with his powerful slap shot and leadership, and defense with his grit and relentless work ethic. He wasn't just a scorer; he was the heart and soul of the Oilers, the captain who led them to five Stanley Cups, his name forever etched in Edmonton's lore.
But Messier's story doesn't end there. In 1991, he embarked on a new chapter with the New York Rangers, a franchise burdened by decades of disappointment. Here, his leadership truly flourished. He lifted the team onto his broad shoulders, inspiring them with his relentless pursuit of excellence. After years of heartbreak, in 1994, Messier raised the Stanley Cup for the first time in 54 years, his iconic "guarantee" etched in New York legend.
Beyond trophies, Messier's impact transcended the ice. He was a vocal advocate for his players, a fighter for justice, and a role model for generations. He led by example, demanding the best from himself and his teammates, never settling for anything less than dominance.
The Goalie with 1000 Stitches
Terry Sawchuk was more than a hockey goalie; he was a force of nature on skates, a legend born not just from talent, but from resilience etched in every puck scar and needle mark. He roamed the crease from 1949 to 1970, leaving behind a legacy as one of the toughest, most decorated netminders the game has ever seen.
His early career was a whirlwind of brilliance and misfortune. He won the Calder Trophy at 21, but also endured facial reconstruction after a skate blade sliced his cheek. This set the stage for a career marked by both dominance and tragedy.
He won four Vezina Trophies, backstopped four Stanley Cup championships, and faced over 37,000 shots, earning him the nickname "The Count." But the price of excellence was high. He played with blurry vision from a detached retina, suffered mental health struggles, and endured an accidental stick to the eye that nearly ended his career.
Yet, Sawchuk rose each time, his passion for the game burning brighter than any pain. He pioneered mask technology, forever changing the goalie landscape. His final years were bittersweet, marked by injuries and declining play, but his contributions to the game remained undisputed.
Terry Sawchuk died tragically in 1970, leaving behind a legacy that transcends statistics. He was a warrior, a pioneer, a flawed hero who wore his scars with pride. He redefined toughness, not just on the ice, but in the face of adversity. His story is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, forever etched in the annals of hockey history.
His early career was a whirlwind of brilliance and misfortune. He won the Calder Trophy at 21, but also endured facial reconstruction after a skate blade sliced his cheek. This set the stage for a career marked by both dominance and tragedy.
He won four Vezina Trophies, backstopped four Stanley Cup championships, and faced over 37,000 shots, earning him the nickname "The Count." But the price of excellence was high. He played with blurry vision from a detached retina, suffered mental health struggles, and endured an accidental stick to the eye that nearly ended his career.
Yet, Sawchuk rose each time, his passion for the game burning brighter than any pain. He pioneered mask technology, forever changing the goalie landscape. His final years were bittersweet, marked by injuries and declining play, but his contributions to the game remained undisputed.
Terry Sawchuk died tragically in 1970, leaving behind a legacy that transcends statistics. He was a warrior, a pioneer, a flawed hero who wore his scars with pride. He redefined toughness, not just on the ice, but in the face of adversity. His story is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, forever etched in the annals of hockey history.
HOCKEY HOF | ‣
Pavel Bure
Pavel Bure, the Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing, played for the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers. His speed and skating earned him the nickname of "the Russian Rocket." Bure was one of the top NHL players to have worn the Jersey 10.
Phil Esposito
Born February 20, 1942, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Center, Phil Esposito. This legend was an eight-time NHL All-Star who won five Art Ross, two Ted Lindsey Awards, and two Hart Memorial Trophies. Esposito is best known for his time with the Boston Bruins; however, he started his NHL journey with the Chicago Black Hawks. On the other side of his career, after playing in Beantown, he was a member of the New York Rangers. Esposito's career was so impactful that he was honored on the NHL's 100th Anniversary - 100 Greatest Players.
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May 13 Numbers
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May 12 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 27 - 17 - 14 May 12, 1910 - Ace pitcher and future Hall of Fame player of the Philadelphia Athletics, Charles Bender thr...
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Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. May 11, 1897 - Washington Senators catcher Charles Duke Farrell threw out 8 Baltimore runners that attempted to steal a b...
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May 10 Numbers
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Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 5 - 44 - 4 - 7 - 6 - 8 - 23 - 44 - 15 - 9 May 10, 1946 - Joe DiMaggio hit a Grand Slam to provide all of the offense for the ...
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Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry.
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Hut! Hut! Hike! Book
Historian Timothy P. Brown has released another excellent book to help fill our football minds with knowledge. His latest is called Hut! Hut! Hike!: A History of Football Terminology.[/br]more information
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