Fun Facts About Ice Hockey

Fun and Historical Facts about Ice Hockey!

Alright, listen up, hockey parents! Let’s get real about this whole hockey business with some fun and interesting facts about Ice Hockey history.  

We know, it’s a whirlwind, right now for you! There seem to be unusual rules, strange arm movements by the refs, and a whole lot of history to get your head around, and it’s like learning a whole new language. But guess what? Getting into the nitty-gritty of this crazy sport isn’t just for the fun of it, it provides a framework and fundamental knowledge of where the ice hockey game came from to where we are today.    

And let’s not forget the juicy historical tidbits. Hockey isn’t just about what happens in the here and now; it’s a whole saga with thrilling plot twists and turns. It’s a story about how we got to where we are now, full of characters and epic moments that make it all the more interesting.

Plus, getting a handle on the game’s history and rules is like getting a VIP pass to the Ice Hockey parent community. You’ll be able to join in on those rink-side chats, discussing legendary games and trivia like a pro. So, embrace the hockey lore – it’s part of the ride, and trust me, it’s so worth it! 

My hope is that this article takes you from being a lost puppy at the rink to the savvy parent who can follow the conversation, and pick up on the hockey team chit-chatter.  Before you know it, you will be slinging clever conversation like the fastest slapshot of them all!  

It’s like flipping a switch –  turning on a light in a dark room – suddenly, everything will and does make sense.

Let us journey together through the exciting history of hockey, understanding its origins, evolution, and celebratory moments. 

So, let’s lace up our learning ice skates and explore the electrifying world of hockey together! Your role as a hockey parent is about to get even more rewarding. 

Brief Origins of Ice Hockey:

After some historical and archaeological (no not really :-) detective work, Ice Hockey has roots and is the first version of the game back to Ancient Greece.  Yep, back to the Middle Ages! 

Historical legend has it, that the roots of the sport are also cited to be “found in a game played in Nova Scotia, by the Mi’kmaq people. It included the use of a “hurley” (stick) a ball or even a wooden block. It was probably fundamentally this game that spread throughout Canada via Scottish and Irish immigrants and the British Soldiers as they ventured over to North America, and evolved into an informal ice game later known as Shinny or Shinty.” (1a). Shinny is still played today, as well!

How did the word hockey evolve, you ask? Jump ahead to the 19th Century where the word ‘hockey’ is actually an old French term, ‘hocquet’, which means ‘stick’. Pretty cool, right?

But hold on, it gets better! Around 1860, the ball gets the boot and the puck makes its grand entrance (more of that to come). Fast-forward to 1879, and we have two smarty-pants students from McGill University, Robertson and Smith, laying down the first rules of the game. So there you have it – a little hockey history lesson for you! (2)

In the late 1800’s the game became popular and loosely organized in Canada. Due to the longer and colder winters of Canada in the northern parts of the United States, Ice Hockey’s popularity began to spread throughout the northern regions of North America.

The first hockey rinks were of course an outdoor game, but it wasn’t fast after that everyone said, let’s try moving the scene indoors, shall we?!  By 1894, two indoor rinks: The North Avenue Ice Palace in Baltimore and the Ice Palace in New York flung open their doors, unveiling something never seen before – indoor ice rinks with mechanically frozen ice! Talk about being cool before it was even a thing!  

The first hockey pucks replaced the ball and wooden block in the late 19th century.  Two stories and claims about the first puck have been noted:

The modern hockey puck evolved c 1860s -1870s.  There are two different versions of its origination. One story claims that in 1875, students at Boston University sliced a rubber ball in half to make a puck. Another version places the evolution in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The owner of one of the first indoor ice rinks, Victoria Rink, also allegedly sliced a rubber ball in half. In any case, the first recorded use of a flat disk was in Montreal in March 1875.” (2,3) 

In 1872, James Creighton moved from Nova Scotia to Montreal to organize the sport of Hockey.  He helped by bringing the first formal hockey sticks, ice skates, and fundamental rules of the game.  These rules and protocols were followed by the first Amateur Hockey Association (AHA) in Montreal in 1885.  Followed by the National Hockey Association in 1909 and then finally what we know today as the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1917.  The Montreal Canadiens born in this era, to this day still have the most NHL Stanley Cups.  Yet, the league has led from just a few to now over 32 teams. (4) 

Back to March 3, 1875  – now that’s a major throwback, right? We’re talking about the day the first indoor ice hockey game took place at the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal, Quebec. (5)

Our main man mentioned above, James Creighton, is the hero of this tale. He not only organized this epic event but also captained one of the teams. Can we get a high-five for multitasking?

So there you have it, the birth of organized ice hockey as we know it. Every time your kid hits the ice, they’re following in the skate tracks of that groundbreaking game all those years ago. Talk about a trip down memory lane!

Pivotal Historical Moments in Hockey:

These moments aren’t just cool stories, they’re the turning points that shaped the game we know and love today. So next time you’re freezing your butt off at the rink, remember you’re part of this epic saga, too!

Next, let’s fast-forward to 1893 when the Stanley Cup struts into the scene. Oh – and hockey history has it that the Governor General of Canada, Lord Stanley of Preston provided a “cup” for the winner who played in the Amateur Canadian league.  Then, in 1926, the NHL adopted the Stanley Cup as the championship prize in professional hockey. Originally, it was all about amateur athletics, but it quickly turned into the ultimate holy grail for the big league, the NHL. (6) 

Speaking of the NHL, 1917 was a massive year. That’s when this legendary league was born, propelling hockey into a whole new realm of fame and recognition after reorganizing the National Hockey Association (NHA) was formed in Montreal into the National Hockey League in 1917, the league expanded into the United States, starting with the Boston Bruins in 1924. 

Oh, and we can’t forget 1972! The Summit Series was like a prime-time drama, pitting Canada against the Soviet Union in an epic eight-game showdown. It was much more than just a hockey series; it was a clash of titans during the Cold War era.

The NHL allowed its players to participate in the Olympics for the first time in 1998. This significantly increased the level of competition and global interest in the tournament.1998 was a double-whammy of epicness. Women’s hockey made its Winter Olympics debut in Nagano, Japan (go, ladies!), and the NHL allowed its players to compete in the Olympics for the first time, upping the game to a whole new level of awesome.  The Winter Olympics were pivotal as they marked the first time women’s hockey was included as an official event. The U.S. team won the gold medals, promoting the growth and popularity of women’s hockey worldwide.

So, there you have it – a whirlwind tour of hockey’s pivotal moments. Makes you feel a part of something pretty darn special, right? Let’s just say, hockey’s got a rich past, and we’re all shaping its future. Now, how cool is that?

Prominent Figures in Hockey History

Hockey history is filled with numerous iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on the sport.  Let’s start with the “first” scorer of the first NHL goal!  Well, it happened on December 19, 1917, when Dave Ritchie of the Montreal Wanderers in a game against the Toronto Arenas. He played in the National Hockey Association (NHA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the Quebec Bulldogs, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Arenas, and Montreal Canadiens.  Quite the Hockey Athlete! (7)

But, many hockey players come after him to make their mark.  Among the most prominent is Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. His unparalleled skill, intelligence, and vision on the ice revolutionized the game, earning him countless records and accolades.

Another legendary figure is Bobby Orr, whose exceptional skating ability and offensive prowess redefined the role of defensemen. Orr’s impact on the game transcended statistics and showcased the importance of dynamic play from the blue line. Additionally, the gritty and charismatic Mark Messier played a significant role in the success of the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers. His leadership qualities and clutch performances cemented his status as one of the game’s greatest leaders (8).

The 1980’s had high hair and neon bracelets, but Ice Hockey had Mario Lemieux, nicknamed “The Magnificent One“, “Le Magnifique” and “Super Mario”.   Let’s talk about a hockey legend who did some jaw-dropping stuff on the ice. In the ’88-’89 season, he was a hot shot, scoring 85 goals and 114 assists.  At the time, he was one of the tallest players in the NHL at 6’4″. Yes, you heard that right! But as life would have it, health issues sidelined him for three seasons. Not cool.

And the rough-and-tumble style of play that was ruling the roost? Mario wasn’t having it, he simply did not like the grabbing, pulling, and roughness of the sport. He was so over it that it led to the NHL shaking up its rules in 2005. Who knew one man could make such a difference, right?  He won the hearts of every Hockey Mom! (9)

Lemieux wasn’t just a superstar on the ice. Off the ice, he’s a hero too. Thanks to his foundation, he’s helping to fund cancer research, aiming to score the ultimate goal – a cure. So, remember Mario Lemieux, the man who not only rocked the hockey world but is also a real-life superhero!

Okay, let’s talk about the man, the myth, the legend – Sidney Crosby (Sid the Kid)!  If you’re new to the hockey parent scene, you’ll soon hear this name ringing in your ears.

Sidney Crosby has also got some serious hockey IQ as he continues to play with the Pittsburgh Penguins.  He’s a shining example of what hard work, talent, and a love of the game can achieve. So next time your little one is watching a Penguins game, point out number 87.

There are more on the horizon.  The game of Ice Hockey only becomes more elevated with time, technology, and the ability to teach skills at a younger, and more developmental age.  Most of the hockey legends would also sit back and watch McDavid and many others sitting on the brim of their seat at the NHL Draft and say, wow!  Every year, there seems to be more talent, more speed, more skill, and more diversity in play in the way these NHL players perform.  It’s mind-blowing and with this skill comes new NHL records. 

Fun Facts about Ice Hockey Rinks and Equipment:

We are used to padding our kids up from head to toe.  Equipment is a big deal and protects the heads and bones of our little athletes, But, can you imagine a time when there were no helmets?!

Now, imagine you’re a goalie in 1959, and Jacques Plante decides he’s going to start wearing a mask for protection. Game-changer, right? Plante probably saved more than a few noses and teeth with that move.  Thanks, Jacques from all the Goalie Moms! (10)

Us Hockey Mommas will really appreciate the legendary Stan Mikita. You know how we wear seatbelts in a car for safety? Well after a piece of his ear was taken off in a 1967 game, Stan Mikita was a man (ahem) ahead of his time.  He was the first to rock a helmet on the ice and trust us, that was a BIG deal back then. Thank you, Stan, you are the Man! 

Wait until you hear this one…the inventor of the Zamboni machine…is an inductee into the National Hall of Fame of Inventors and the US Hockey Hall of Fame!   Frank Zamboni invented the Zamboni Machine resurfaces all that choppy ice and grooves after or during a hockey game.  Some are quite artfully decorated or bear advertisements now.  In my easily confused mind of hockey lingo when my son was still a Mite, I would sometimes call it a Mamboni machine.  Thankfully and very gently, another Ice Hockey Mom corrected my pronunciation.  Yes, I called it Mamboni Machine for almost a year! (yep, sure did). (11a)

In 1949, Frank made the first prototype of what was a terribly labor-intensive job of 5 people, to one resurfacer that could freshen up ice in 15 minutes.  Fast forward a bit more to the 1960 Winter Olympics in sunny California and the Zamboni machine got the exposure it deserved.  Before you knew it, ice rinks everywhere can’t live without their Zambonis.  Talk about a game-changer! (11b)

Truth be told, the Zamboni machine would be my time to just stare in mesmerization at the stillness of the ice rink,  and as a “reset” between games or practice.  There was something so satisfying and soothing to watch the Zamboni machine move across the cut up ice and see the glisten of fresh wet ice on the other side.  Up and down it would go until it exited the side door and the kids hit a fresh sheet of ice.  Thanks, Frank!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, folks! A quick romp through the rich and oh-so-fascinating history of ice hockey. From its humble beginnings on frozen ponds in Canada, its evolution with the likes of Stanley Cups and Zambonis, to the legendary icons who have left an indelible mark on the game. It’s not just a sport; it’s a whole universe filled with incredible stories and game-changing moments.

So, next time you’re sitting in those chilly bleachers cheering on your mini-hockey stars, remember, you’re not just watching a game. You’re part of an amazing tradition that’s been on the move for centuries. And hey, who knows? Maybe your little one will be the next great chapter in this awesome hockey story. Here’s to the history, the present, and the future of hockey – a game that keeps us all on the edge of our seats. See you at the rink!

REFERENCES:

1.  McFarlane, Brian (1997). Brian McFarlane’s History of Hockey. Champaign, Illinois: Sports Publishing Inc. ISBN 1-57167-145-5. pp 15-16. 

2. Zukerman, Earl (March 17, 2005). “McGill’s contribution to the origins of ice hockey”. Archived from the original on October 4, 2006. Retrieved October 11, 2006.

3. Ice Hockey, Olympics  History of Ice Hockey https://olympics.com/en/sports/ice-hockey

5. Fischler, Shirley W. , Eskenazi, Gerald and Fischler, Stanley I.. “Ice Hockey”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Jun. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/sports/ice-hockey. Accessed 9 June 2023. IIHF recognizes Victoria Skating Rink as birthplace of hockey”. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007.

“Hockey Puck .” How Products Are Made. . Encyclopedia.com. 25 May. 2023 <https://www.encyclopedia.com>.

6..  The Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon; https://www.gg.ca/en/governor-general/former-governors-general/earl-derby#:~:text=In%201893%2C%20Lord%20Stanley%20gave,championship%20prize%20in%20professional%20hockey.

7. Boswell, Randy (April 16, 2017). “Solving the mystery of the NHL’s 1st game”. CBC News. Retrieved April 16, 2017.

8. McFarlane, Brian (1997). Brian McFarlane’s History of Hockey. Champaign, Illinois: Sports Publishing Inc. ISBN 1-57167-145-5.

9.“Mario Lemieux Biography”. Legends of Hockey.net. Retrieved September 21, 2007.

10. McFarlane, Brian (1997). Brian McFarlane’s History of Hockey. Champaign, Illinois: Sports Publishing Inc. ISBN 1-57167-145-5.

11. a, b Frank J. Zamboni: Ice Rink Resurfacing Machine; U.S. Patent No. 2,642,679; Inducted in 2007 https://www.invent.org/inductees/frank-j-zamboni#:~:text=Frank%20Zamboni%20invented%20the%20ice%2Dresurfacing%20machine%20that,his%20name%20to%20this%20day.