Hockey is so much more than a sport or even a lifestyle in Canada. Hockey is deeply seated in the identity of Canadians, and even if you don't follow the sport it would be near impossible not to know what the sport is.
Backyard hockey rinks, families loading up their vans with conspicuously large hockey bags, and fans sporting jerseys on the night of a big playoff match are just a handful of quintessentially Canadian things you will encounter when the season begins. Beloved by young and old, and people of all backgrounds and professions, hockey is a sport that attracts millions.
If you are new or looking to learn more about Canada's favourite sport, you have arrived at the right article. We hope to take you on a "deep dive" of hockey history in Canada - though you may find yourself going further in your own research long after you finish reading.
We will explore the answers to some key questions about the legendary sport. How did hockey become such an essential part of Canadian culture? Who are the top players of the sport? Which teams have the greatest rivalries?
How did Hockey get Started in Canada?
For many years, it was widely accepted that hockey was developed from English field hockey and Haudenosaunee Lacrosse. More contemporary research indicates that the Mi'kmaq people of Nova Scotia had been playing a hockey like game, which was influenced by "hurling", a game brought over by Irish immigrants.
It is likely that Scottish and Irish immigrants, and British military personnel, took the game across Canada from Nova Scotia. The earliest hockey games involved as many as 30 players on each side, and goals were made up of stones frozen into the ice rink. The name hockey is attributed to the French word "hoquet", or Shepherd's stick.
The game of hockey became increasingly popular in Canada throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Eventually, the rules were codified and professional leagues were organised. Explore the timeline below to better understand the origins of ice hockey in Canada.
Playoff season amplifies these hockey rivalries, as teams battle fiercely for a shot at the Stanley Cup.
The Origins of Ice Hockey in Canada
1800s
Early Hockey Games
The origins of ice hockey in Canada are widely debated, but it is believed that British soldiers brought games resembling ice hockey that were played frequently in Nova Scotia. These ice hockey-like games were called 'Shinny', 'Ricket' and 'Hurling.'
March 3, 1875
First Ever Recorded Hockey Game
The first recorded game of ice hockey is played at the Victoria Rink in Montreal, Quebec. The game is announced in the Montreal Gazette.
1892
First All Women's Hockey Game
The first all female hockey game is played in Barrie, Ontario.
1917
National Hockey League is Formed
The National Hockey League is formed in Canada, consisting of four teams, eventually expanding to the United States.
1920s
Canada Dominates Hockey
Canada becomes a dominant power in ice hockey, winning the first world hockey championship in Belgium and winning numerous Olympic gold medals for the next 30 years.
How was the National Hockey League Formed?
In 1910, the National Hockey Association (NHA) was formed, and hockey no longer became solely an amateur pursuit. Players could now choose hockey as a career option. Eventually, the NHA was disbanded and the National Hockey League (NHL) was formed - which has grown rapidly since its inception in 1917.
From the 1920s-1930s, the league expanded to the US, adding the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers to the league. By 1942, the league consisted of six teams. They were the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, and New York Rangers. The era produced some of hockey's most famous players like Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe, and Maurice Richard.
In 1967 the NHL doubled , and in 1979 the league grew to 17 teams. In 2022, there were 32 NHL Teams.
While professional hockey is still growing in popularity around the world and talent is developing in so many countries, the NHL has turned out some of the best athletes - who also happen to be Canadian. Let's take a look at the best hockey players of all time.
Names like Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, and Mario Lemieux are consistently mentioned among the best hockey players of all time for their impact on the game and their enduring legacy in the NHL.
Who is the Best Hockey Player of All Time?
Identifying who the "Greatest of all Time" (GOAT) in any sport is sure to stir up controversy and debate, especially when talking about hockey.
It is indisputable that hockey requires a great amount of athleticism. What else can you expect from a sport that demands its athletes skate at breakneck speed, drive a puck across the ice with precision, and deal with physically and mentally aggressive opponents?
Canada has always been at the forefront of producing the greatest hockey athletes, though countries like Russia and the United States are investing significant amounts of funding into developing new talent. But who is worthy of the title of GOAT?
"The Rocket," Maurice Richard
Maurice "Rocket" Richard played the right wing position during the 1940s-1950s. He was born in Montreal on August 4, 1921 to a family stricken by poverty during the Great Depression, Richard overcame significant barriers. He was the first player to score 500 goals and was the first to score 50 goals in one season.
Richard was known for his physical and occasionally violent style of play. Richard's career highlights include:
- Winner of 8 Stanley Cups
- 2 Hart Trophies
- Inspiration for Roch Carrier's famous story, "The Hockey Sweater"
"Mr. Hockey," Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe was one of nine children born in Saskatchewan on March 31, 1928. He was raised during the Great Depression and worked in construction with his father until he left Saskatoon to follow his dreams of becoming a professional hockey player.
Howe was eventually noticed by the Detroit Red Wings, who debuted him in the NHL at the young age of 18.
Gordie Howe became one of hockey's most celebrated right wingers. "Mr. Hockey," as he was known, is famous for being one of the most complete players: a high scorer, tough-as-nails opponent, and physically fit. He played in 5 different decades, impacting generations of hockey fans.
He became famous for what was known as the "Gordie Howe hat trick" - a goal, an assist and a fight in a single game. Career highlights include:
- 4 Stanley Cups
- 6 Hart Trophies
- 6 Art Ross Trophies
- Lead Detroit to number 1 place in regular season play for 7 consecutive years
Gordie Howe holds the record for NHL Games played.
"Super Mario," Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux was born in Montreal, Quebec on October 5, 1965. He is known for his strength and elite athletic skills. His career encompasses team ownership, and he is the only player to have his name on a cup as both a player and owner.
As an NHL player, Lemieux was a dominant force: he won 2 Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh, all while battling major health issues. In his time as a player, he faced Hodgkins Lymphoma, tendinitis, and. spinal disc herniation. Career highlights include:
- 2 Stanley Cups as a player, 2 more as an owner
- 3 Hart Trophies
- 6 Art Ross Trophies
"The Great One," Wayne Gretzky
It's hard not to think about Gretzky whenever a discussion about the history of hockey comes up. Gretzky was born in Brantford, Ontario on January 26, 1961. He grew p playing hockey in a backyard rink and joined a league at the age of six, playing with kids 4 years older than him.
"The Great One," as he is known, played for the Edmonton Oilers, LA Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers over a 20 year career. He started his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers, playing alongside talents like Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson, and Jarri Kurri, dominating the game for years to come.
Gretzky amassed a collection of over 60 NHL records including the most career points (2,857), goals (894), and assists (1,963). Career highlights include:
- 4 Stanley Cups
- 9 Hart Trophies (NHL MVP)
- 10 Art Ross Trophies (NHL scoring champion
"Sometimes people ask, 'Are hockey fights real?' I say, 'If they weren't, I'd get in more of them."
Wayne Gretzky
What are the Greatest Canadian Hockey Rivalries of All Time?
A deep dive into the history of hockey in Canada would be remiss without covering the greatest Canadian rivalries. While emotions can get heated and run a little high, a hockey rivalry is exciting, fun, and incredibly rewarding when your favourite side wins.
What is a Sports Rivalry?
You may be wondering - what is a sports rivalry how does a hockey rivalry even come into being?
A sports rivalry involves intense emotions and animosity between players and fans. A rivalry is a result of the confluence of several factors: history, culture, and geographical proximity.
A team rivalry may have roots that go years back, such as the one between the Bruins and Canadiens. When teams meet frequently over time, especially in situations like the Stanley Cup playoffs, rivalries become more heated because there is something major on the line.
Team rivalries may also be rooted in the cultural differences of the communities they represent. For example, matchups between the Leafs and Canadiens can feel symbolic of the tension between English and French Canada.
Finally, the physical locations of teams creates a rivalry because of the competition that naturally flares between neighbouring cities, or regions. The rivalry between Toronto and Ottawa shows how two NHL teams within the same province can be fueled by civic pride.
Here are just a few of the greatest Canadian NHL rivalries.
The history of hockey in Canada dates back to the 19th century, with roots tracing to the frozen ponds and outdoor rinks where communities gathered to play.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
Also known as the "Battle of Ontario," the rivalry between the Leafs and the Senators is one that is deeply competitive. The geographical proximity between both teams is a strong factor in the intensity of this rivalry.
Frequent playoff meetings between the two teams added fuel to the fire in the early 2000s. The Leafs eliminated the Senators 4 times in the playoffs between 2000-2004, creating animosity between the two franchises.
In one 2002 match, emotions flared high when Leaf Darcy Tucker attacked Senator Chris Neil on the bench. A brawl ensued, resulting in penalties for the players that took part in the incident. The rivalry continues - though few matchups are as memorable as those from the early aughts!
During the 1981-1982 season, Gretzky scored an NHL record of 50 goals in 39 games.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames
The rivalry between the Oilers and Flames, also known as the "Battle of Alberta", is NHL matchup that is truly memorable. The regional tension between both cities has been palpable for over a century, involving everything from sports to politics and even industry.
The Oilers vs Flames rivalry took root in the 1980s during the era of Wayne Gretzky. A complete powerhouse, Gretzky led the Oilers to multiple Stanley Cups where the Flames became their most formidable opponent.
The Oilers and Flames have met in five playoff series. In 1986 playoffs, Calgary emerged with a sweet victory, when rookie Oilers defenceman Steve Smith scored a disastrous own goal in game 7.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins
The Canadiens vs. Bruins rivalry is indisputably epic. The two teams have played each other over 900 times - more than any other two teams in NHL history. In the playoffs, Montreal and Boston have met a whopping 34 times.
One of the most memorable moments in the rivalry occurred in 1955, involving Maurice Richard in one of the most violent incidents in hockey. Richard was left with 12 stitches from a cut from a high sticking from Bruin Hal Laycoe. In the fighting that ensued, Richard knocked a linesman unconscious.
The Boston police attempted to arrest Richard, but were blocked by his Montreal teammates. The suspension eventually resulted in major riots in Montreal and the Canadiens losing their opportunity to hold first place in the league.
The Stanley Cup drought in Canada, which has lasted since the Montreal Canadiens' victory in 1993, has left Canadian hockey fans eagerly awaiting the return of the trophy to its home soil.
What are the Best Canadian Hockey Teams in the last 25 Years?
Understanding Canada's NHL teams in the 21st century is key to completing any deep dive into Canadian hockey. If you are new to learning about hockey, you might be surprised to find that no Canadian team has been able to win the Stanley Cup - hockey's most prestigious trophy - in over 30 years.
And while the Stanley Cup drought continues, at least for now, it is important to keep in mind that Canadian teams are still incredibly strong. Here is a short list of the top Canadian teams this century.
The 2010-2011 Vancouver Canucks
This Canucks team was one of the most talented teams in the league, winning both the Presidents' Trophy and ranking first in the NHL during the regular season.
The 2010-2011 season started slowly for the Canucks, with two wins, 3 losses, and 1 overtime loss in the first six games. As the season unfolded, they experienced multiple winning streaks, culminating in the 50th victory of the season by March 27.
In this playoff run of 2011, the Canucks defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and the San Jose Sharks. Despite their strongest efforts, the Canucks lost to the Boston Bruins in an intensely physical seven-game series.
Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kesler, Christian Ehrloff, and Roberto Luongo
The 2006-2007 Ottawa Senators
The 2006-2007 Senators team was one of the most dominant in the NHL, featuring a high-powered offense. During the regular season, the team significantly improved their record after December 21.
The Senators finished second in their division, behind the Buffalo Sabres. They were the only Canadian team in the Eastern Conference to qualify for the playoffs.
During the playoffs, the Senators defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres during the Eastern Conference Playoffs. In the finals, unfortunately, they could not defeat a strong Anaheim Ducks team.
Dany Heatly, Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson, Wade Redden, Mike Comrie
The 2003-2004 Calgary Flames
The 2003 Calgary Flames did not look effective for most of the regular season. Though Captain Jarome Iginla presented an offensive threat, it was the defence and goal-tending of players like Jordan Leopold, Mike Commodore and. Miikka Kiprusoff that did much of the heavy lifting.
The Flames stunned the NHL world by advancing to the playoff finals, beating out the Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, and San Jose Sharks. Throughout the the playoffs, the team became known for player Mike Commodore's unruly red hair, and a green hard hat that was awarded to the hardest working player for each win.
Fans begain wearing wigs and green hard hats to the arena to show their support.
Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Lightning was a heartbreaking loss, with the Flames poised to win the Cup for Canada on home turf. Sadly, they lost in double overtime and were unable to come back in game 7.
Jarome Iginla, Jordan Leopold, Miika Kiprusoff, Craig Conroy, Mike Commodore, Martin Gelinas
Final Thoughts
Even a deep dive into the world of Canadian hockey can leave you feeling as though you have barely scratched the surface. There are years of history, tradition, epic brawls, overtime goals, and shootouts that you can discover.
Learning the importance of hockey in Canada is critical for understanding the Canadian psyche and identity. The history, players, rivalries and yearning for a Stanley Cup are all key elements of Canadian popular culture.
So next time you watch or attend a hockey game, take time to enjoy all the emotions and excitement that come from one of the most important sports in Canada!
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