During the NHL’s hiatus, we at Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for July 6th, featuring Peter Forsberg.
Today in Hockey History
Peter Forsberg Wins Calder Trophy
1995: The Quebec Nordiques (who just finalized a move to Denver to become the Colorado Avalanche) wins the top rookie honour. He nets 15 goals and 50 points in 47 games during the lockout-shortened season. The Swede helps Quebec get the top seed in the Eastern Conference before being shocked by the defending champion New York Rangers in round one.
Philadelphia Flyers Eric Lindros, who was part of the trade involving Forsberg, wins the Hart Trophy. Ron Francis of the Pittsburgh Penguins wins the Selke Trophy for best defensive forward. Detroit Red Wings defenceman Paul Coffey takes the Norris Trophy for the third and final time.
Other Notable Events
1978: Philadelphia names Bob McCammon as the team’s new head coach. He replaces Fred Shero behind the bench.
1988: The Minnesota North Stars name Pierre Page as the team’s fifth head coach in five years. He replaces former Team USA coach Herb Brooks, who was fired three years earlier.
1983: The Boston Bruins sign forward Geoff Courtnall after his career with the Victoria Cougars of the WHL. He went on to star with the Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals, St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks.
1994: Quebec hires Marc Crawford as its new head coach. He replaces Page and helps the newly moved Colorado team win its first Stanley Cup.
1998: The Flyers sign free-agent goalie John Vanbiesbrouck, who had been with the Florida Panthers.
The Nashville Predators sign free-agent forward Tom Fitzgerald to a contract. He’s named the expansion team’s first captain.
2000: The Washington Capitals sign free agent Sylvain Cote, who played for the team before from 1991-98. Cote plays his final three seasons with the team before ending his career.
2001: Boston signs left winger Rob Zaumer, who lasts three seasons with the club before finishing his career in Europe.
2004: The Ottawa Senators sign free-agent goalie Dominik Hasek. He only stays with the Sens for one season as he heads back to Detroit for the 2005-06 season.
The Phoenix Coyotes sign Sean O’Donnell, who was with Boston for three seasons. O’Donnell was traded in the middle of the year to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
Happy Birthday to You
1930: George Armstrong
1943: Joe Watson
1948: Brad Park
1952: Anders Kallur
1957: Ron Duguay
1974: Steve Sullivan
1982: Christian Ehrhoff
1990: Justin Schultz
2000: Jesperi Kotkaniemi
