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 17th, featuring Bob Gainey.
Today in Hockey History
Bob Gainey Retires
1989: The Montreal Canadiens great calls it a career after 16 seasons with the club. He ends his career as one of the best defensive forwards in the game. Gainey wins the Selke Trophy for best defensive forward four straight years from 1978-1981. He wins five Stanley Cup, including four in a row from 1976-1979. Gainey was awarded the 1979 Conn Smyth trophy as the playoff MVP.
Gainey moves into coaching and management and adds another title as general manager of the Dallas Stars in 1999. He also led the Minnesota North Stars to the 1991 Stanley Cup Final, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. The Peterborough, Ontario native was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.
Other Notable Events
1989: The New York Rangers select Neil Smith as general manager. He would replace Phil Esposito in the role and helps build the 1994 Cup-winning team. Smith’s Rangers also won the President’s Trophy twice in his tenure.
1994: The St. Louis Blues make Mike Keenan their new head coach and general manager. Keenan left the Stanley Cup champion Rangers two days earlier due to “breach of contractual obligation.”
1995: The Calgary Flames hire Pierre Page as the team’s new head coach. He replaces Dave King behind the bench.
1997: Montreal signs former rival goalie Andy Moog to a deal. Moog had previously played with the Edmonton Oiers, Boston Bruins and the Stars.
The Vancouver Canucks would ink free agent defenceman Grant Ledyard to a contract. He gets sent to Boston at the trade deadline.
2001: The Carolina Hurricanes sign 17-year veteran goalie Tom Barrasso. He sat out the previous season and played in 34 games before going to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
2002: The Detroit Red Wings hire Dave Lewis to replace Scotty Bowman as new head coach. Lewis wins two Central Division titles, but Detroit is ousted in the first round both years. He is eventually replaced by Mike Babcock.
2003: The New York Islanders announce the signing of forward Mariusz Czerkawski. He returns to Long Island after a short stint with the Canadiens. The Polish winger scores 25 goals for the Islanders that season.
Happy Birthday to You
1879: Jack Laviolette
1896: Shorty Green
1899: Carson Cooper
1956: Bryan Trottier
1977: Marc Savard
1980: Ryan Miller
1985: Loui Eriksson
1991: Oliver Ekman-Larsson
1992: Nick Bjugstad
