Training camps are back, but we at Last Word on Hockey are still 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 18th, featuring Jonathan Toews.
Today in Hockey History
Jonathan Toews Becomes Blackhawks Captain
2008: The Chicago Blackhawks name the Winnipeg, Manitoba native the team’s captain. He becomes the youngest skipper in history at 20 years and 70 days. Toews is given the “C” after netting 20 goals and 54 points in 64 games.
He helps the Blackhawks turn into a model franchise in decade along with Patrick Kane. Chicago wins Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015 with Toews as captain. Toews wins the Conn Smythe at the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs and the Mark Messier Award in 2015.
Other Notable Events
1995: The Buffalo Sabres hire Ted Nolan as their new head coach. He replaces John Muckler, who stays on as general manager. Nolan has two different stints as bench boss of the Sabres.
1997: It’s a banner day for the Detroit Red Wings as head coach Scotty Bowman signs a two-year deal to stay in the role. Detroit also promotes Ken Holland to general manager after three years as assistant GM.
Bowman guides the Wings to two more titles in 1998 and 2002. His last act is lacing up his skates and getting a victory lap with the Cup. He retires as the holder of NHL records for wins and championships by a coach.
Holland adds the 2008 Stanley Cup as general manager and Detroit wins the President’s Trophy in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008. The Red Wings make the post-season 25 straight times before failing to qualify in 2016-17. Holland is forced out as GM in 2019 in favour of former Detroit captain Steve Yzerman.
2006: Garth Snow becomes the New York Islanders general manger right after retiring. The former goalie replaces Neil Smith in the role. Smith was only hires six weeks earlier, but Snow lasts 12 years on the job. Lou Lamoriello replaces Snow on June 5, 2018.
2019: Ron Francis is named the first general manager of the expansion Seattle franchise. Francis plays for Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs before retiring in 2005. He collects ,798 points (549 goals, 1,249 assists) in his Hall of Fame career. The former centre serves in plenty of front office roles, including general manager from 2014-2018.
Happy Birthday to You
1936: Ted Harris
1943: Don Awrey
1958: Glen Currie
1981: Dennis Seidenberg
1988: Mikko Koskinen
1989: Jamie Benn
1995: Victor Olofsson
