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 24th, featuring Luc Robitaille.
Today in Hockey History
Kings Bring Back Luc Robitaille
2003: The Los Angeles Kings bring back the left wing for a third stint with the club. Robitaille returns after a couple of years with the Detroit Red Wings. He helps Detroit win the Stanley Cup in 2002, but has his ice time cut in 2002-03. The former ninth-round pick scores 22 goals for Los Angeles in 2003-04 and leads the Kings with 51 points, then retires after scoring 15 goals in 2005-06.
Robitaille started his career in Southern California in 1986 and plays there until 1994. He’s traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins and plays there until 1997. His 668 goals and 1,394 points are still NHL records for a left wing.
Other Notable Events
1994: The New York Rangers get Petr Nedved as compensation from the St. Louis Blues. This stems from Mike Keenan becoming the Blues new head coach and general manager. Keenan had led the Rangers to their first title since 1940, but he left days later. The Blues also get Doug Lidster and Esa Tikkanen to come to the Arch City.
1995: The Florida Panthers hire Doug MacLean as their new head coach. He replaces Roger Neilson behind the bench and leads Florida to the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers would be swept by the Colorado Avalanche in four games.
1997: The San Jose Sharks would acquire Stephane Matteau in a trade with the Blues. San Jose would get Darren Turcotte in return.
2000: The Calgary Flames sign free agent forward Dave Lowry to a contract. Lowry becomes the team captain during the subsequent 2000-01 season.
The Minnesota Wild ink 15-year veteran defenceman J.J. Daigneault to a deal. He only plays one game before heading to Switzerland to play for EHC Biel-Bienne.Daigneault would play his final games that season.
2001: Colorado signs free agent defenceman Todd Gill to a new deal. Gill plays one season in Denver before heading to the Chicago Blackhawks. He world retire after the 2003-04 season with German team Lausitzer Füchse.
Happy Birthday to You
1905: Rosie Couture
1957: Jack O’Callahan
1975: Jamie Langenbrunner
1985: Patrice Bergeron
1987: Nathan Gerbe
1993: Trevor van Riemsdyk
