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 26th, featuring Larry Robinson.
Today in Hockey History
Larry Robinson Joins L.A. Kings
1989: The Los Angeles Kings sign one of the cornerstones of the Montreal Canadiens franchise. Robinson played 17 seasons with the Habs and won six Stanley Cups with the team. He also won the Norris Trophy for the league’s top defenceman twice. However, the 38-year-old inks a contract with the Kings.
He spends three seasons with the club before retiring in 1992. Robinson is elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995 and becomes part of the New Jersey Devils coaching staff. He adds Cups in 1995, 2000 and 2003 as a coach. Robinson’s teams made the post-season in all 20 years he played.
Other Notable Events
1993: The Washington Capitals sign veteran Keith Acton to a one-year contract.
1994: The Kings acquire Sean O’Donnell from the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo gets Doug Houda in return from Los Angeles.
1995: Robinson becomes the Kings new head coach after Barry Melrose is fired late in the last season.
2001: The Boston Bruins sign veteran forward Scott Pellerin to a contract. He spent the previous season with the Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes.
2004: The Atlanta Thrashers sign veteran forward Scott Mellanby. He spends two seasons with the Thrashers and scores 12 goals in both campaigns. He would retire at the end of the 2005-06 season.
2011: Detroit Red Wings forward Kris Draper retires after 20 seasons in the league. Draper played 17 seasons with the club after playing the first three with the Winnipeg Jets. The Toronto native becomes one of the biggest bargains in league history. Detroit acquires Draper for a $1 waiver fee and plays 1,137 games with the franchise. He’s part of four Stanley Cup-winning teams and wins the Selke Trophy in 2004. He’s the fifth Red Wings player to play in 1,000 games along with Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Steve Yzerman and Nicklas Lidstrom.
Happy Birthday to You
1940: Bobby Rousseau
1951: Rick Martin
1978: Oleg Kvasha
1987: Jordie Benn; Alec Martinez
1991: Tyson Barrie
1997: Sebastian Aho
