Hockey is finally 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 August 3rd, featuring Marcel Dionne.
Today in Hockey History
Marcel Dionne is Born
1951: The Los Angeles Kings great is born in Drummondville, Quebec. He is initially taken second overall in the 1971 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. Dionne finishes his rookie season with the Red Wings 28 goals and 77 points. He joins the Kings after getting 47 goals and 121 points in 1974-75.
Dionne becomes part of the “Triple Crown Line’ with Dave Taylor and Charlie Simmer. He wins the Art Ross Trophy for top-scorer in 1979-80. Dionne and Wayne Gretzky both finish with 137 points, but Dionne wins the crown after having 53 goals to 51. The New York Rangers acquire him in March 1987 and he scores 31 goals the following season. He retires 1,771 points (731 goals, 1,040 assists) in 1,348 NHL games. Dionne is elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992.
Other Notable Events
1966: Owner Ed Snider names his new franchise the Philadelphia Flyers. The team name comes from his sister, but still holds a name the team contest. Alex Stockard, a nine-year-old, is picked for suggesting “Fliers.” The spelling is changed to make the nickname “Flyers.”
1994: Detroit signs free agent defenceman Mike Ramsey to a new deal. He stays three seasons in Hockeytown and wraps up his career in 199-97.
The St. Louis Blues ink enforcer Tony Twist to a contract. Twist had come over from the Quebec Nordiques and registered over 100 penalty minutes in all but one season with the Blues.
The Pittsburgh Penguins bring back centre John Cullen on a new deal. It was his second stint with Pittsburgh and he scored 13 goals in 46 games.
1996: The Tampa Bay Lightning sign veteran defenceman Jay Wells to a contract. Wells played 21 games in his final season in the NHL and did not record a point.
2001: The Buffalo Sabres sign free agent goalie Bob Essensa from the Vancouver Canucks. He plays in nine games and goes 0-5-0 with a 2.91 goals-against-average and .850 save percentage. It’s final season in the league for the Toronto native.
Happy Birthday to You
1951: Marcel Dionne
1964: Mark Lamb
1972: Sandis Ozolinsh
1980: Jordan Leopold; Dominic Moore
1983: Ryan Carter
1995: Shea Theodore
