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 7th, featuring Sidney Crosby.
Today in Hockey History
Sidney Crosby Born in Nova Scotia
1987: The Pittsburgh Penguins centre is born on this date in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. Crosby is the coveted prize of the 2005 NHL Draft after two seasons with Rimouski of the QMJHL. He puts up 135 and 168 points, respectively, in those seasons with the Oceanic.
The playmaker immediately makes his mark on the league with 39 goals and 102 points in his rookie season. He becomes the youngest player to with the Art Ross Trophy at 19-years-old with 120 points. Crosby becomes captain in 2007 and has led the franchise to three Stanley Cups in his tenure.
Other Notable Events
1979: The St. Louis Blues trade Tom Roulston and Risto Siltanen to the Edmonton Oilers. St. Louis would get Joe Micheletti in return.
1990: The Minnesota North Stars bring back Bobby Smith from the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal gets a future draft choice in exchange and Smith plays his final three seasons with Minnesota.
1992: Dominik Hasek is traded to the Buffalo Sabres by the Chicago Blackhawks. “The Dominator” gets a chance to become a full-time starter and takes advantage. Hasek wins five Vezina Trophies and two Hart Trophies. The Czech netminder wins a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002. He finishes his career in 2008 with 389 wins, a 2.20 goals-against average, .922 save percentage and 81 shutouts.
1997: Pittsburgh signs Czech forward Martin Straka to a contract. He would score 35 goals for the Penguins in the 1998-99 season. Straka would play parts of seven seasons with the Penguins organization.
1999: The Carolina Hurricanes sign veteran goalie Mark Fitzpatrick to a free agent deal. He played the last season in Chicago and went 6-8-6 with a 2.64 goals-against-average.
2002: The Penguins claim New York Islanders defenceman Dick Tarnstrom off waivers. Tarnstrom would play parts of three seasons with the Penguins and would net 16 goals in 2003-04.
Happy Birthday to You
1987: Sidney Crosby
1988: Jonathan Bernier
1990: Jake Allen
1994: Damon Severson
