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 17th, featuring Bill Torrey.
Today in Hockey History
Bill Torrey Out as Islanders GM
1992: The New York Islanders replace Torrey as new owners take over. A group of Long Island businessmen get control of the Isles and install Don Maloney. Torrey was the architect of the Islanders teams that won four straight Stanley Cups in the 1980s. He’s not unemployed for long as the expansion Florida Panthers hire him as president.
Maloney and the Islanders reach the Eastern Conference Final in his first season, but struggle in the post-season after that. New York doesn’t win another playoff series until 2016.
Other Notable Events
1896: Hockey Hall of Famer Georges Boucher is born in Ottawa. He helps his hometown Ottawa Senators become a dynasty in the 1920s. Boucher helps the Senators win four Stanley Cups in 1920, 1921, 1923 and 1927. The defenceman ends his career with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1931-32. He retires with 117 goals and 204 points and enters the Hall in 1960. His brother, Frank Boucher, makes the Hall of Famer in 1958.
1957: Goalie Pete Peeters is born in Edmonton, Alberta. He’s one of the more successful goalies of the high-scoring 1980s. He’s drafted in the eighth round by the Philadelphia Flyers and helps them reach the Stanley Cup Final. Peeters has his best stretch of his career with the Boston Bruins. He wins 40 games, has a 2.36 goals-against-average and eight shutouts in 1982-83. Peeters wins the Vezina Trophy for top goaltender that season. He ends his career with stints with the Washington Capitals and Flyers. The netminder ends his NHL career in 1991 with a record of 246-155 and 51 ties, a 3.08 GAA and 21 shutouts.
1977: The Detroit Red Wings sign free agent goalie Ron Low from the Capitals. Walt McKechnie and the Red Wings’ third-round choice in 1978 are given to the Capitals as compensation.
1983: The St. Louis Blues name Jacques Demers as their new head coach. He replaces Emile Francis behind the bench.
1995: Detroit acquires Marc Bergevin and Ben Hankinson from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa gets Shawn Burr and Detroit’s third-round pick in the 1996 NHL Draft.
Happy Birthday to You
1896: Georges Boucher
1939: Chico Maki
1957: Pete Peeters
1961: Jamie Macoun
1966: Don Sweeney
1967: Nelson Emerson
1980: David Legwand
1985: Troy Brouwer
1996: Jake Virtanen
