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 20th, featuring Eddie Shore.
Today in Hockey History
Eddie Shore Contract Purchased by Boston
1926: The Boston Bruins purchase the contract of the 24 year old defenceman from the WHL’s Edmonton Eskimos. Shore is part of a plan by owner Charles Adams to make the Bruins a contender. He and six other players are purchased from the WHL for $50,000. Shore immediately pays dividends with 12 goals in 41 games in his debut season for the Bruins. This comes in an era when blueliners rarely venture past centre ice.
He is a key cog for Boston as it wins the Stanley Cup in 1929 and 1939. Shore is the first to win the Hart Trophy for league MVP four times. He retires after the 1939-40 season and becomes an owner/coach for the AHL Springfield Indians.
Other Notable Events
1982: The New Jersey Devils name Don Lever the team’s first captain. New Jersey has just moved from Denver, where the team was the Colorado Rockies. Lever scores the first goal in team history on October 5, 1982. He ends the season second in goals (23) and points (53). Lever plays three seasons with the club before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres in September 1985.
1996: The San Jose Sharks gets defenceman Marty McSorley from the New York Rangers. San Jose sends Jason More, Bryan Swanson and a future draft pick in return.
2001: The Rangers finally get their hands on Eric Lindros after over a decade. New York and the Philadelphia Flyers complete a deal that sends Lindros to Broadway. The former top overall pick sat out the previous season wit concussion issues and a contract dispute. New York had thought they made a deal with the Quebec Nordiques to get Lindros, but an arbitrator ruled in favour of the Flyers. Lindros got 37 goals and 73 points with the Rangers in the 2001-02 season. He spends seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars before retiring after the 2006-07 season.
The Russian Olympic Hockey Team names Viacheslav Fetisov the team’s general manager for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Russia finishes third at the Salt Lake City games and wins the bronze medal.
Happy Birthday to You
1928: Ed Sandford
1963: Shawn Cronin
1966: Steven Finn
1976: Chris Drury
1991: Jyrki Jokipakka
