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 September 9th, featuring Rod Langway.
Today in Hockey History
Capitals Trade for Rod Langway
1982: The Washington Capitals get the future Norris Trophy-winner from the Montreal Canadiens. Langway is one of the first moves new general manager David Poile makes to turn around the franchise. Washington also gets Brian Engblom, Doug Jarvis and Craig Laughlin. Montreal picks up Ryan Walter and Rick Green in the deal.
The Capitals start a streak of 14 consecutive playoff appearances and Langway wins two Norris Trophies. He makes the Hall of Fame in 2002, who was a key part of 1979 Stanley Cup winners. The Capitals also name Terry Murray as an assistant coach to brother Bryan Murray.
Other Notable Events
1960: George Boucher, Sylvio Mantha and Jack Walker enter Hall of Fame as players. Charles Adams and Frank Selke make it in via the Builder’s category.
1997: Mario Lemieux highlights this year’s Hall of Fame class. Lemieux had his three-year waiting period waived much like Bobby Orr, Jean Beliveau and Gordie Howe. “Super Mario” would return to the NHL after induction just like Howe and Guy Lafleur did. Bryan Trottier and Glen Sather were also inducted that year.
2013: Calgary Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff retires from the NHL after 12 seasons. The San Jose Sharks originally drafted him in the fifth round, 116th overall of the 1995 NHL Draft. His career takes off after he’s dealt to Calgary in November 2003. He leads the Flames to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kiprusoff wins both the Vezina and Jennings Trophies in 2005-06 and and wins at least 35 games in seven consecutive seasons from 2005-06 through 2011-12. “Kipper” finishes with a record of 319-213-71.
2017: Three-time Norris Trophy-winner Pierre Pilote dies at the age of 85. The Hockey Hall of Famer played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs and wins the Norris from 1963-65. He is inducted into the Hall of Famer in 1975 and Chicago retires his No. 3 sweater in 2008.
2018: Montreal trades team captain Max Pacioretty to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Habs get Tomas Tatar, prospect Nick Suzuki and a second-round pick in 2019. Vegas signs Pacioretty to a contract extension.
Happy Birthday to You
1936: Bob Baun
1953: Nelson Pyatt
1966: Kevin Hatcher
1976: Mattias Ohlund
1986: Keith Yandle
2003: Luke Hughes
