We’re normally getting ready for another hockey season, but we’re in a different world. Last Word on Hockey is 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 October 11, featuring Mario Lemieux.
Today in Hockey
Mario Lemieux Makes Debut
1984: The Pittsburgh Penguins top pick of the NHL Draft that year makes his presence felt right away. Lemieux scores on his first shot on his first shift against the Boston Bruins. The rookie gets past future Hall of Famer Ray Bourque and beats Pete Peeters 2:59 into the game.
Lemieux also assists on a pair of Warren Young goals, but it’s not enough. Bourque gets the game-winner as the Bruins rally for a 4-3 win over the Penguins at Boston Garden.
Other Notable Events
1924: Boston and the Montreal Maroons are granted expansion franchises for $15,000 each. The Bruins become the first American team in the league and name Art Ross their new general manager.
1930: The Toronto Maple Leafs land King Clancy from the Ottawa Senators in a trade. Ottawa gets a record $35,000 cash along with Art Smith and Eric Pettinger.
1961: The Montreal Canadiens name Jean Beliveau as their new captain as he replaces Doug Harvey. The Habs former captain was traded to the New York Rangers and helps them beat Boston, 6-2, with a goal.
1979: Gordie Howe makes his NHL return with the Hartford Whalers in a 4-1 loss to the Minnesota North Stars. Howe retired from the league in 1971, but came back to hockey to play in the WHA with his sons Mark Howe and Marty Howe.
1987: Hartford’s Doug Jarvis consecutive game streak ends at 964 straight games in a 5-2 loss to Boston.. He started his streak last decade with the Canadiens, but never plays another NHL game.
1997: Wayne Gretzky gets his 50th career hat trick in the Rangers 6-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Gretzky also adds a pair of assists on two Bruce Driver goals.
2001: Peter Laviolette is the first coach to begin his coaching career with four straight road victories. The New York Islanders beat the New Jersey Devils, 6-4.
2014: The Minnesota Wild are the fifth team since the adoption of the red line in 1943 to start a season with back-to-back shutouts. Minnesota blanks the Colorado Avalanche, 3-0.
2017: Jaromir Jagr suits up for his ninth NHL team in the Calgary Flames 4-3 overtime win over the Los Angeles Kings.
Happy Birthday to You
1921: Grant Warwick
1931: Jim Morrison
1966: Shawn Chambers
1968: Claude Lapointe
1974: Jason Arnott
