Hockey is finally back! Normally we’d be closing in on the mid-way point of the regular season, however, 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 January 24th featuring the first game played at the United Center.
Today in Hockey History
Blackhawks Christen United Center
1995: The Chicago Blackhawks open their new arena with a 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Chicago’s Joe Murphy scores the first goal at the arena that also houses the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. The team brings in an average 20,833 fans during the 1994-95 season.
Chicago would see some its best moments in franchise history with Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015. These were the first titles since the 1960-61 season.
Other Notable Events
1964: Chicago rookie Phil Esposito scores his first career NHL goal in a 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. He beats Hall of Famer Terry Sawchuk for his first goal.
1972: Defenceman Bobby Orr gets MVP honours after the East rallies for a 3-2 win in the All-Star Game at Bloomington, Minn. Orr sets up Esposito for the game-winning goal.
1986: Oilers defenceman sets a record by getting a point in 28 straight games, which is the longest streak for a player at his position. Coffey gets an assist in a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings.
1991: St. Louis Blues forward Brett Hull scores twice to get 50 goals in 49 games. His pair of goals power the Blues to a 9-4 win over the Red Wings as Hull is the third player to score 50 in less than 50 games.
2014: The Anaheim Ducks and the Kings bring outdoor hockey to Southern California. Dodger Stadium hosts the two rivals as the Ducks blank the Kings, 3-0, in front of 54,099. Jonas Hiller makes 36 saves for the shutout, including stopping an Anze Kopitar penalty shot.
2015: Team Toews defeats Team Foligno 17-12 at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game in Columbus. It’s the most goals scored in an All-Star Game and Jakub Voracek gets three goals and three assists.
2018: Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin gets his 30th goal of the season and 500th career assist. Ovechkin reaches 30 goals for 13 straight seasons in a 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers.
2019: Kendall Coyne Schofield replaces Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon in the fastest skater contest. She beats Clayton Keller of the Arizona Coyotes in their respective race. However, Connor McDavid of Edmonton wins the event for the third straight year.
Happy Birthday to You
1894: Corb Denneny
1927: Fern Flaman
1962: Chris Chelios
1964: Bob Sweeney
1965: Esa Tikkanen
1966: Paul Ranheim
1967: Randy McKay
1997: Noah Hanifin; Philippe Myers
