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 12th, featuring Serge Savard.
Today in Hockey History
Canadiens Serge Savard Retires
1981: The Montreal Canadiens defenceman says he’s “done with hockey” after a long career. Savard played 15 seasons with the Habs and totaled 412 points in 917 games. He also wins the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP in the 1969 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
However, he’s lured out retirement by former teammate and Winnipeg Jets general manager John Ferguson. “The Senator” helps out a young Winnipeg defence and the team makes the post-season. He plays two seasons with the Jets before permanently retiring in 1983. Savard becomes a Hockey Hall of Famer in 1986.
Other Notable Events
1978: Women’s hockey great Hayley Wickenheiser is born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. She wins four Olympic gold medals in women’s hockey for Canada and scores 18 goals in 26 games. Wickenheiser also wins seven golds and six silvers in World Championship play.
1988: The New York Rangers sign former top overall draft pick Doug Wickenheiser to a free agent contract. He was the first overall selection of the 1980 NHL Draft.
2008: The New York Islanders name Scott Gordon as their new head coach. He replaces Ted Nolan after the Islanders fail to reach the playoffs. However, Gordon misses the post-season in his two full seasons in charge. He is replaced by Jack Capuano 17 games into the 2010-11 season.
2017: Longtime NHL coach and executive Bryan Murray dies at the age of 74. Murray he passes away after a battle with colon cancer. Murray was general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks and Ottawa Senators. He also coached the Washington Capitals and all the teams he was general manager for. He wins the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year in 1984 with Washington. Murray was a special adviser to Senators general manger Pierre Dorion at the time of his passing. He left his job as GM in April 2016 to focus on his health.
2019: Florida announces that it will retire Roberto Luongo‘s jersey on March 7, 2020. The announcement comes two months after the 19-year veteran retires. Luongo finished third on the all-tome wins list with 409 and is the first Panthers player to have his jersey retired.
Happy Birthday to You
1945: Rosaire Paiement
1953: Greg Fox
1973: Todd Marchant
1976: Brad Lukowich
1978: Hayley Wickenheiser
1985: Kyle Quincey
1996: Vladislav Kamenev
