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 14, featuring Shea Weber.
Today in Hockey History
Shea Weber Born in British Columbia
1985: The hard-shooting Montreal Canadiens defenceman is born in Sicamous, British Columbia. The Nashville Predators select Weber in the second round of the 2003 NHL Draft. The 49th overall pick scores 166 goals in 11 seasons with Nashville. Weber’s shot goes at 108 miles per hour at the 2015 and 2016 All-Star Weekends.
The Predators trade him in a blockbuster deal involving P.K. Subban. Weber has scored 52 goals in 227 games with the Habs. He’s logged double-digit goals in three of his four seasons in Montreal.
Other Notable Events
1926: The New York Rangers sign Clarence Abel to a contract. He’s the first American-born player to get a regular roster spot. He plays three seasons with the Blueshirts and helps them win the Stanley Cup in 1928. The Chicago Black Hawks buy Abel and helps them win a championship in 1934 before retiring.
1989: The Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach George Armstrong after only 47 games. Toronto hires Doug Carpenter as his replacement and lasts 91 games.
1996: The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim ink free agent winger Jari Kurri to a contract. Kurri split time with the Rangers and Los Angeles Kings during the previous season. He scores 13 goals in his only campaign in Anaheim.
The Ottawa Senators add veteran goalie Ron Tugnutt via free agency. He spends four seasons with the Senators and has a great season in 1998-99. Tugnutt has 1.79 goals-against-average and 22-10-8 record.
1997: The Philadelphia Flyers sign free agent Chris Gratton to a deal. Gratton plays one full season with the Flyers before he goes back to the Tampa Bay Lightning after 26 games.
2009: Former Maple Leafs captain Ted Kennedy dies at the age of 83. He won the Stanley Cup five times in his 14-year career with Toronto. Kennedy wins the Hart Trophy in 1954-55 in his final season. He finishes with 231 goals and 560 points during his illustrious career and becomes a Hall of Famer in 1966.
Happy Birthday to You
1949: Dick Redmond
1978: Brett McLean
1980: Adam Hall
1984: Josh Gorges
1985: Shea Weber
1989: Kyle Turris
1992: John Klingberg
