July 20th has been a noteworthy date in hockey history, filled with player milestones, front office moves, and significant moments that have shaped the sport.
One notable event occurred on July 20, 1990, when free agent Bryan Trottier, after a stellar career with the New York Islanders, signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Trottier's departure from the Islanders marked the end of an era, as he had been a cornerstone of their four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1980 to 1983. During his 15 seasons with the Islanders, Trottier amassed 500 goals and 1,353 points in 1,123 games, solidifying his place as one of the franchise's all-time greats. He began his NHL career with the Islanders in the 1975-76 season, after being drafted in the second round of the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft, and won the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie that season with 32 goals and 95 points.
In 1972, July 20 was a busy day. The expansion New York Islanders named Phil Goyette as their first head coach. However, Goyette's tenure was short-lived, as he was fired after a 6-38-4 record in 48 games and replaced by Earl Ingarfield. On the same day, the Quebec Nordiques of the World Hockey Association (WHA) made a splash by signing Montreal Canadiens star J.C. Tremblay, a five-time Stanley Cup winner, to a five-year contract. They also added Jean-Claude Bordeleau, further bolstering their roster.
July 20 also marks the birthdays of some remarkable hockey players. Peter Forsberg, born on July 20, 1973, in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, was known as a dominant, physical player with impressive offensive abilities. His NHL career, unfortunately, was plagued by injuries. Pavel Datsyuk, born on July 20, 1978, in Sverdlovsk, Russia, is widely regarded as one of the most skilled stickhandlers in the game. Datsyuk played his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings and is a three-time Selke Trophy winner and a four-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy recipient.
On July 20, 1953, the New York Rangers acquired Hall of Fame goaltender Johnny Bower from the Cleveland Barons in exchange for Emile Francis, Neil Strain, and cash. Bower had a successful run with the Barons, winning three Calder Cup championships. He played every minute of all 70 games for the Rangers during the 1953-54 season.
In 1992, the San Jose Sharks hired Deborah Wright as a part-time scout, making her the first woman to work in a scouting position for an NHL team. At the age of 26, she scouted talent at the junior and collegiate levels in Quebec, as well as parts of the U.S. and Ontario, marking a significant milestone for women in sports.
