August 14th has been a significant date in hockey history, marked by memorable player achievements, team milestones, and impactful legacies.
One notable event occurred on August 14, 2023, when David Krejci announced his retirement from the NHL after playing his entire career with the Boston Bruins. Krejci, a key player for the Bruins, appeared in 1,192 regular season and playoff games, contributing 231 goals and 786 points in the regular season, along with 43 goals and 128 points in the playoffs. He was also a member of the Bruins' Stanley Cup-winning team in 2011.
On August 14, 2020, Bo Horvat played a pivotal role in a Vancouver Canucks victory. Horvat opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal in the first period and then secured the win with an overtime goal. This performance led the Canucks to a 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues, giving them a 2-0 series lead.
The hockey world mourned the loss of Ted Kennedy, a former Toronto Maple Leafs captain, who passed away on August 14, 2009, at the age of 83. Kennedy played 14 seasons with the Maple Leafs, captaining the team from 1948 to 1955. He played a crucial role in the Maple Leafs' dynasty, helping them win four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1945 to 1949 and another in 1951. In 1948, he led all players in the playoffs with eight goals and 14 points. Kennedy's outstanding career was recognized with the Hart Trophy in 1954, awarded to the NHL's most valuable player.
August 14, 1926, marks the date when Clarence "Taffy" Abel signed with the New York Rangers. Abel made history as the first American-born player to secure a regular spot on an NHL team. Known for his size and strength at 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Abel set a new standard for defensemen in the league. He contributed to the Rangers' Stanley Cup victory in 1928. After three seasons with the Rangers, Abel was sold to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he won his second Stanley Cup in 1934. In 1973, he was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.
Interestingly, several current and former NHL players share the August 14th birthday. Shea Weber, born on August 14, 1985, stands out as one of the most accomplished players in this group. Weber has recorded 224 goals and 589 points in 1,038 career games with the Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens.
