September 11th has been a notable date in hockey history for various significant events, ranging from team expansions and Hall of Fame inductions to memorable games and honoring those affected by tragedy.
One of the most impactful events on this day occurred in 1969 when the NHL announced the addition of two new franchises: the Buffalo Sabres and the Vancouver Canucks. These teams joined the league for the 1970-71 season, expanding the NHL from 12 to 14 teams. The Sabres and Canucks were placed in the East Division, while the Chicago Blackhawks moved to the West Division. Buffalo later won the first pick in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, selecting Gilbert Perreault.
September 11th is also an important date for the Hockey Hall of Fame. On this day in 1943, the NHL approved the proposal to establish the Hall of Fame. The inaugural class of 12 members was inducted in 1945, featuring legends such as Hobey Baker, Charlie Gardner, Howie Morenz, and Georges Vezina. The first physical building opened in Toronto in 1961. In 1995, the Hall of Fame inducted its 43rd class, including Larry Robinson, Fred "Bun" Cook, Bill Torrey, and Gunther Sabetzki. Robinson, a 20-season veteran with the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings, headlined the class. Börje Salming (Sweden, defenseman) was introduced to the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame on September 16, 1996.
Several notable NHL players were born on September 11th. Wes Turner, born in 1922, was the first to debut in the NHL, playing 17 games for the New York Rangers in 1949. More recent players born on this date include Nick Robertson, Craig Billington, Mike Comrie, Zack Stortini, Ben Scrivens, Teuvo Teravainen and Ross Colton.
The date also holds significance for international hockey. On September 11, 1987, the first game of the best-of-three Canada Cup championship series took place in Montreal between Canada and the Soviet Union. Mike Gartner scored early for Canada, but the Soviets responded with four unanswered goals. Canada rallied to take a 5-4 lead with goals from Ray Bourque, Doug Gilmour, Glenn Anderson, and Wayne Gretzky.
In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the hockey community played a role in healing and honoring the victims. Players and coaches from the New York Rangers visited Ground Zero to support rescue and recovery workers. During the Rangers' home opener, captain Mark Messier wore a FDNY fire helmet with an image of Chief Ray Downey. Teams across the league commemorated the victims and showed support for first responders. At the 2002 NHL All-Star Game, players wore helmets with a decal remembering Los Angeles Kings scouts Garnet Ace Bailey and Mark Lawrence Bavis, who were passengers on Flight 175. The Kings continue to wear a decal for these men.
On September 11, 1993, the New York Rangers played the Toronto Maple Leafs in London's Wembley Arena, winning 5-3 in the first of two exhibition games. The Rangers won the second game 3-1 and the French's Mustard Cup.
