Today in Hockey History: Nov. 29, marks a day filled with memorable moments, milestones, and debuts across the NHL. From spectacular individual performances to significant team achievements, here's a look at some of the notable events that have occurred on this day in hockey history.
Early Years and Milestones
On November 29, 1924, the Montreal Canadiens were invited to inaugurate the Forum against the Toronto St-Pats. In front of over 9,000 fans, Bill Boucher scored the first goal on Forum ice, leading the Canadiens to a 7-1 victory. In 1930, George Hainsworth became the second goalie in Canadiens history to achieve 100 career wins, during a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins. Just two years later, Alec Connell of the Ottawa Senators became the first NHL goaltender to record 70 career shutouts in a 2-0 win against the Detroit Red Wings. Connell finished his career with 81 shutouts, a mark that remains tied for sixth all-time.
Individual Brilliance and Records
November 29 has also been a day for remarkable individual performances. In 1958, Jean Beliveau scored his sixth career hat trick in a 6-2 Canadiens' victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Andy Bathgate became the New York Rangers' all-time leading goal scorer with his 229th career goal on this day in 1962, surpassing Bill Cook's previous record. In 1981, Mario Tremblay had a goal and four assists in the Canadiens' 6-3 win over the Hartford Whalers. Doug Risebrough also contributed with a hat trick, while Pierre Mondou added a goal and three assists. Kirk Muller scored a natural hat trick in the third period on November 29, 1991, marking his 200th NHL goal, though the Canadiens lost to the Bruins in overtime.
Debuts and Firsts
This date has also seen the debut of notable players. Future Hall of Famer Tony Esposito made his NHL debut on November 29, 1968, stepping in for Rogie Vachon during a game against the Oakland Seals. Esposito allowed the final two goals in the Canadiens' 5-4 loss. On Nov. 29, 1978, Bjorne Skaare became the first Norwegian-born player to appear in an NHL game, playing for the Detroit Red Wings in a 2-2 tie against the Colorado Rockies.
More Milestones
Bob Nevin reached the 300-goal milestone on November 29, 1975, in a game where his Los Angeles Kings defeated the Buffalo Sabres 8-3. Two years later, in 1977, Rogie Vachon became the first goaltender to record 150 wins, achieving the milestone in a 4-2 victory for the Los Angeles Kings over the Washington Capitals. Charlie Simmer also scored his 200th NHL goal on this day in 1983, adding two assists in a game where the Kings fell to the Winnipeg Jets 6-5.
