October 1st has been a significant date in hockey history, filled with memorable moments, milestones, and notable player achievements. Let's delve into some of the key events that have occurred on this day.
Coaching Debuts and Milestones
On October 1, 1997, Lindy Ruff began his NHL coaching career with a 3-1 victory for the Buffalo Sabres over the St. Louis Blues. This was the first of 755 career wins for Ruff, who currently holds the seventh-most coaching wins in NHL history. Also on that same day, Chris Osgood secured his 100th win as a Red Wings goalie in a 3-1 victory against the Calgary Flames.
Scotty Bowman was named coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 1, 1991. Bowman stepped in for Bob Johnson, who was ill and later died on November 26. Bowman led the Penguins to a Stanley Cup victory for the second straight season.
** памятные даты**
On October 1, 2022, the Winnipeg Jets honored the late Dale Hawerchuk with a statue in front of Canada Life Centre. Hawerchuk played 713 games with the Jets, amassing 379 goals and 929 points, including six 100-plus point seasons.
October 1, 1999, was a momentous day for Daniel Alfredsson, as he was named captain of the Ottawa Senators. He remained the team's captain for 14 years before joining the Detroit Red Wings as a free agent.
Retirements and Tributes
The Edmonton Oilers held a special ceremony on October 1, 1999, to retire Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 before their season opener against the New York Rangers. Gretzky, who had retired the previous April, received a five-minute standing ovation from over 17,000 fans. The Oilers tied the Rangers 1-1 that night. Gretzky's No. 99 is retired throughout the entire NHL.
Brandon Sutter announced his retirement from the NHL on October 1, 2023, after attempting a comeback with the Edmonton Oilers on a professional tryout (PTO). He had been dealing with long COVID since the 2020-21 season. Sutter concluded his career with 152 goals and 289 points in 770 games played for the Hurricanes, Penguins, and Canucks.
Trades and Drafts
On October 1, 1981, the New York Islanders traded Bob Lorimer and Dave Cameron to the Colorado Rockies for a first-round pick in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. With that pick, the Islanders selected future Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine. LaFontaine played 530 games for the Islanders, recording 287 goals and 566 points.
The Toronto Maple Leafs traded Fredrik Modin to the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 1, 1999, in exchange for Cory Cross. During the 1999-00 season, Modin scored 22 goals and 48 points, which was the second-highest on the team.
Birthdays
October 1st is also a day to celebrate the birthdays of several current and former NHL players. Scott Young, born on this day in 1967, played 1,181 games and scored 342 goals. Cliff Ronning, born on this day in 1965, recorded 563 assists and 869 points.
