June 15th has been a day of significant moments in hockey history, marked by Stanley Cup victories, pivotal draft selections, and individual milestones.

In recent news, June 15, 2025, witnessed Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers etching his name in the record books during the Stanley Cup Finals. Marchand became only the seventh player in NHL history to score five or more goals in multiple Stanley Cup Finals series, a feat last accomplished by Mario Lemieux in 1991 and 1992. His two goals in Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers not only contributed to the Panthers' victory but also solidified his place among hockey's elite. Notably, Marchand is also the first player since Esa Tikkanen in 1988 to score six goals in a single Stanley Cup Final series.

The Boston Bruins also have fond memories of June 15th. On this day in 2011, they defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-0 in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, securing their first Stanley Cup since 1972. This victory remains a cherished moment for Bruins fans.

June 15th also holds significance in NHL draft history. In 1978, the NHL Amateur Draft took place in Montreal. The Minnesota North Stars selected Bobby Smith with the first overall pick. Smith went on to have a productive career with the North Stars, scoring 185 goals and 554 points in 572 games across two stints with the team. Other notable players drafted on this day include Brad Marsh, Al Secord, Joel Quenneville, and Curt Fraser.

Looking back further, June 15, 1999, saw the Buffalo Sabres defeat the Dallas Stars 2-1 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, tying the series at 2-2. Dixon Ward's second-period goal proved to be the game-winner, and goaltender Dominik Hasek made 30 saves to secure the victory for the Sabres.

On June 15, 2015, the Chicago Blackhawks clinched their third Stanley Cup in six seasons by defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0 in Game 6 of the Final. Duncan Keith scored the series-winning goal, and Corey Crawford recorded a shutout, stopping all 25 shots he faced. This victory marked the first championship won in Chicago since 1938, allowing the Blackhawks core to celebrate a Stanley Cup win on home ice. Keith was also awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Currently, in 2025, the Florida Panthers are on the cusp of potentially clinching another Stanley Cup on home ice, which would make them the first team to repeat as Cup champions by clinching both on home ice since Edmonton 37 years ago. Their strong offense has been a key factor, setting records for road goals in a single playoff year and contributing to the highest-scoring Stanley Cup Final in 15 years.