June 22nd has been a significant date in hockey history, marked by pivotal moments both on and off the ice. From Stanley Cup battles to impactful draft selections and franchise-altering decisions, this day has witnessed events that have shaped the landscape of the National Hockey League (NHL).
One notable event occurred on June 22, 1995, when the New Jersey Devils hosted their first-ever Stanley Cup Final game. They defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-2 in Game 3, establishing a commanding 3-0 series lead. Bruce Driver's power-play goal opened the scoring, followed by goals from Claude Lemieux, Neal Broten, Randy McKay, and Bobby Holik, propelling the Devils closer to their first Stanley Cup victory.
The NHL Entry Draft has also provided memorable moments on this day. In 2002, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected Rick Nash with the first overall pick at the draft held in Toronto. Nash went on to become a franchise icon, setting records for goals (289) and points (547) in 674 games with the Blue Jackets. Ten years later, on June 22, 2012, the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Morgan Rielly fifth overall. That same year, the Edmonton Oilers selected Nail Yakupov with the first overall pick. And in 1991, the Quebec Nordiques selected Eric Lindros first overall, though Lindros famously refused to play for the team.
June 22, 1977, saw John Ziegler named as the fourth president of the NHL, succeeding Clarence Campbell. Ziegler's 15-year tenure was marked by significant expansion, including the absorption of four teams from the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1979: the Edmonton Oilers, New England Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets. This merger brought Wayne Gretzky to the NHL, setting the stage for the Oilers' dynasty in the 1980s.
However, not all events on June 22nd have been celebratory. On June 22, 1938, the Montreal Maroons, a two-time Stanley Cup-winning franchise, withdrew from the NHL due to financial difficulties, leaving only seven teams in the league. Despite attempts to revive the team, the Maroons officially ceased operations in 1947.
In more recent times, on June 22, 2021, Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens became the first rookie since P.K. Subban in 2010 to record at least eight points in a single postseason, underscoring the ongoing relevance of this date in hockey lore.
