September 7th has been a notable day in hockey history, filled with significant events ranging from rule standardization to Hall of Fame inductions and moments of profound tragedy.
One key event on this day occurred in 1946 when the NHL's president, Red Dutton, announced that the league's rules would become standard for all organized hockey, encompassing both professional and amateur levels. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the sport, ensuring consistency and uniformity across different leagues and levels of play.
In 1949, the Chicago Blackhawks acquired veteran goaltender Frank Brimsek. Brimsek, nicknamed "Mr. Zero," had already established himself as a top goalie, winning two Stanley Cups during his eight seasons with the Boston Bruins. His career was briefly interrupted by service in the United States Coast Guard during World War II.
The Hockey Hall of Fame welcomed a distinguished class of inductees on September 7, 1988. This group included goaltender Tony Esposito, forwards Guy Lafleur and Buddy O'Connor, and defenseman Brad Park. Additionally, Ed Snider, the owner of the Philadelphia Flyers, was inducted as a builder, and George Hayes, a long-time linesman and the first official to work 1,000 games, was also enshrined. Esposito's first full season with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1968-69 was particularly remarkable, as he recorded 38 wins and 15 shutouts, a modern-era record that still stands. Guy Lafleur, known for his offensive prowess, was the quickest player to reach 1,000 career points at the time, achieving the feat in 720 games.
Jacques Lemaire, an 11-time Stanley Cup champion as a player, coach, and executive, was born on September 7, 1945. Lemaire secured eight championships as a player with the Montreal Canadiens, with his first in 1968. His final championship as a player came in 1979, when he scored the Cup-clinching goal, leading to his retirement. Lemaire's NHL career included 835 points (366 goals, 469 assists) across 853 games, achieving at least 20 goals in each of his 12 seasons. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984 and later won Cups as an executive with the Canadiens in 1986 and 1993, and as a coach with the New Jersey Devils in 1995.
However, September 7 is also marked by tragedy. On September 7, 2011, a devastating plane crash in Russia claimed the lives of nearly the entire Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) team. The plane, en route to Minsk for their season-opening game, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 43 of the 45 people on board. Among the victims were head coach Brad McCrimmon, assistant coaches Alexander Karpovtsev and Igor Korolev, and players Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Karlis Skrastins, and Josef Vasicek, all of whom had previously played in the NHL. The sole survivor was flight engineer Alexander Sizov.
In the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL), September 7, 2013, saw some memorable games. The Ancaster Avalanche defeated the Buffalo Regals 10-3, with Elijah Williams scoring his first GOJHL goal in Ancaster's first game since relocating from Stoney Creek. Additionally, the Brantford 99ers played their first game, marking the return of GOJHL hockey to the city.
Born on September 7, 1908, Brady Northcott was the first of 26 current and former NHL players born on this date. He had 133 goals and 245 points over the course of 448 games with the Montreal Maroons and Chicago Blackhawks in the 1930s.
September 7 in hockey history encompasses important milestones, from standardizing rules to honoring legends and remembering those lost in tragedy. These events contribute to the rich and complex narrative of the sport.
