This Day In Hockey History-June 16, 1977-WHA clubs perform annual draft ritual

TORONTO (CP) – The World Hockey Association may or may not operate as an independent league next season, but if it does it will be ready to do battle with the National Hockey League for some of the best graduates of amateur ranks. The nine WHA teams still in existence after the demise of Phoenix …

This Day In Hockey History-June 13, 1978- Bobby Smith to join Gretzky’s ‘Millionaires Club’

Ottawa 67’s centreman Bobby Smith, who owns OHA scoring records, will soon own hockey’s next million-dollar contract regardless of which league he calls home next winter. “We’ve had meetings with Minnesota,’’ said Smith’s agent Norm Caplan, of Montreal. “Outlines have been made and figures have been clearly defined but as of right now no documents …

This Day In Hockey History-June 13, 1978-Rob Rammage, Pat Riggin, Craig Hartsburg WHA bound

MONTREAL — National Hockey League Players’ Association president Alan Eagleson confirmed here Tuesday night that more under-age juniors will sign with the World Hockey Association. Eagleson now feels it’s essential his under-age clients maintain credibility in the wake of WHA Indianapolis Racers signing Soo Greyhounds sensation Wayne Gretzky, 17, to a reported seven-year, $ 1.75-million …

This Day In Hockey History-June 13, 1987-Pierre Turgeon is No. 1 in NHL draft, Shanahan 2nd, Then Defensemen Dominate

DETROIT (AP) — As expected, high-scoring centers Pierre Turgeon and Brendan Shanahan were the top two picks in Saturday’s NHL draft. The selection of Turgeon, by the Buffalo Sabres, and Shanahan, who went to the New Jersey Devils, came as no surprise. They had been rated the top two players available in the draft by …

This Day In Hockey History-June 11, 1978-Gretzky signs with WHA and ignites hockey war

The palace revolt that Ben Hatskin seemed to be expecting has taken place with the signing of 17-year-old Wayne Gretzky by Indianapolis Racers owner Nelson Skalbania. Skalbania announced Monday he has signed Gretzky, the scoring star last season with Sault -Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League, to a personal services contract. …

This Day In Hockey History-June 10, 1979-Trottier wins Hart, Art Ross trophies; Potvin wins Norris

MONTREAL (CP) – For the first time in the National Hockey League, a New York team has won three individual awards in one season. Results of the voting for five-player awards were announced today. Bryan Trottier of New York Islanders became the youngest forward and second-youngest player Io win the Hart Trophy as the most …

This Day In Hockey History-May 23, 1978-Winnipeg Jets take WHA crown in straight games

WINNIPEG (CP) – Winnipeg Jets survived their worst period of hockey in four games and went on to defeat New England Whalers 5-3 last night to win their second World Hockey Association championship in three years. The victory, before a jubilant capacity crowd of 10,348, many of them drinking wine or champagne in the final …

Montreal’s Jacques Plante Makes History as First NHL Goalie to Wear Facemask-This Day In Hockey History-November 1, 1959

Montreal’s Jacques Plante Makes History as First NHL Goalie to Wear Facemask-This Day In Hockey History-November 1, 1959