Patrick Roy Announces His Retirement-This Day In Hockey History-May 27, 2003

By JOHN MARSHALL AP Sports Writer DENVER—Colorado’s Patrick Roy is retiring, ending the 18-year career of one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. Roy will make the announcement at a news conference today, team spokesman Jean Martineau said. A four-time Stanley Cup champion, Roy leaves as the NHLs career leader in victories with 551 …

This Day In Hockey History-June 21, 1997-Bruins Draft Joe Thornton, Sergei Samsonov

PITTSBURGH — The Boston Bruins don’t envision Joe Thornton as another Wayne Gretzky, even if the 17-year-old threatened some of the Great One’s junior scoring records. They’ll be perfectly satisfied if the first player chosen in Saturday’s NHL draft is another Eric Lindros, a physical presence with a deft scoring touch who revives a floundering …

This Day In Hockey History-June 17, 1993-Mario Lemieux takes Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy & Masterton

TORONTO (CP) — Mario Lemieux has two important dates this summer. First, he’s getting married June 26. Then he’ll check into the hospital in July for more surgery on a back that has slowed him slightly the last two years. “It will be minor surgery to take scar tissue out of there,” he said after …

This Day In Hockey History-June 17, 2011-Heroics put an end to a long, unpredictable journey for Tim Thomas

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Tim Thomas was never the Golden Boy. You kidding? He didn’t start a game in the NHL until he was 28 and he didn’t become anyone’s regular goalie until he was 31. Until very recently, he would have been recognized on the street in Finland more readily than in downtown Boston. …

This Day In Hockey History-June 9, 2008-Dominik Hasek retires

He was only goalie to win MVP twice Dominik Hasek, the Detroit Red Wings goaltender known as the Dominator, retired Monday because he said he lacked the motivation for a 17th season. “I don’t feel today that I’m ready to compete on the highest level,” Hasek said during a news conference at Detroit’s Joe Louis …

This Day In Hockey History-June 3, 1972-NHL expansion main topic

Next week’s annual meeting of the National Hockey League’s board of governors could turn out to be one of the biggest and most important in the 55-year history of the league. That was the opinion expressed by league president Clarence Campbell late Friday as he prepared for the Monday-to-Thursday gathering. This year, in addition to …

This Day In Hockey History-June 2, 1993-Behind Net, Gretzky Is The King

Goalies Can’t Turn Their Backs On Him MONTREAL — Wayne Gretzky didn’t discover the little slab of ice behind the net. Bobby Clarke, the old Philadelphia Flyer, did. Gretzky just made it fashionable. Set up shop there, set down an easy chair. Also built a shelf that, to date, holds four Stanley Cups but has …

This Day In Hockey History-May 30, 2000- Brodeur Vs. Belfour

This isn’t Patrick Roy vs. Ed Belfour, but it’s the matchup everyone will talk about, dissect and scrutinize. The Stars’ Ed Belfour vs. New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur. Seven years separate the two goalies (Belfour is 35, Brodeur 28), but both are going for their second Stanley Cup Trophy. Belfour is playing at the highest level …

This Day In Hockey History-May 4, 2009-The stops that last a lifetime

by Dave Stubbs, The Ottawa Citizen Jim Pappin probably still sees it in his nightmares, a certain goal that wasn’t against the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of the 1971 Stanley Cup final. The Canadiens were leading Chicago 3-2 with about four minutes to play, the hometown Blackhawks frantically swarming their visitors’ net. Chicago defenceman …

This Day In Hockey History-April 19, 1999-League Leaders Prove Goalies Have the Upper Hand in Today’s NHL

PIERRE LEBRUN The Canadian Press 19 Apr 1999, Mon The Daily Herald-Tribune (Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada) Maurice (Rocket) Richard first reached the 50-goal plateau in 1944-45. In 50 games, no less. In a true indicator of the state of todays NHL, Teemu Selanne of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks captured the first-ever Rocket Richard Trophy as …