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History of the National Hockey League

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The National Hockey League (NHL) is a super exciting professional ice hockey league. It's where the best hockey teams from Canada and the United States battle it out on the ice! The NHL started way back in 1917 and has been thrilling fans ever since. It's one of the biggest sports leagues in North America.

How the NHL Started

The National Hockey League officially began in 1917 in a city called Montreal. Before the NHL, there was another league called the National Hockey Association (NHA). The NHA had some problems, and because of these issues, it stopped operating. That's when the new and improved NHL was created to take its place!

NHL History Timeline


Images for kids

  • NHL time map

    This map shows when different Canadian provinces and U.S. states got their first NHL teams.

  • NHLPreOriginalSixEra

    These are cities that had NHL teams before the big expansion in 1967. The "Original Six" teams were the ones that kept playing through tough times like the Great Depression and World War II.

  • MapleLeafGardens1934

    Here's a picture of Maple Leaf Gardens in 1934, a famous hockey arena.

  • Philadelphia quakers jersey

    This is a jersey from the Philadelphia Quakers, a team that played in 1931–32 but didn't last long.

  • Red Dutton, 1944

    Red Dutton was the NHL president for a short time between 1943 and 1946.

  • Clarence Campbell Stanley Cup 1957

    Clarence Campbell was the NHL's third President for a very long time, from 1946 until 1977. Here he is with the Stanley Cup!

  • Maurice richard profile

    Maurice "Rocket" Richard was an amazing player. He was the first to score 50 goals in just 50 games! He retired as the NHL's top scorer.

  • Syl Apps

    Syl Apps with the Stanley Cup in the 1940s, before it was redesigned.

  • Eric vail atlanta flames 1978

    The Colorado Rockies playing against the Atlanta Flames in 1978. These teams are now known as the New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames.

  • NHLWHAmerger

    This map shows cities that had teams in both the NHL and the WHA (World Hockey Association) when the leagues merged in 1979. Four WHA teams joined the NHL.

  • Wayne Gretzky statue 6

    A statue of the legendary Wayne Gretzky holding the Stanley Cup in front of Rogers Place in Edmonton.

  • Alexander Mogilny

    Alexander Mogilny, pictured in 2006, was one of the first players from the Soviet Union to join the NHL in 1989.

  • Nhl relocation map 1495x1155

    This map shows NHL teams that have moved to different cities over the years.

  • Gary Bettman at Entry Draft 2008

    Gary Bettman, pictured in 2008, became the NHL's first commissioner in 1993.

  • NHL Winter Classic 2008

    This is how the arena looked at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo for the 2008 Winter Classic, an outdoor hockey game.

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History of the National Hockey League Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.