The Original 6 Hockey Teams: Who They Were and Why They Matter (2024)

The Original 6 Hockey Teams are legendary in the National Hockey League (NHL) and are considered to be some of the most iconic teams in North American sports history. These six teams laid the foundation for what is now a 32-team league and forever changed the landscape of professional hockey. Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers were the teams that made up the Original

The story of the Original 6 is a story of the NHL’s evolution from a regional league to a major professional sports league. These teams were the heart and soul of the NHL for over two decades and produced some of the greatest players to ever lace up their skates. The history and legacy of the Original 6 are deeply ingrained in the NHL and have helped shape the league into what it is today.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the history of the Original 6, how they came to be, their legacy, current teams that are related to the Original 6, and some interesting facts you might not know. By the end of this article, you will have a newfound appreciation for these six historic teams and the role they played in shaping the NHL.

History of the NHL

The National Hockey League, or NHL, was founded in 1917 and initially consisted of just four teams: the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Arenas. The league’s first few years were turbulent, with teams coming and going, but by 1942, the NHL had settled into a six-team format that would last for 25 years. These six teams, known as the Original 6, were the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

During the NHL’s early years, the league struggled to gain a foothold in the United States, but the addition of the Original 6 teams helped to establish the NHL as a major North American sports league. These six teams were the foundation of the NHL for decades, and they helped to create a lasting legacy for the league.

Over time, the NHL has expanded to include more teams, but the Original 6 will always hold a special place in hockey history. The NHL’s growth and evolution have been shaped by these six teams, and they continue to be a beloved part of the league’s story.

The NHL’s Beginnings in Canada

When it comes to ice hockey, Canada is often considered to be the birthplace of the sport. It is therefore no surprise that the National Hockey League (NHL) was founded in Montreal, Canada in 191The original six teams that made up the NHL were all Canadian, and it wasn’t until 1924 that the first American team was added to the league.

The NHL was established following the suspension of the National Hockey Association (NHA) due to a dispute over ownership. In response, the owners of the NHA formed the NHL, with the aim of creating a more stable and profitable league. The NHL’s first season was comprised of just four teams, but it quickly grew in popularity, leading to the addition of more teams.

The early days of the NHL were characterized by fierce rivalries between the original six teams, which included the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins, among others. These rivalries helped to establish a strong fan base for each team, which in turn helped to grow the popularity of the league as a whole.

Expansion and Contraction of the League

After the Original 6 era, the NHL began to expand, adding teams in new markets. In 1967, six new teams were added, doubling the size of the league. This was known as the “Great Expansion”. Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Minnesota, and Oakland all joined the league, with the latter eventually moving to become the modern-day San Jose Sharks.

Over time, some teams struggled financially, leading to contraction of the league. The Cleveland Barons and Minnesota North Stars both merged with other teams due to financial issues. In addition, the Quebec Nordiques and Winnipeg Jets were eventually forced to move due to similar financial difficulties, becoming the Colorado Avalanche and Phoenix Coyotes (now the Arizona Coyotes), respectively.

Despite the financial struggles of some teams, the NHL continued to expand, eventually reaching a total of 32 teams in the league today. This expansion has led to the NHL becoming a more diverse league, with teams located across North America and even one team based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Impact of the Original 6 on Hockey Culture

Iconic Rivalries: The intense rivalries that emerged between the Original 6 teams helped to shape the culture of hockey. From the “Original Six” to the “Battle of Ontario,” these rivalries added an extra level of excitement to the game and brought fans to their feet.

Uniform Designs: The jerseys and logos of the Original 6 teams are still iconic today, and are often seen as some of the best designs in hockey history. The simple yet bold designs of the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings have inspired countless imitators.

Community and Fanbase: The Original 6 teams helped to build and shape hockey communities across North America. They established loyal fanbases and helped to create a strong sense of identity and pride in their respective cities. To this day, the Original 6 teams remain important symbols of their cities and regions, and hold a special place in the hearts of many hockey fans.

How the Original 6 Came to Be

In 1942, the NHL was made up of just 7 teams, known as the “Original 7.” These teams were the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and the Brooklyn Americans. However, in 1942, the Americans suspended their operations due to financial difficulties, leaving the NHL with just 6 teams for the next 25 years. These 6 teams would become known as the “Original 6.”

One reason for the formation of the Original 6 was to create a more competitive league. With only 6 teams, the NHL was able to limit the number of players on each team, ensuring that the talent was more evenly distributed. Additionally, with fewer teams, the NHL was able to create a more intense playoff system, which led to increased fan interest and revenue for the league.

Another factor in the creation of the Original 6 was the rise of World War II. With many players serving in the war, the NHL was facing a shortage of talent. By consolidating the league into just 6 teams, the NHL was able to field more competitive rosters and maintain fan interest during the war years.

The Impact of World War II on the NHL

World War II had a significant impact on the NHL and its Original 6 teams. Many players, coaches, and even team owners left to serve in the military, and some never returned. This led to a shortage of players, and many teams had to rely on inexperienced players or players who were deemed too old to fight in the war. In addition, travel restrictions made it difficult for teams to play each other.

However, the war also brought about some positive changes in the NHL. The league became more popular as a form of entertainment during a difficult time, and women’s hockey gained more attention. The war also led to the formation of the Hockey Hall of Fame, which opened in Toronto in 1943.

Overall, the impact of World War II on the NHL and its Original 6 teams was profound and long-lasting. It forever changed the league and its players, both on and off the ice.

Legacy of the Original 6

Enduring Fan Loyalty: Despite the NHL’s expansion, the Original 6 teams still have some of the most passionate fans in the league. These fans often have a deep sense of connection to the history and traditions of their teams, which have been passed down through generations.

Retired Numbers and Hall of Famers: Many of the greatest players in NHL history played for the Original 6 teams. As a result, these teams have retired numerous jersey numbers and have many Hall of Fame inductees associated with them. This legacy of greatness continues to be celebrated and remembered today.

Historical Significance: The Original 6 era is viewed as a golden age in NHL history. The league was smaller and more intimate, with rivalries that ran deep. The history and stories of these teams are a vital part of the NHL’s overall history and lore.

Influence on the Game: The Original 6 teams helped to shape the game of hockey as we know it today. From tactics and strategies to equipment and rule changes, these teams had a significant impact on the sport and its development over the years.

Nostalgia and Tradition: Finally, the legacy of the Original 6 is one of nostalgia and tradition. Fans of these teams often have a deep sense of connection to the past, to a time when the game was different, but no less exciting or meaningful. This sense of tradition and history is what makes the Original 6 such an important and enduring part of hockey culture.

The Influence of the Original 6 on Modern Hockey

Tradition: The Original 6 teams laid the foundation for the NHL, creating a rich history and tradition that still resonates with fans today. Teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs are steeped in history, with countless championships and legendary players, creating a deep connection with fans and creating a sense of pride and tradition that continues to shape modern hockey culture.

Expansion: The Original 6 era ended with the NHL expanding, adding six new teams in 196This expansion changed the league forever and led to the growth and development of modern hockey, both in North America and internationally. The Original 6 teams paved the way for this expansion, demonstrating the popularity and viability of professional hockey as a major sport.

Rivalries: The intense rivalries between the Original 6 teams set a high bar for modern hockey rivalries. From the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens to the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, these rivalries defined the NHL for decades, creating fierce competition and unforgettable moments on the ice.

Style of Play: The Original 6 teams played a unique style of hockey that still influences modern play. The fast-paced, physical, and hard-hitting style of hockey that characterized the Original 6 era can still be seen in the NHL today, with teams like the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers carrying on this tradition of tough, aggressive play.

NHL Tradition: The Original 6 teams created a legacy of tradition and excellence that continues to inspire and shape the NHL today. From the Stanley Cup playoffs to the Winter Classic, the traditions and customs that define modern hockey can be traced back to the Original 6 era, proving that these six teams truly changed the course of hockey history.

How the Original 6 Shaped Canadian Identity

The Original 6 NHL teams played an important role in shaping Canadian identity. Hockey was seen as a symbol of Canadian culture, with the Original 6 representing the best the country had to offer in terms of talent and passion for the sport.

The teams were seen as representing their respective regions of the country, with fans fiercely loyal to their home team. The Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings were seen as representing French, English, and American influences respectively, while the other three Canadian teams represented the country’s smaller regions.

The Original 6 also provided a platform for Canadian players to showcase their talents on a national stage. Players like Gordie Howe, Maurice Richard, and Jean Beliveau became household names and were seen as national heroes, inspiring young Canadians to pursue their dreams of playing in the NHL.

The rivalry between the teams was intense, with games often becoming physical and emotional battles. This created a sense of pride and identity for fans, who saw their team as not just a collection of players, but a representation of their city and country.

Today, the legacy of the Original 6 continues to shape Canadian identity. Hockey remains a central part of Canadian culture, and the passion and loyalty of fans for their home team remains as strong as ever.

Current NHL Teams That Are Related to the Original 6

Montreal Canadiens: One of the original six teams, the Montreal Canadiens are the longest continuously operating professional ice hockey team in the world. The Canadiens have won 24 Stanley Cups, the most of any team in NHL history.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Another original six team, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a storied history in the NHL. The Maple Leafs have won 13 Stanley Cups, although they have not won a championship since 1967.

Boston Bruins: The Boston Bruins are another original six team and have a long history in the NHL. The Bruins have won six Stanley Cups, most recently in 2011.

How the Current Teams Preserve the Legacy of the Original 6

Although the Original 6 teams are no longer the only ones in the league, their legacy continues to influence modern hockey. Here are some ways in which the current teams preserve their history:

• Logos and Jerseys: Many of the Original 6 teams still use their classic logos and jerseys, which have become iconic symbols of the league.
• Rivalries: Rivalries between the Original 6 teams are some of the most intense in hockey, and these matchups continue to draw large crowds and generate excitement.
• Traditions: The Original 6 teams have many unique traditions, such as the Canadiens’ pregame ceremony and the Bruins’ “Boston Strong” slogan, which are still honored by the current teams.

The continued influence of the Original 6 on the league is a testament to their enduring legacy and their importance in shaping the history of hockey.

Trivia: Facts About the Original 6 That You Might Not Know

Montreal Canadiens: Did you know that the Canadiens have won more Stanley Cup championships than any other team in the NHL, with a total of 24?

Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks are the only Original 6 team to have a name that does not end in “s”. The name was inspired by the 86th Infantry Division, which was nicknamed the “Blackhawk Division” after Chief Black Hawk of the Sauk Indian tribe.

Toronto Maple Leafs: The Maple Leafs were originally called the Toronto Arenas when they joined the NHL in 191The team changed its name to the Toronto St. Patricks in 1919, and then to the Maple Leafs in 1927 after new owner Conn Smythe decided to change the team’s name to reflect Canada’s national symbol.

The Last Time All 6 Teams Played Against Each Other

In the modern NHL, it’s difficult to imagine a time when the Original 6 teams faced each other exclusively. However, it did happen one final time before the league expanded in 196The Montreal Canadiens faced the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Boston Bruins, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Detroit Red Wings, and the New York Rangers during the 1959-1960 season. The Canadiens finished that season as Stanley Cup champions, but the Original 6 era would come to a close just a few years later.

Since the league expanded, new teams have brought their own unique flavors to the NHL, but the legacy of the Original 6 lives on in the hearts of hockey fans around the world.

Today, the NHL has 32 teams, with 24 franchises added since 196However, the Original 6 remain some of the most iconic and celebrated teams in hockey history, and their legacies continue to be honored and remembered in various ways throughout the league.

The Original 6 Teams’ Oldest and Youngest Franchise Players

The Original 6 teams have had many legendary players, some of whom have spent their entire careers with the same team. The oldest player to play for a team is Gordie Howe, who played for the Detroit Red Wings until he was 42 years old. The youngest player to ever suit up for an Original 6 team is Bryan Trottier, who joined the New York Islanders when he was just 18 years old.

For the Boston Bruins, the oldest player is Johnny Bucyk, who played with the Bruins until he was 42 years old. The youngest player to ever play for the Bruins is Don Gallinger, who joined the team at 17 years old, but only played one season due to a gambling scandal.

The Chicago Blackhawks’ oldest player is Chris Chelios, who played for the team until he was 46 years old. The youngest player to play for the Blackhawks is Patrick Kane, who joined the team at just 18 years old and has since become one of their all-time greats.

The Original 6 Teams’ Most Successful Seasons

The Montreal Canadiens had the most successful season among the Original 6 teams in the NHL’s history, winning 60 games and losing only 8 in the 1976-77 season, which remains the NHL’s record for most wins in a single season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ most successful season was in 1947-48 when they won the Stanley Cup with a 32-15-3 record.

The New York Rangers won the Stanley Cup in the 1993-94 season, their first championship since 1940. They had a 52-24-8 record and defeated the Vancouver Canucks in the final.

Frequently Asked Questions