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The Early Development of Lacrosse
There is early documentation that the game of lacrosse has its roots entrenched in the Native American Indian culture, being the oldest field sport in North America. Integral to American Indian lacrosse was the close relationship and significance of warfare and spirituality. -
The Early Development of Ice Hockey
The origin of ice hockey is widely debated, however it is generally accepted that it evolved from the Irish game of hurling and from English field hockey. The game was spread throughout Canada via Scottish and Irish immigrants and the British army playing a kind of field hockey on ice in Nova Scotia, Canada. The players adopted field hockey elements such as the ‘bully’ (later the face-off) whilst using influences from hurling such as a ‘hurley’ (stick) and a square wooden block instead of a ball -
The First Organized Ice Hockey Game
The first organized hockey game took place in Montreal between a group of McGill Unviersity students. The rules for this game were the same as those of field hockey. Two teams of nine men played for sixty minutes, trying to get a small, wooden puck between the opposing teams goal posts. -
1st Intercollegiate Lacrosse Game
The first intercollegiate lacrosse tournament was held in 1881, and was between Harvard and Princeton. Harvard defeated Princeton three to zero in the championship game. This game was the beginning of the growth of lacrosse on all levells in the United States. -
Western Hockey Moves East
As the railroads moved west, so did hockey. When a team from Winnipeg came to Montreal to play exhibition games, they brought with them their innovations. They had done away with the "bully" faceoff and introduced a faceoff similar to todays. Their goaltenders began wearing cricket pads to defend against the "scoop" shot. -
Three Period Games
The game of hockey is changed from two thirty minute halves to three twenty minute periods. The game is still played with these periods. -
The NHA Adopts a Penalty System
In response to the games growing physical nature, the NHA adopted the first penalty system. These same penalties still exist today. The NHA also did away with the rover position. There would now be only six men on the ice per side. -
The Introduction of the Blue Lines to Hockey
The 1918 season saw the introduction of the blue lines. These lines divided the ice into three zones, attacking, neutral, and defensive. This completely revolutionalized the game as hockey had now become an "offsides" game meaning forward passes were allowed. -
Rule 56: Fisticuffs
The 1922 season saw the adoption of rule 56. This rule regulated fighting in hockey. Those involved in a fight on the ice are assessed a five minute major penalty. Fighting in hockey makes the sport unique from others. -
The First Goalie Mask is Donned and Numbers Worn
Clint Benedict made hockey history when he was the first goaltender to don a mask during a game. After having his nose broken by a shot, Benedict returned to the game wearing a leather mask to protect his broken nose. That same year, league rules required all players to wear a number on the back of their sweaters. -
1st NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship
The first NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship was won by Michigan, coached by Vic Heyliger. In this game, Michigan won eight to four over Dartmouth College. This tournament format, which has evolved a lot over the years, greatly influenced the tournament format of other college sports, such as women's hockey, and men's and women's basketball and their "March Madness" formats. -
The First Zamboni Ice Resurfacer is Invented
Everything you need to know about ZambonisThe first ice resurfacer machine is invented by rink owner Frank J. Zamboni. After earlier failed attempts, Zamboni's Model A becomes the first self propelled ice resurfacer. Its came after Zamboni realized how inefficient the ice resurfacing process was. By cutting the process down to a 10-minute, one man job, Zamboni was able to run his rink more efficiently and provide a higher quality sheet of ice to his customers. The higher quality sheet of ice caused the game to become faster. -
Gary Gait
He was the most influential Canadian lacrosse player and is known as the greatest player of all time. -
Passage of Title IX
Title IX, aimed to eliminate gender discrimination in educational institutions, is used to provide gender equality in athletics. Title IX helped the growth of Canada's summer sport in America as lacrosse has grown as a result. To comply with Title IX, colleges have added women's athletic programs. Women's lacrosse, being inexpensive with a large amount of participation, makes adding the game a natural choice. Opportunities at colleges has led to programs in high school and youth leagues. -
Helmets
A new league ruling made it mandatory for all players signing their first contract after this date, to wear a helmet. It also encouraged current players to adopt them. However, some players had been wearing helmets since the 1920s. -
National Sports of Canada Act
This act named Lacrosse the official summer sport of Canada, and named Ice Hockey as the official winter sport of Canada. -
Composite Sticks Begin Replacing Wooden Sticks
As Easton developed its Z-Air stick, composite sticks began to replace traditional wooden sticks. These sticks provided many advantages to the user. They were much lighter than the "lumber" players used to carry. They also allowed players to take faster shots as the sticks were able to flex and not break. -
The Creation of Major League Lacrosse
In 1998 two lacrosse fans came up with and developed the MLL, or major league lacrosse. This idea was finally translated in February of 1999 when the league was officially created. In 2001, the MLL took advantage of the growing lacrosse market in the United States, and began play. Since the league's outset, game attendance has continually increased, as has American interest in the sport. -
The Great One Retires
Gretzky's Last GameAfter more than 15 professional seasons, Wayne Gretzky stepped away from hockey. Know as "The Great One" to many, Gretzky revolutionized the game in the 80s and 90s. He set many league records and had won four Stanley Cups. Playing for Edmonton, Los Angeles, and St. Louis, Gretzky retired with the New York Rangers. After his retirement, the NHL outright retired his #99 jersey and was immediately elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame. His legacy will live on with the sport for many years to come. -
Canada Wins Gold at Winter Olympics in Men's Ice Hockey
For the first time in exactly fifty years to the date, Canada brought home the gold in men's ice hockey. Led by a team of NHL stars, Canada defeated the United States 5-2 in Salt Lake City. Canada was led by Joe Sakic and Jerome Iginla who each scored two goals apiece. This win reestablisted Canada's status as a world hockey power. The story of the Lucky Loonie has become a story of hope for the entire country of Canada. -
NHL Changes in the 21st Century
The NHL Lockout that started on September 15, 2004 changed the NHL and hockey. The lockout resulted in the loss of the entire 2004-2005 season. The lockout was ended 310 days later. Resulting changes included a hard salary cap (promoting competitive balance), a crackdown on obstruction penalties, and a change in overtime rules. More changes in the 21st century included an effort to cutback on fighting and the Winter Classic. -
Today- Movement for Lacrosse as an Olympic Sport
Lacrosse was an official Olympic sport in 1904 and 1908. Since then, it has not been an official Olympic sport. The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) has made it its goal to make lacrosse an Olympic sport once again.
