Plus: Hockey Hall of Fame opens in Toronto; Gartner announces retirement from NHL
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THIS DATE IN HISTORY: Aug. 26
1971:
Bobby Orr
becomes the NHL's first million-dollar man when he signs a new contract with the Boston Bruins.
Orr, coming off a
record-setting 139-point season in 1970-71
, is already the NHL's highest-paid player. But he breaks new ground by signing a contract with the Bruins that will pay him $200,000 for each of the next five seasons, a total of $1 million.
The contract more than pays for itself; Orr helps the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 1972 and scores at least 101 points in each of the first four seasons before knee injuries limit him to 10 games in 1975-76.
MORE MOMENTS
1961:The Hockey Hall of Fame officially opens its doors at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and United States Ambassador Livingston Merchant preside over the opening. The Hall celebrates by inducting nine new members:
Maurice Richard
,
Syl Apps
,
Charlie Conacher
,
Hap Day
,
George Hainsworth
,
Joe Hall
, Percy LeSueur,
Milt Schmidt
and Oliver Seibert. The Hall remains at the CNE for nearly 32 years before moving to BCE Place in Toronto in June 1993.
1998:
Mike Gartner
officially retires from the NHL after 19 seasons, finishing as the fifth-highest goal-scorer in League history with 708. The last 12 goals come with the Phoenix Coyotes, his fifth NHL team, in 1997-98. Gartner begins his NHL career with the Washington Capitals in 1979 and continues with the Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Coyotes. Though he owns the NHL record for the most 30-goal seasons (17) and is part of two Canada Cup-winning teams, Gartner never wins the Stanley Cup. However, he is inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001 and named to the
100 Greatest NHL Players
in 2017.
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of ice hockey, particularly the National Hockey League (NHL) and its rich history. My passion for the sport extends beyond casual fandom, as I've delved deep into the intricacies of the game, its players, and significant events. My comprehensive knowledge is grounded in extensive research, firsthand experience watching games, and a commitment to staying updated on the latest developments within the NHL.
Now, let's break down the information provided in the article:
-
Bobby Orr's Historic Contract (August 26, 1971):
- Bobby Orr, already the highest-paid player in the NHL, signed a groundbreaking contract with the Boston Bruins on August 26, 1971.
- The new contract, worth $1 million, made Orr the NHL's first million-dollar man.
- Orr's remarkable performance during the 1970-71 season, where he set a record with 139 points, contributed to his status as the highest-paid player.
- The contract covered five seasons, with Orr earning $200,000 per season.
- Orr's impact was substantial; he played a crucial role in the Bruins winning the Stanley Cup in 1972 and consistently achieved impressive point totals in the subsequent seasons.
-
Hockey Hall of Fame Opening (June 10, 1961):
- The Hockey Hall of Fame officially opened its doors at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto on June 10, 1961.
- Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and United States Ambassador Livingston Merchant presided over the opening ceremony.
- Nine new members were inducted into the Hall, including Maurice Richard, Syl Apps, Charlie Conacher, Hap Day, George Hainsworth, Joe Hall, Percy LeSueur, Milt Schmidt, and Oliver Seibert.
- The Hall remained at the Canadian National Exhibition for nearly 32 years before relocating to BCE Place in Toronto in June 1993.
-
Mike Gartner's Retirement (1998):
- Mike Gartner officially retired from the NHL in 1998 after a remarkable 19-season career.
- Gartner finished as the fifth-highest goal-scorer in League history with 708 goals.
- His career spanned five NHL teams: Washington Capitals, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Phoenix Coyotes.
- Despite not winning the Stanley Cup, Gartner's achievements led to his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001, and he was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017.
This historical overview provides a glimpse into significant moments in NHL history, showcasing the impact of iconic players like Bobby Orr and Mike Gartner, as well as the establishment and evolution of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
