41 NHL athletes born in Detroit, 190 born in Michigan
Elizabeth Washington, Digital News Editor
Tags:Detroit, Wayne County, Red Wings
DETROIT – You’ve got Mark Howe, Kevin Hatcher, David Legwand, and so many others who were born in Detroit and had the chance to shine on the professional stage.
A study by the Online Betting Guide found that Detroit ranked No. 1 for most NHL athletes born in a major city. According to the study, over the 105 years of the NHL, 41 players have Detroit registered as their birthplace.
Below are the top 5 major cities where NHL players have been born:
| Rank | City | State | Number of NHL athletes born in city |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detroit | Michigan | 41 |
| 2 | Minneapolis | Minnesota | 38 |
| 3 | Boston | Massachusetts | 35 |
| 4 | St. Paul | Minnesota | 34 |
| 5 | Chicago | Illinois | 25 |
Detroit isn’t the only Michigan city represented on the list. Hockey Reference says about 190 players during the lifespan of the NHL have been born in the state. Some other cities include Clawson, Grand Ledge, Kalamazoo, Wyandotte, East Lansing, Redford, Lapeer, and Lincoln Park.
Watch: Relive the Red Wings 1997 Stanley Cup win with this WDIV archive footage
Below is the list of NHL players born in Michigan, according to hockey-reference.com.
Fun fact: The Detroit Red Wings were among the first teams to help form the NHL.
The Wings began as an expansion team called the Detroit Cougars in 1926. The NHL stated that the Cougars didn’t have a home rink in Detroit and would play in Windsor, Canada. In 1932, James Norris renamed the team the Red Wings, and their first home was Olympia Stadium. The name Detroit Cougars lived on as an American professional soccer team based in Detroit formed and took the name in 1967. According to Glentoran Football Club, the team folded a year later.
Read: A brief history of Red Wings outdoor games
Check out some Hockeytown news below 🏒🐙
Copyright 2023 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
As an avid sports enthusiast with a keen focus on hockey and a deep understanding of the NHL, I bring forth my expertise to shed light on the intriguing data presented in the article about NHL athletes born in Detroit and Michigan. My knowledge stems not only from a passion for the sport but also from extensive research and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the hockey world.
The article highlights a study conducted by the Online Betting Guide, indicating that Detroit holds the prestigious position of being the top major city for producing NHL athletes. The evidence provided reveals that over the 105 years of the NHL's existence, 41 players proudly claim Detroit as their birthplace. This information showcases not only a historical perspective on the city's contribution to professional hockey but also underscores the significant role it has played in nurturing talent that has excelled on the international stage.
Furthermore, the article delves into the broader context of Michigan's impact on the NHL, stating that approximately 190 players from the state have graced the league throughout its lifespan. The list includes various cities within Michigan, such as Clawson, Grand Ledge, Kalamazoo, Wyandotte, East Lansing, Redford, Lapeer, and Lincoln Park. This comprehensive coverage demonstrates the rich hockey culture embedded in the state, with diverse cities contributing to the pool of NHL talent.
The mention of historical facts about the Detroit Red Wings adds depth to the narrative. Notably, the article reveals that the Red Wings were among the pioneering teams that helped form the NHL. Beginning as the Detroit Cougars in 1926, the team underwent transformations, including a name change to the Red Wings in 1932. The details about the team's early challenges, playing in Windsor, Canada, and finding a home in Olympia Stadium, provide a historical backdrop to the evolution of the franchise.
In conclusion, the article weaves together statistical data, historical facts, and a touch of local sports history to present a compelling narrative about Detroit's and Michigan's profound impact on the NHL. This information not only solidifies Detroit's reputation as a hockey hub but also underscores the state's significant contribution to the development and success of NHL athletes over the years.
