September 8th has been a significant date in hockey history, filled with memorable moments, from retirements and Hall of Fame inductions to international competition milestones.

One of the most notable events that occurred on this day was Gordie Howe's announcement of his retirement on September 8, 1971, after an impressive 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. At the time of his retirement, the 43-year-old Howe held the NHL records for games played, goals, assists, and points. Despite coming off his worst offensive season since 1948-49, with 23 goals and 52 points, Howe decided to hang up his skates and was immediately named a team vice president. His impact on the game was so profound that the Hockey Hall of Fame waived its mandatory three-year waiting period, and he was inducted in 1972. However, Howe's retirement was short-lived, as he returned to the ice after two seasons, joining the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association (WHA) and playing alongside his sons, Mark and Marty. He continued to play in the WHA for six seasons, eventually joining the NHL's Hartford Whalers in 1979. Howe played all 80 games in the 1979-80 season, recording 41 points before finally retiring for good shortly after his 52nd birthday.

September 8 has also been a day for celebrating hockey legends with Hockey Hall of Fame inductions. On September 8, 1980, Harry Lumley and Gump Worsley were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Lumley, a goaltender, played 803 games over 16 NHL seasons, recording 330 wins, 329 losses and 142 ties with a 2.74 goals-against average (GAA) and 71 shutouts. He won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 1950. Worsley, also a goaltender, had a career that spanned 21 seasons.

The Summit Series, an iconic event in hockey history, also had a significant moment on September 8. On this day in 1972, the Soviet Union defeated Canada 5-3 in Game 4 of the series, which was held in Vancouver. Boris Mikhailov scored two first-period power-play goals for the Soviets, who were outshot 41-31. After the game, Canadian player Phil Esposito expressed his disappointment with fans booing the team.

In more recent news, today, September 8, 2025, marks 35 days until the Columbus Blue Jackets' opening night at Nationwide Arena. The Hockey News is taking a look at the history of jersey #35 for the Blue Jackets.

Over the years, September 8 has also been the birth date of several current and former NHL players.