June 9th has been a significant date in hockey history, marked by memorable Stanley Cup victories, remarkable individual achievements, and important organizational decisions.
One of the most notable events that occurred on this day was the Chicago Blackhawks' Stanley Cup victory in 2010. After a drought lasting nearly half a century, the Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers to win their first championship since 1961. The Blackhawks' turnaround began in 2007 with the drafting of Patrick Kane, who would score the cup-winning goal. Kane's overtime goal in Game 6 of the finals, a shot that initially confused everyone but himself, sealed the victory and brought an end to a long period of frustration for Blackhawks fans.
June 9th is also a date closely associated with the legendary Patrick Roy. In 1993, Roy led the Montreal Canadiens to a Stanley Cup victory over the Los Angeles Kings, securing his second Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason. Roy's stellar performance, with a .929 save percentage and a 2.13 goals-against average in the playoffs, solidified his reputation as one of the greatest goaltenders of all time. Eight years later, on June 9, 2001, Roy won his fourth and final Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. In that same game, after the Avalanche defeated the New Jersey Devils in Game 7, captain Joe Sakic handed the cup to Ray Bourque, who won his first championship in the final game of his 22-season career.
Individual accolades have also been awarded on June 9th. Wayne Gretzky, arguably the greatest hockey player ever, won his second consecutive Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player on June 9, 1981. This marked another milestone in Gretzky's illustrious career, highlighting his dominance and impact on the game.
Beyond championships and awards, June 9th has also been a day for significant front office changes. On June 9, 2000, Kevin Lowe was appointed as the new general manager of the Edmonton Oilers. This marked a new chapter for the Oilers, with Lowe taking on the responsibility of guiding the team's future.
Several other notable events have occurred on this day throughout hockey history. On June 9, 1965, Gerry Cheevers was drafted by the Boston Bruins. Cheevers would go on to win two Stanley Cups with the Bruins and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Goaltender Martin Brodeur recorded his seventh shutout in a single playoff year. In 2022, Ondrej Palat scored a game-winning goal with only 1:50 remaining in regulation in Game 5 of the Tampa Bay Lightning's 3-1 win over the Rangers.