June 12th has been a significant day in hockey history, marked by Stanley Cup victories, Hall of Fame inductions, and memorable individual achievements. Let's delve into some of the most notable events that occurred on this day.
One of the most recent and memorable events on June 12th is the Pittsburgh Penguins' Stanley Cup victory in 2009. In a thrilling Game 7 against the Detroit Red Wings, the Penguins prevailed with a 2-1 win, securing their first championship since 1992. This victory was especially sweet for the Penguins, as they had lost to the Red Wings in the 2008 Final, making this win a true revenge story. Max Talbot scored both goals for Pittsburgh in the second period. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury sealed the deal with 23 saves, including a clutch stop against Nicklas Lidstrom right before the final buzzer. Evgeni Malkin was also awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy, recognizing him as the most valuable player of the postseason.
June 12th also marks a significant date for the Detroit Red Wings, albeit in a different context. On this day in 1958, the legendary Gordie Howe was named captain of the Red Wings, succeeding Red Kelly. Howe wore the "C" on his sweater for the next four seasons, solidifying his status as one of the greatest leaders in hockey history.
In 2013, June 12th witnessed the Chicago Blackhawks' victory over the Boston Bruins in the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final. Andrew Shaw's shin pad inadvertently ended the fifth-longest Stanley Cup Final game in history, as the Blackhawks triumphed 4-3 in a thrilling contest.
The Hockey Hall of Fame has also had its share of moments on June 12th. In 1979, Bobby Orr, arguably the greatest defenseman in NHL history, was selected for induction into the Hall of Fame. The mandatory three-year waiting period was waived for Orr, who had retired in November 1978 due to knee injuries. Henri Richard and Harry Howell were also part of the 1979 Hall of Fame class.
The NHL has also announced its postseason award winners on June 12th. In 1978, Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders was named the winner of the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie for the 1977-78 season. Bossy became the third member of the Islanders in five years to win the Calder Trophy, joining Denis Potvin (1974) and Bryan Trottier (1976). Other award winners for the 1977-78 season included Guy Lafleur, who took home both the Hart Trophy (league's most valuable player) and the Art Ross Trophy (leading scorer). Denis Potvin also won the Norris Trophy, while Bobby Kromm of the Red Wings was awarded the Jack Adams Award as the best coach.
Interestingly, June 12, 1850, marks the birth of James Creighton, a McGill University graduate widely regarded as the "father of ice hockey." Creighton organized the first recorded indoor hockey game on March 3, 1875, in Montreal.
On June 12, 1939, Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, commissioner of Major League Baseball, announced the opening of the National Baseball Museum and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. This event inspired hockey enthusiasts to consider creating a similar hall of fame for their sport, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
