1875
First Recorded Indoor Game
An organized indoor game is played at the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal, an early landmark in the sport's formal history.
1892
The Stanley Cup Is Donated
Lord Stanley of Preston donates a trophy to be awarded to Canada's top amateur hockey club, the ancestor of today's championship trophy.
1917
The NHL Is Founded
The National Hockey League forms in Montreal, eventually growing into the dominant professional league in the sport.
1942–1967
The Original Six Era
For a quarter-century the league is anchored by six clubs, a period still referenced by fans and historians as a foundational stretch for the pro game.
1967
Major Expansion
The league doubles in size, spreading professional hockey to new markets across North America.
1972
The Summit Series
A groundbreaking series between Canadian professionals and the Soviet national team reshapes how the hockey world sees international competition.
1980
Miracle on Ice
A largely amateur and collegiate US Olympic team upsets the heavily favored Soviet squad at Lake Placid, then goes on to win gold — one of the sport's most famous moments.
2004–05
The Lockout Season
A labor dispute cancels an entire NHL season, leading to major rule changes aimed at increasing scoring and pace when play resumed.
Today
A Global Game
Hockey continues to grow internationally, with more countries developing competitive programs at the youth, collegiate, and professional level every year.
