Famous Moments in August

Denis Savard, Larry Murphy, Paul Coffey and Jari Kurri – August 22

1980 – NHL Entry Draft held on August 22, 1980 in Montreal. In this draft, we have seen Denis Savard (3rd pick) was picked by Chicago Black Hawks, Larry Murphy (4th pick) was picked by Los Angeles Kings, Paul Coffey (6th pick) was picked by Edmonton Oilers and Jari Kurri (69th pick) was picked by Edmonton Oilers. These four players were later introduced into the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T60mjoa5Wow

George Hainsworth – August 23

1926 – Montreal Canadiens purchased goaltender George Hainsworth from Saskatoon on August 23, 1926. In the 1928-29 season, George Hainsworth recorded 22 shutouts out of 44 season games with GAA 0.92! He won three times the Vezina Trophy during his career. According to our article Best Goalie in the NHL history, George Hainsworth can be considered as the best one.

Gordie Howe – August 24

1972 – Gordie Howe (Canada) was inducted to the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame on August 24, 1972. Gordie Howe, or Mr. Hockey, retired after the 1970-71 season because of a chronic wrist problem but he returned to active play in the 1973-74 season as a part of Houstou Aeros (WHA). When the WHA folded, Howe played for Hartford Whalers in his last NHL season (1979-80). He was 52 at the time! This means he is the oldest player to play a NHL game. Watch Howe and Gretzky to play in one team:

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMaaYYQFntg

Jean Béliveau – August 31

1931 – Jean Béliveau (Montreal Canadiens, Canada) was born on August 31, 1931. Jean Béliveau spent all his NHL career in Montreal Canadiens where he won 10 Stanley Cups (1956-60, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971). He added another 7 Stanley Cups as an executive. His 17 Stanley Cups is still all time NHL record.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie6-MhWyBSk