Original Six (NHL)
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| Original Six (NHL) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Original Six era (NHL) |
| Sport | Ice hockey |
| Founded | 1942 (NHL contraction to six teams) |
| Folded | 1967 (NHL expansion) |
| Country | Canada, United States |
| Champions | Stanley Cup |
| Related competitions | Stanley Cup playoffs, All-Star Game (NHL) |
Original Six (NHL) The term refers to the six National Hockey League franchises that composed the league from 1942 until the 1967 NHL expansion (1967). This era is noted for sustained rosters, concentrated talent, enduring rivalries, and cultural prominence in Toronto, Montreal, Boston, New York City, Detroit, and Chicago. The period shaped traditions preserved by institutions such as the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Stanley Cup, and broadcast partners like CBC Television and NBC.
History and Origins
From its earlier formation involving teams like the Montreal Wanderers and Original Montreal Maroons the NHL evolved through the Great Depression and World War II before stabilizing into six teams after the 1942 suspension of clubs including the Brooklyn Americans. Key executives such as Frank Calder and later presidents including Clarence Campbell and Stuart S. Donaldson influenced rules, scheduling, and expansion policy. The era encompassed landmark labor matters involving the NHLPA precursors and figures like Ted Lindsay and disputes that related to owner groups led by families such as the Kennedy family (ownership) and entrepreneurs akin to James E. Norris and James D. Norris. Media contracts with broadcasters including Hockey Night in Canada and newspapers like the Montreal Gazette amplified stars such as Maurice Richard, Jean Béliveau, Ted Lindsay, Gordie Howe, and Bobby Hull.
Member Teams
The six franchises during the era were the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks. Each franchise had arenas and ownership histories tied to venues such as the Montreal Forum, Maple Leaf Gardens, Boston Garden, Madison Square Garden, Detroit Olympia, and Chicago Stadium. Notable executives and coaches included Hector "Toe" Blake, Punch Imlach, Toe Blake, Conn Smythe, Jack Adams, Eddie Shore, and captains such as Syl Apps, Dit Clapper, Sid Abel, and Doug Harvey. Farm systems integrated clubs like the Providence Reds, Hershey Bears, and Rochester Americans.
League Structure and Competition
Competition used a 50–70 game regular season, a four-team playoff format, and the Stanley Cup Final to determine champions. The league office enforced rules codified in amendments overseen by presidents including Clarence Campbell, with on-ice officiating by referees such as Red Storey and linesmen from the National Hockey League Officials Association. Statistical leaders vied for awards like the Hart Memorial Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Vezina Trophy, and Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. Talent pipelines funneled through the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, the Ontario Hockey Association, and the Quebec Senior Hockey League, while international competitions involving the Olympic Games and the Ice Hockey World Championships featured players from these clubs in national teams such as Team Canada and the United States men's national ice hockey team.
Cultural and Economic Impact
The era entrenched hockey as a major cultural institution in Canada and United States cities, shaping civic identity in Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Detroit, Chicago, and New York City. Franchise revenues derived from ticketing, radio contracts with outlets like CBC Radio and WJZ (AM), and merchandising through suppliers exemplified by Cooper Canada influenced urban economies and labor markets. Iconic players including Maurice Richard, Jean Béliveau, Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, Bobby Hull, Eddie Shore, and Rocket Richard became cultural symbols appearing in films, newspapers like the New York Times, and advertising campaigns alongside brands such as Molson, Labatt, and NHLPA endorsements. The era impacted labor relations leading toward the formation of the NHL Players' Association and influenced television agreements later negotiated with networks including CBS Sports and Rogers Communications.
Rivalries and Notable Games
Classic rivalries developed between Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, as well as Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens. Series such as the 1942 Final, the multi-year playoff clashes featuring the Maurice Richard suspension that sparked the 1955 Richard Riot, and the repeated Finals involving dynastic teams coached by Toe Blake and managed by Sam Pollock created memorable moments. Individual games including record-setting performances by Gordie Howe, Maurice Richard, Bobby Hull, and goaltenders like Jacques Plante and Terry Sawchuk remain celebrated in archives held by the Hockey Hall of Fame and chronicled in books by authors like Kenneth Kidd and Stephen Brunt.
Legacy and Influence on Modern NHL
The Original Six era left a structural and cultural legacy informing the 1967 NHL expansion (1967) and subsequent expansions toward the Western Conference and Eastern Conference configurations. Traditions—jersey designs, rivalry narratives, and the prominence of the Stanley Cup—persisted as the league globalized with players from Sweden, Czech Republic, Finland, and the Soviet Union. Governance reforms, salary evolutions, and broadcast innovations trace to practices from the era and were critiqued in studies by institutions like the Canadian Museum of History and universities such as McGill University and the University of Toronto. The period remains a central reference in histories by scholars and journalists chronicling franchises, players, and the ongoing evolution of professional ice hockey.