From Humble Beginnings to Organized Play

The exact origins of ice hockey are somewhat murky, but it is generally believed that the sport has its roots in the United Kingdom before making its way to North America. The game gained popularity in Canada, particularly among soldiers stationed in the country. In the 1870s, students at McGill University in Montreal began playing ice hockey, establishing the “McGill Rules,” which transitioned the nhat vip game from using a gum-elastic puck to the rubber puck used today. These rules also set the number of players per team at nine.

The Formation of Hockey Associations

In 1885, the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada was founded in Montreal, reducing the number of players on the ice to seven per team. That same year, the National Hockey League (NHL) was formed in Lake Ontario with four teams, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s organization. By the 1890s, ice hockey had spread to the United States, with notable games played between Johns Hopkins University and Yale University in 1895.

The Birth of Professional Leagues

While ice hockey was primarily a recreational activity in Canada, the United States pioneered the establishment of professional leagues. The first national professional hockey league was founded in Houghton, Michigan, in 1903, encompassing teams from both Canada and the United States. The league expanded twice by 1906. The NHL, as we know it today, was officially established in 1917.