What were the first NHL hockey teams?

Answer 1

First NHL Teams Many cite an six original NHL hockey teams:

• Montreal Canadiens
• Toronto Maple Leafs
• Boston Bruins
• Detroit Red Wings
• Chicago Black Hawks
• New York Rangers

Here is more of the story.

In 1917, four teams -- the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators and Quebec Bulldogs -- joined together to form the National Hockey League. Since the Bulldogs were unable to play during the league's inaugural season, the remaining owners granted a temporary franchise to the Toronto Arena Company in order to balance out the schedule. This "temporary" franchise becames the Toronto St. Patricks in 1919, (the same season charter member Quebec was finally able to resume operations) and the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1926.

In that first season, after just six games, the Wanderers' rink burned to the ground, and the team "wandered" out of the league, never to be heard from again.

The Quebec Bulldogs became the Hamilton Tigers lasted 5 seasons in the early 20s. Then the Montreal Maroons and the Boston Bruins were born, and the "traditional" NHL takes shape in the 1930s. The Montreal Maroons actually enjoyed some success until the 1930s.

For those looking for a list of 12, they would be:

• Toronto Arenas
• Montreal Canadiens
• Ottawa Senators
• Montreal Wanderers
• Quebec Bulldogs
• Hamilton Tigers
• Montreal Maroons
• Boston Bruins (The franchise dates from 1924.)
• Pittsburgh Pirates
• New York Americans
• Detroit Red Wings
• Chicago Black Hawks

That brings us to 1926-27, by the way. Thanks to the NHL Official Guide and Record Book, for the exact team names.

The Senators became defunct in 1933-34, and the current franchise took the same name 60 years later.

Answer 2

The NHL was founded in 1917 with only FOUR teams, so the FIRST NHL hockey teams were: Montreal Canadians(Founded in 1909 to present), Montreal Wanderers (1917), Toronto Arena's (1917 - 1918) and Ottawa Senators(1917 - 1933, founded 1883). The Quebec Bulldogs are also considered charter members of the NHL, since they were involved in the negotiations to form the league however, due to financial issues, they were unable to compete during the NHL's inaugural season.

Don't confuse "The Original Six" for the ORIGINAL teams...that term (coined in '67) refers to the six teams in existence prior to the 1967 expansion, which added another six teams, for a total of 12. Although, it is important to understand that those 6 teams did exist in the "Founding Era".

Montreal Canadians (founded 1909)

Toronto Maple Leafs (founded 1919, when renamed from the Toronto Arenas)

Boston Bruins (founded 1924)

Chicago Blackhawks (founded 1926)

Detroit Redwings (founded 1926)

New York Rangers(founded 1926)

In addition, there were a total of 7 other teams during this "Founding Era" of 1917 to 1942.

Answer 3

There was not one, there was a group call the Original 6. 6 teams of which 4 still play today.

Answer 4

The Montreal Canadiens were established in 1909, officially joining the NHL in 1917.

Answer 5

California Golden Seals.