The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams, 25 based in the United States and seven in Canada. It stands as one of the major professional sports leagues not only in the United States but also across Canada.
Background & History
Formed during the Great Depression era, the NHL began operations on April 14, 1917 (April 20 is an alternative date), with five teams from Montreal and Boston. Initially known as the Canadian Amateur Hockey League before its professional identity was solidified shortly thereafter, it quickly became a cornerstone of professional ice hockey in North America.
Key historical milestones include:
**Major Milestones:** Expansion to six teams mid-season in 1920β21 (renamed Western Hockey League) and formal establishment as the NHL. Entry into the New York City area during the 1967 expansion.
Kings (1) Β· Bruins (1) Β· Adrian Kempe (1) Β· NHL (1) Β· hockey (1) Β· goals (1) Β· game preview (1)
π Key Information
The National Hockey League (NHL; French: Ligue nationale de hockey [liΙ‘ nΙsjΙnal dΙ ΙkΙ], LNH) is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams, 25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada and is considered the premier professional ice hockey league in the world. The Stanley Cup, the oldest professional sports trophy in North America, is awarded annually to the league playoff champion at the end of each season.
