Founded on November 26, 1917, as the National Hockey League (NHL), the league was established in Montreal, Canada, as a replacement for the National Hockey Association (NHA). The NHL initially consisted of four teams and began to grow in popularity as the sport of ice hockey gained traction across North America.
The NHL's expansion in the 1960s and 1970s saw the introduction of new teams and the rise of iconic players such as Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr. The league's growth during this period established it as a major force in professional sports, with teams from both Canada and the United States contributing to its development.
The 1990s and 2000s marked a new era of global expansion and increased competitiveness, driven by the inclusion of international stars and the introduction of new technologies and media coverage. Today, the NHL stands as a leading professional hockey league, known for its high level of play, legendary players, and ongoing commitment to advancing the sport globally.
