Backcheck: A Hockey Retrospective

For those of you that don't already know, Collections Canada's website Backcheck: A Hockey Retropsective offers an amazing look into hockey history, complete with original newspaper coverage of many of hockey's most important events.

Here's a look at some of the many highlights

From the Montreal Gazette, Nov. 1st, 1959 - Goalie Jacques Plante, wearing a plastic helmet to protect a face injury sustained early in the game, turned in a masterful performance as his Montreal mates drubbed the New York Rangers. 3-1 tonight before a sellout National Hockey League crowd of 15,925. Full Story


From the Montreal Gazette, March 18, 1955 - Mob violence took command of Montreal's west end last night as hockey fans by the thousands started a riot over the suspension of Maurice (The Rocket) Richard that has no parallel in Montreal's long and stormy hockey history. Full Story - Full Rocket Richard Riot Coverage


From the Globe And Mail, September 29, 1972 - Paul Henderson's winning goal yesterday with 34 seconds left in the game on which international hockey prestige was balanced, completed an incredible comeback by Team Canada and left the place of sports, Lenin Central Stadium echoing to O Canada. Full Story - Full 1972 Summit Series Coverage

From the Edmonton Journal, August 10, 1988 - Canada lost its Greatest One Tuesday. After 10 dazzling years here, Wayne Gretzky was dealt to Los Angeles Kings in the most stunning hockey deal in history.