Hockey History

On our visit to Toronto this past weekend, me son Frank and I went to the Hockey Hall of Fame. There were lots of good things there, although it did seem to be mostly team jerseys. Still, it was an interesting look at the players and all who made the game what it is today.

As we looked over a display about hockey dynasties, I told my son about how the Edmonton Oilers might have had one more Stanley Cup to their credit if it hadn't been for an 'own goal' in the 1986 playoffs. Edmonton scored against itself on a bad pass from defenseman Steve Smith, and the Calgary Flames bounced the Oilers from the Conference Final that year. "I remember watching it on TV, and I was as shocked as everyone in the arena," I told Frank. If you're interested, Here it is  

Lo and behold, we came across a video screen playing 'the ten worst blunders in hockey history' and what was number one?

Steve Smith's own goal. 

Serendipity. Unless you're Steve or the Edmonton Oilers.

This Date, March 22, in History

We rarely stop to think about how much, over time, can happen on particular calendar dates. Today, March 22, is no exception.

Much of what has happened is rather bland. Sporting events have been won (Tara Lipinski for example won the World Women's Figure Skating Championship on this day in 1997 as Debi Thomas won hers on March 22, 1986) as even less important things have occurred (the Rutles, Eric Idle's spoof of the Beatles, played on NBC TV on 3/22/1978). Political events feature prominently, from the relatively recent South Dakota abortion restrictions in 2011 all the way back to Thomas Jefferson's installation as the first US Secretary of State way back in 1790 as well as many local and world governmental happenings. Religion too has its share of March 22: Anne Hutchinson was famously expelled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1638 while the Catholic Church elected Stephen II Pope in 752.

President Franklin Roosevelt allowed somehow for 'near beer', beer with 3.2% alcohol, along with wine to be sold in New York: this about nine months before Prohibition ended in the United States later in 1933. For you hockey fans, Montreal AAA defeated the Ottawa Generals 3-1 in the first Stanley Cup game ever played. Golf fans may note that the first Masters tournament began on March 22, 1934.

We could go on and on. For those interested in doing just that, look here: http://www.brainyhistory.com/days/march_22.html We're sure there are more detailed resources elsewhere, and do not doubt that there is something for everyone on this date in history. Neither do we doubt that terrible things happened on various March 22nds, something you will notice to your horror and chagrin if you read that list on Brainy History. We will conclude by pointing out what may be the most significant event ever on March 22. On this in day in 1457, the Gutenberg Bible become the first printed book. The printing press was created, for which we are tremendously thankful. We wouldn't have this mode of communication without it.

With that, have a great March 22, 2015.