The Birth of the Original Six
The story of the Original Six is as old as the National Hockey League (NHL), which was formed in 1917. In its early years, the NHL comprised ten teams. However, in the later years, the NHL lost franchises Philadelphia Quakers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Eagles, and Montreal Maroons due to financial pressures introduced by the Great Depression and World War II. It wasn't until 1926 that the league expanded, and welcomed two American teams - the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers - into the fold.
The Original Six – Why the Name
The NHL welcomed six new teams in 1967. They were the Los Angeles Kings, California Seals, Minnesota North Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, and St. Louis Blues. The term Original Six is used to differentiate the teams that formed the NHL from 1942 -1967. This is the longest static period with no expansions, or team movements or contractions in the history of hockey. Let’s take a quick look at these original hockey teams.
A Glance Through the History of Original Six
Here’s a brief overview of the original six hockey teams.
- Montreal Canadiens: Founded in 1909, the Montreal Canadiens joined the NHL in 1917. Colloquially referred to as Habs, the Canadiens are the oldest hockey team in the NHL. They are also one of the most successful and the oldest continuously existing sports franchises in the world. The Canadiens have won 24 Stanley Cups, which is the record for the largest number of Stanley Cups by any hockey franchise. It also added 24 division championships to its name. The Montreal Canadiens has 64 players in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Guy Lafleur, Jean Béliveau, and Maurice Richard were some of legends who have adorned red, white and blue jerseys for the team. Owning Original Six signed memorabilia from these legends or other iconic players from the team is like holding a piece of history in your hands.
- Boston Bruins: Founded in 1924, the Boston Bruins joined the NHL in the same year. Today, they are one of the oldest active teams in the league. Boston Bruins has won 6 Stanley Cups, 5 Conference Championships, 4 President’s Trophy, and 27 Division Championships. Ray Bourque, Phil Esposito, and Bobby Orr are some legendary players who have adorned black and gold jerseys and have signed Original Six Memorabilia.
- Toronto Maple Leafs: Founded in 1917, the Toronto Maple Leafs joined the NHL in the same year. The team had a series of name changes over the years. It was referred to as Toronto Arenas, Toronto St. Patricks, and received its current name in Toronto Maple Leafs in 1927. The Toronto Maple Leafs has won 13 Stanley Cups and 6 Division Championships. Legends like Darryl Sittler, Johnny Bower, and Mats Sundin have donned the blue and white jersey for the franchise. Sports Collectors and fans alike cherish Original Six autographs from these greats, preserving the legacy of this historic team.
- Chicago Black Hawks: It is colloquially referred to as Hawks and spelled as Black Hawks. The team was founded in 1926 and has won 6 Stanley Cup Championships, 4 Conference Championships, 2 Presidents Trophy, and 16 Division Championships as of 2023. Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull, and Jonathan Toews are iconic players to adorn red, white, and black jerseys. Autographed original six collectibles by these players are popular among sports collectors and fans alike.
- New York Rangers: Formed and joined the NHL in 1926, the New York Rangers, based in New York City, were the first NHL franchise in the US to win the Stanley Cup. Over the years, the team has added 4 Stanley Cups, 2 Conference Championships, 3 President’s Trophy, and 7 Division Championships to its glory. Madison Square Garden became the venue for thrilling matchups and people enjoyed watching the great rangers like Rod Gilbert and Eddie Giacomin in action. The legacy of these legends can be preserved through autographed original six collectibles.
- Detroit Red Wings: The Detroit Red Wings, often referred to as the "Motor City" or "Hockeytown," was founded in 1926 and was known by the name Detroit Cougars in the initial years until 1930. For the next two years, the team was known as Detroit Falcons, before acquiring its current name Detroit Red Wings in 1932. As of 2023, the team has won 11 Stanley Cups, 6 Conference Championships, 6 Conference Championships, 6 Presidents Trophy, and 19 Division Championships. Also, the Detroit Red Wings is the only US franchise with the most Stanley Cups. Icons like Steve Yzerman and Gordie Howe have left an indelible mark on the minds of sports fans, thereby making autographed Original Six collectibles from the Red Wings highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors.
Original Six Signed Collectibles – What Makes Them Special
For Canadian sports hockey fans, it's a connection to an era when the game was simpler, led by iconic players. These autographed Original Six collectibles are not just pieces of sports memorabilia; they represent a different era in the history of the sport.
- Historical Significance: The Original Six era represents the evolution of hockey. This was the era marked by several socio-political events, such as World War I and II, Great Depression, and so on. The popularity of hockey was also on the rise. The game found footing among masses, despite these challenges and the six teams played a crucial role in establishing the popularity of the game. Thus, owning autographed Original Six memorabilia is like celebrating the history of sport.
- Nostalgia: Although not much is available for public view from the era of Original Six, still, the print media has helped keep the memories of the era fresh in minds of sports lovers. The legacy of many players from the era like Bobby Orr, Bobby Hull, Wayne Cashman, and many more were celebrated through their induction in the Hall of Fame. These players set the stage for others to follow. Thus, collectibles autographed by them are sure to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia in fans. These collectibles allow them to celebrate the triumphs and heartbreaks of their beloved teams and players.
- Investment Value: Although the game of hockey has evolved over the years, one cannot ignore the Original Six era. There have been several criticisms over the format of sport or NHL in the later years, still, the Original Six teams have left a severe impact on the game. Needless to say that the value of Original Six signed memorabilia will appraise as the years pass, thereby making them attractive investments for collectors.
- Unique Personal Connection: Owning an autographed item from your favorite Original Six team or player will add to your personal connection. It will help you cherish your favorite moments of the sport forever.
- Conversation Starters: Original Six autographs can be excellent conversation starters, irrespective of wherever you plan to showcase them. They will inspire you to share stories and celebrate the legacy of players and teams with your friends and fellow fans.
The Original Six teams - Toronto, Montreal, Detroit, Chicago, New York, and Boston – have laid the foundation of hockey. For most Canadian sports fans, these are a part of nostalgia and passion that transcends generations. Owning autographed Original Six memorabilia is the best way to honor the teams and iconic players who skated through the ice during those unforgettable years into memories of millions of sports fans. So, whether you're an avid sports fan or a collector of sports memorabilia, the allure of the Original Six is irresistible. You can celebrate the legacy of the Original Six teams and their players by investing in authentic autographed original six collectibles from Autograph Authentic. All autographed items are 100% guaranteed and include a serial-numbered Hologram with a matching COA. Detailed COAs and legal commissioned documents are available upon request.