30 Facts About Blues Hockey

The Birth of the Blues

The St. Louis Blues have a rich history in the NHL, filled with memorable moments and fascinating facts. Let's dive into the origins and early days of this iconic team.

1. The St. Louis Blues were established in 1967 as part of the NHL's first expansion beyond the Original Six teams.
2. The team was named after W.C. Handy's famous song "Saint Louis Blues," reflecting the city's deep musical heritage.
3. The Blues were one of six teams added to the league, along with the California Seals, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Early Struggles and Triumphs

Every team faces challenges in its early years, and the Blues were no exception. However, they also had their share of early successes.

4. In their inaugural season, the Blues made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, a feat they repeated in the next two seasons.
5. Despite reaching the finals three times in a row, the Blues were swept each time, twice by the Montreal Canadiens and once by the Boston Bruins.
6. The Blues' first-ever game was played on October 11, 1967, against the Minnesota North Stars, ending in a 2-2 tie.

Iconic Players and Moments

The Blues have been home to many legendary players and unforgettable moments. Here are some highlights.

7. Hall of Famer Brett Hull, known as "The Golden Brett," scored 527 goals during his time with the Blues, making him the franchise's all-time leading goal scorer.
8. Al MacInnis, another Hall of Famer, was known for his powerful slap shot and leadership on the ice.
9. In 1999, Chris Pronger became the first Blues player to win the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player.
10. The Blues retired their first jersey number, 3, in honor of Bob Gassoff, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident in 1977.

The Long-Awaited Stanley Cup Victory

After decades of near-misses and heartbreaks, the Blues finally achieved the ultimate goal.

11. On June 12, 2019, the Blues won their first Stanley Cup, defeating the Boston Bruins in Game 7 of the finals.
12. Ryan O'Reilly was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.
13. The Blues' victory parade in St. Louis attracted hundreds of thousands of fans, celebrating the historic win.

Unique Traditions and Fan Culture

The Blues have cultivated a unique fan culture and traditions that set them apart from other teams.

14. The team's unofficial anthem, "Gloria" by Laura Branigan, became a rallying cry during their 2019 Stanley Cup run.
15. The "Towel Man" tradition, where a fan throws a towel into the crowd after each Blues goal, has been a staple at home games for years.
16. Blues fans are known for their passionate support, often filling the Enterprise Center to capacity.

Memorable Games and Records

Throughout their history, the Blues have been part of many memorable games and set numerous records.

17. The longest game in Blues history took place on April 24, 1986, lasting 140 minutes and 48 seconds before Doug Wickenheiser scored the winning goal in the fourth overtime.
18. The Blues set a franchise record for most wins in a season with 51 during the 1999-2000 campaign.
19. In 2020, the Blues set a team record for the longest winning streak, with 11 consecutive victories.

Community Involvement and Impact

The Blues have made significant contributions to their community, both on and off the ice.

20. The Blues' charitable foundation, Blues for Kids, has raised millions of dollars for various causes in the St. Louis area.
21. The team regularly hosts events like the "Blues Blood Drive" and "Hockey Fights Cancer" night to support important causes.
22. Blues players often visit local hospitals and schools, bringing joy to fans of all ages.

Coaching and Management

Behind every successful team is a strong coaching staff and management team. The Blues have had their share of notable leaders.

23. Scotty Bowman, one of the greatest coaches in NHL history, began his head coaching career with the Blues.
24. Ken Hitchcock, who coached the Blues from 2011 to 2017, ranks among the top coaches in NHL history for career wins.
25. Doug Armstrong, the team's general manager since 2010, has been instrumental in building the Blues into a perennial contender.

The Future of the Blues

The Blues continue to build on their legacy, with a bright future ahead.

26. Jordan Binnington, the goaltender who backstopped the Blues to their 2019 Stanley Cup victory, remains a key player for the team.
27. The Blues have a strong pipeline of young talent, including players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou.
28. The team is committed to maintaining a competitive roster, regularly making strategic trades and signings.

Fun and Quirky Facts

Let's wrap up with some fun and quirky facts about the Blues that you might not know.

29. The Blues' mascot, Louie, is a blue polar bear who has been entertaining fans since 2007.
30. The team once had a live organist, Norm Kramer, who played at games from 1967 to 1987, adding to the unique atmosphere at the arena.

Final Whistle on Blues Hockey Facts

Blues hockey has a rich history filled with memorable moments and legendary players. From their inception in 1967 to their Stanley Cup victory in 2019, the team has given fans countless reasons to cheer. The Blues have seen iconic players like Brett Hull and Al MacInnis, and their fan base remains one of the most passionate in the NHL. The team's resilience and dedication are evident in their consistent performance and community involvement. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the Blues' story is one of perseverance and triumph. Keep these facts in mind next time you catch a game, and you'll appreciate the team even more. Blues hockey isn't just a game; it's a legacy.