If you’re a hockey fan in the States, you probably grew up hearing stories about the “Hockey Original Six.” These were the teams that made hockey a part of American life. Even today, when you walk into a rink sporting a vintage Bruins or Rangers jersey, you’re carrying a piece of that history with you.
From 1942 to 1967, only six teams comprised the entire NHL. This tight-knit lineup wrote the early chapters of both American and Canadian hockey. But for fans in cities like Boston, Detroit, New York, and Chicago, these teams didn’t just play—they sparked hometown pride and inspired communities. Every game was a chance to stake your city’s claim in a sport that went from novelty to American obsession.
Meet the Hockey Original Six
Before the big expansion in ’67, these were the legends that took the ice every season. Four proud American teams and two iconic Canadian clubs made up the Original Six. Here’s who started it all:
- Boston Bruins: The first American team in the NHL and always a symbol of hard work and tenacity.
- Chicago Blackhawks: Champions that brought hockey fever to the Midwest. The Blackhawks made the Windy City a must-stop for any fan.
- Detroit Red Wings: Red and white jerseys became a fixture in Motor City. Their tradition and passion carried across generations.
- New York Rangers: The team put hockey under the bright lights of New York. They mixed showtime energy with pure New York grit.
- Montreal Canadiens: With more Cups than anyone, the Canadiens set the standard—and became the measuring stick for U.S. teams aiming high.
- Toronto Maple Leafs: Just north of the border, the Leafs were fierce rivals and respected neighbors who helped shape league culture.
Why the Hockey Original Six Matters—Especially in the U.S.
When these six teams ruled the NHL, rivalries weren’t the only thing heating up; so was America’s passion for hockey itself. Following the Bruins, Hawks, Wings, or Rangers meant more than just cheering for a team. It was about neighborhood pride, family traditions, and being part of something bigger.
Kids built backyard rinks because they wanted to be the next Gordie Howe or Bobby Orr. Games were broadcast into living rooms, and entire cities paused when their team laced up for another battle. Those early days shaped how Americans experience the sport today—from backyard shootouts to arena showdowns.
What stands out is how tightly the fan experience was woven around these teams. The familiarity of seeing the same faces every season deepened the competition, and legends became local heroes whose names still echo in city blocks and family stories.
The Spark That Lit Lasting Rivalries
Today’s league spans 32 teams from coast to coast.
The legacy of the Hockey Original Six still fuels modern rivalries. Their century-old tension began with this tight-knit group. When these teams meet, it’s decades of history on the ice. The crowd’s energy makes it feel like living history.
If you’re curious about how these old connections have evolved into some of the fiercest face-offs in sports, you’ll want to check out The Greatest NHL Rivalries That Still Burn Bright on the Ice. Each rivalry on that list owes something to the groundwork laid by the Original Six: the tradition, the pride, and the never-quit attitude that define the best of American hockey.
So next time you catch an Original Six game—whether it’s old-school Boston toughness or New York’s Broadway bravado—know that you’re part of a story that started decades ago and still brings us together, one faceoff at a time.
FAQs About the Hockey Original Six
What are the Original Six in hockey?
The Original Six refers to the six teams that made up the NHL from 1942 to 1967: the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Why are the Original Six hockey teams important to American fans?
The Original Six teams built the foundation for hockey’s biggest traditions and rivalries, especially in cities like Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and New York. These teams created history on the ice and shaped the way generations of American fans experience the sport.
Which rivalries started during the Original Six era?
Some of hockey’s most famous rivalries, including Bruins vs. Canadiens and Rangers vs. Blackhawks, began during the Original Six years. These matchups still spark big emotions and packed arenas today.