The Original Six
An inspiring tribute to the six teams of fierce competitors who brought the NHL into the modern era of hockey - a Bradford Exchange Exclusive.
There were teams before the original six. The Montreal Maroons, Toronto St. Pats, even the New York Islanders all achieved glory in the NHL before 1942. But it was the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, the Chicago Black Hawks and Detroid Red Wings, the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins that led the league to the greatness it enjoys today.
During the 25 years of the "original six", competition was incredibly fierce. Hardly more than one or two goals would separate winners from losers. Only a handful of players ever scored 50 goals in a season. The statiums, too, would add to the excitement - wild and noisy, filled with loyal and enthusiasti fans. Even the Boston Bruins, who had many disappointing seasons during this historic period, would pack them in at the old Boston Gardens.
The story was the same at Torotnos' Maple Leaf Garden, the Chicago Stadium, the old Madison Square Garden in New York and the Olympia in Detroit. In Montreal, fans actually rioted outside the Forum after a referee's call went against their beloved Canadiens.
The Original Six collection commemorates these glory days of the NHL. Plate One in the series features the "The Big M," the venerable Frank Mahovlich who anchored the Toronto Maple Leafs dynasty that captured four Stanley Cup champtionships during the 1960s.
Future plates in this six-plate commemorative collection will feature the other teams and the players who made this era so unique in the history of the sport. Owning the entire collection will be a fitting tribute to those skaters and goalies who did battle for 25 years in the game you love! (©Bradford Exchange)
Below you will find the images of the plates created as well as photos of David Craig along with Gordie Howe as they toured around signing autographs, enjoy!
