This Day in Hockey History
1999 - Board of Governors approve Penguins sale to Mario Lemieux
The NHL Board of Governors officially approves Mario Lemieux's application for ownership of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Lemieux's purchase puts an end to years of financial strife and uncertainty surrounding the franchise, which was forced to declare bankruptcy due to the mismanagement of the previous regime just 10 months prior.
The then-retired Penguins superstar quickly brokers partnerships with Fox Sports Pittsburgh and Spectacor Management Group to assume control, becoming the first former player to gain principal ownership of his former team.
Lemieux restores order, paying the debts owed before coming out of retirement to skate in parts of five more seasons with the Penguins.
1936 - Canadiens purchase contract of Howie Morenz
The legendary Howie Morenz has his career come full circle as the Montreal Canadiens purchase his contract from the New York Rangers.
The three-time Hart Trophy winner would eclipse the 400-point mark with the franchise with four goals and 16 assists in 30 games before he suffers a season-ending leg injury.
While in hospital nursing a broken leg, Morenz's mental health begins to deteriorate. He suffers a heart attack the night before the Canadiens are to play the Montreal Maroons and dies at age 34.
Birthdays
1883 - Didier Pitre
1964 - Brian Bellows
1987 - Mats Zuccarello
1989 - Gustav Nyquist
1995 - Nathan MacKinnon