This Day in Hockey History

1980 - Gerry Cheevers announces his retirement

Legendary goaltender Gerry Cheevers announced his retirement on July 7th after 10 NHL seasons and three in the WHA with the Cleveland Crusaders.

He held a record of 229-101-74 amassing 214 penalty minutes as well. He played two games with the Toronto Maple Leafs before moving on to the Boston Bruins for the majority of his NHL career.

Soon after announcing his retirement, Cheevers replaced Harry Sinden as head coach of the Bruins.

Cheevers was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a player in 1985.

1992 - Red Wings sign Mark Howe

Mr. Hockey worked out well for the Detroit Red Wings so on July 7th the team signed free-agent defenseman Mark Howe.

In his last three NHL seasons, Howe spent his time with the Red Wings appearing in 122 games for 64 points. He wanted to wear the winged wheel just like his father, legend Gordie Howe, did in his career.

Howe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.

Birthdays

1966 - Tony Hrkac

1966 - Jack Capuano

1969 - Joe Sakic

1974 - Patrick Lalime