NHL: Did You Know? Fun Facts

Most Bizarre Penalty

Randy Pierce of the Colorado Rockies was so thrilled with his goal at 19:27 of the third period in their franchise's first win over the New York Islanders in 1979, he picked the puck up off the ice as the goaltender tried to return it to the linesman for a face-off. 

Pierce kissed the puck and was given a two minute penalty for delay of game.

Only Player to be Suspended for Life

Billy Coutu was known for his brutality after being fined and suspended many times by the league and even his own teams (Canadiens and Bruins). 

Following a 3-1 loss to Ottawa by which Boston was eliminated from the 1927 playoffs, Couture became the only player in history to be suspended permanently from the NHL for attacking referee Gerry LaFlamme.

Largest NHL Family

Louis and Grace Sutter of Viking, Alberta, produced six sons who appeared in NHL uniforms: Duane, Brent, Brian, Darryl, and twins Ron and Rich. 

Their collective careers spanned 25 years from 1976 to 2001, with Ron being the last to retire.  For five seasons, between 1982 and 1987, all six brothers were in the league at the same time, and four were captains of their teams. 

Brent, Brian and Darryl all went on to become NHL head coaches.

Only Player to Score 50 or More Goals for Nine Consecutive Seasons

Mike Bossy scored 53 goals as a rookie for the New York Islanders in 1977-78, and his goal tallies over the next seasons totaled 51, 68, 64, 60, 51, 58 and 61.

Player With The Most penalty Minutes

Tiger Williams with 4421 minutes, including the playoffs.