History of The Hockey Net is somewhat obscure, but history does record that the need for a net for stopping pucks became apparent when after nearly a century of goaltenders being forced to stop pucks from scoring on them from all angles, including from in front of them, from behind them or from either side, meant that goaltenders were extraordinarily busy.
During the early eighteen hundred’s, when ice hockey was still in its infancy, the only goal indicators of a goal were two rocks placed on the ice surface.
By the 1890s, the rocks were replaced with posts, and the posts were positioned parallel to the ice surface at both ends of the ice. Even though indoor rinks were gradually becoming more fashionable, there were still many outdoor rinks that incorporated the use of a Goal-judge who stood on the goal line and called goals this way.
Hockeys’ first goal nets were used in 1890-1891 at Storrs Agricultural School (Now UCONN). The invention of the first nets would later lead to the Spalding New Cage Hockey Goals in 1895.
In 1897 Frank Stocking, goaltender of the Quebec Bulldogs, would invent hockey’s first steel cage net. Interesting to note that Frank Stocking, who was born in New York and a star with the St. Nicholas club there, was the first American player to make his imprint in Canadian hockey.
On January 6, 1899, Halifax hockey teams introduced their first hockey goal net called Nova Scotia Box Net. A Goal-judge’s position was markedly enhanced by this new upgrade, and it now meant that he could judge goals from behind the net. The following season, in December 1899, Montreal’s hockey teams tried the new nets, and they became an overnight sensation. Within a year, the new netting innovation became the norm, and hockey has never looked back.
With the invention of hockey nets firmly entrenched, the first modification was introduced by Arthur Howey “Art” Ross. He was credited with inventing a B-shaped net design. This design reduced the danger of rebounds coming from behind the net.
The NHL adopted Art Ross’s style of hockey nets from 1927-1984. The NHL now uses a modified version of Art Ross B-shaped hockey goal nets.
Current NHL nets are of the same dimensions as Art Ross’s incarnations. Its opening measures 6 feet by 4 feet. The depth of the base is 44 inches, while the deepest parts of the top shelf extend to 24 inches.
Arthur Howey “Art” Ross invented the “Art Ross” hockey net. He also improved hockey pucks and did much more for the sport of hockey.
- Was an executive for Canadian ice hockey.
- was a defenseman for Montreal Wanderers and Ottawa Senators
- National Hockey League (NHL).
- was a defenseman for the National Hockey Association (NHA).
- served as either coach or manager of the Boston Bruins between 1924 and 1954.
- was the first to support hockey pucks which were made of synthetic rubber instead of natural rubber.
- improved the design of the puck, adding beveled edges. This reduced bouncing.
- helped to create the red line, therefore speeding up the game
- donated the Art Ross Trophy to the NHL
- was one of the first 12 inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame
- was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1975
- Died at age of 78 in Medford, Massachusetts, in 1964.
To emphasize the danger of the old-style B-shaped hockey nets, it’s remembered as one of hockey’s most gruesome injuries ever sustained in the NHL. It occurred on December 27, 1980, while playing with the Hartford Whalers. Mark Howe slid into the pointed metal center of the goal and cut a five-inch gash in his upper thigh (rectal area). Mark was impaled by the goal piece. His injury nearly ended his career and could have potentially ended his life. His injury precipitated a trade to Philadelphia as the Whalers felt his injury would reduce Howe’s ability to play hockey. Mark Howe would go on to become a Norris Trophy-winning defenseman. Mark Howe would launch a lawsuit over his injury, which would result in the NHL changing its net design, eliminating its sharp centerpiece.
In a lighter vein, on October 18th, 2000, Patrick Roy of the Colorado Avalanche set an NHL record with his 448th career win, passing Terry Sawchuck, as he and his Colorado Avalanche edged the Washington Capitals 4-3 on Peter Forsberg’s goal at 2:27 of overtime.
After his win, a ceremony was held where Patrick Roy helped cut the net away from the last goal he defended. The net is now on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
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History of the Hockey Net
