How the Original Five Teams Built the NHL

Ever wonder why the NHL exists today? The answer starts with five clubs that left the old National Hockey Association (NHA) and created a brand‑new league in 1917. Those clubs – the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs (then the Toronto Arenas), Ottawa Senators, Quebec Bulldogs, and Montreal Wanderers – were the core of modern hockey. Their move wasn’t a wild gamble; it was a calculated step toward stability, control, and growth.

Why the Teams Said Goodbye to the NHA

The NHA was getting messy. Owners fought over arena dates, player contracts, and money. One owner, Eddie Livingstone, caused endless disputes that slowed the whole league. The other owners decided the only way out was to dissolve the NHA and start fresh. By forming the NHL, they could write new rules, lock down better financial terms, and keep unsavory figures out of the game.

Financial security was a huge draw. The new league promised more reliable revenue from ticket sales and reduced travel costs by grouping teams geographically. That meant clubs could plan budgets without fearing sudden losses. For fans, it meant a clearer schedule and a league that looked after the sport’s future.

What the Five Teams Gained

Each of the five founding clubs got something valuable from the switch. The Montreal Canadiens secured a loyal fan base that still fuels the team today. Toronto’s franchise grew into the Maple Leafs, becoming a cultural icon in Canada. Ottawa’s Senators built a reputation for smart play and championship wins. The Quebec Bulldogs, although later relocated, showed how a small market could compete on a big stage. The Montreal Wanderers, despite folding early, demonstrated the power of a strong start in a new league.

Beyond money, the clubs gained a say in league governance. They could vote on rules, set standards for player health, and decide on expansion plans. This collective control helped keep the NHL stable for decades, allowing it to expand across North America and become a global brand.

Looking back, the decision of those five teams was a turning point. It gave hockey a solid foundation, turned a regional pastime into a professional sport, and set the stage for the excitement we see in arenas today. If you love watching a fast‑paced game on the ice, thank those early pioneers for making it possible.

Next time you catch a game, think about the original five clubs that dared to reshape their sport. Their story isn’t just about a league; it’s about vision, teamwork, and the drive to keep hockey alive. Dive into the local archives, talk to longtime fans, and you’ll hear how that bold move in 1917 still echoes in every slapshot and cheering crowd.