Established
1926
City
Detroit
League History
1926 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1932 – Present / Detroit Red Wings
1930 – 1932 / Detroit Falcons
1926 – 1930 / Detroit Cougars
Nickname
Cougars – When it comes to the Detroit Cougars, hockey fans have a lot of questions. Where did this nickname come from? How long has it been around? What is its connection to the National Hockey League (NHL)?
The Detroit Cougars are one of the oldest NHL teams in existence. The team was founded in 1926 and was called the 'Cleveland Falcons.' After just one season, they moved to Detroit and changed their name to 'Detroit Cougars.' This new name came about due to an agreement between owners James Norris Sr., Charles Hughes Jr., and Frederic McLaughlin. They wanted a more intimidating mascot associated with strength and power that could represent their city and inspire fear among other teams throughout North America's first professional hockey league.
At first glance, many people assume that ‘Cougars’ refers specifically to mountain lions or panthers – but this isn't necessarily true! When these animals weren't so commonly known by those names yet (or at least not widely used), cougar referred more generally to any large wild cat species found throughout North America, such as bobcats or lynxes too! Not until later did scientists begin referring exclusively to mountain lions/panthers using this term. Hence, we now associate them with specific images today instead of generic big cats like before.
Regardless though - whatever animal you think of when you hear “cougar” – there's no denying how powerful these creatures can be, which makes them perfect mascots for an NHL team looking for something strong enough to symbolize both themselves & their home city alike! Through thick & thin over all these years since then-the, the mighty cougar remains part of prideful heritage here in Motown-& will continue to do so far into the future, too, hopefully.
Championship
Stanley Cups 0
2008, 2002, 1998, 1997, 1955, 1954, 1952, 1950, 1943, 1937, 1936
Arena
2017 - Present / Little Caesars Arena
1979 – 2016 / Joe Louis Arena
1927 – 1979 / Detroit Olympia
*Ontario*
1926 – 1927 / Windsor Arena
Owner
2018 – Present / Ilitch Holdings
1982 – 2017 / Mike Ilitch
1955 – 1982 / Bruce Norris
1952 – 1955 / Marguerite Norris
1933 – 1952 / James E. Norris
1931 – 1933 / Creditors’ Committee
1926 – 1931 / Charles A. Hughes
Retired Number
1 / Terry Sawchuk
4 / Red Kelly
5 / Nicklas Lidstrom
7 / Ted Lindsay
9 / Gordie Howe
10 / Alex Delvecchio
12 / Sid Abel
19 / Steve Yzerman
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history
- 1926
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Detroit Cougars Team Formation
During a subsequent meeting on May 15, the league approved a franchise to the Townsend-Seyburn group of Detroit and named Charles A. Hughes as governor. Frank and Lester Patrick, the owners of the WHL, made a deal to sell the league’s players to the NHL and cease league operations. The new Detroit franchise purchased the players of the folded Victoria ...
History of the Cougars
The Detroit Cougars were an NHL team that played in the league from 1926 to 1930. The team was founded by James Norris, who purchased the Victoria Cougars of the Western Hockey League and moved them to Detroit. The first season for this newly relocated franchise saw them finish second overall in their division and reach the Stanley Cup Finals. Unfortunately, they would lose out on a championship title as they were defeated by Ottawa Senators in four games straight. The Cougars had a notable rivalry with the Detroit Red Wings, which added excitement to their matchups.
Throughout their four seasons of existence, Detroit Cougars had a relatively successful run with two playoff appearances and one Stanley Cup Final appearance under their belt; however, it wasn’t enough for owner James Norris who decided to move his franchise yet again after just four years due to financial difficulties caused by poor attendance at home games - thus ending what could have been an even more promising era of hockey history within Motor City USA.
Despite having such short-lived success on the ice during its tenure in NHL, the Detroit cougar left behind some lasting memories which included being part of one memorable trade between themselves Toronto Maple Leafs when Ace Bailey was sent over along with future Hall Of Famer Lionel Conacher making it arguably most famous transaction involving pre-expansion teams. This deal will forever be remembered as a cornerstone moment not only for both franchises but also for the entire National Hockey League.
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