Established
1919
City
Quebec – Hamilton – New York – Brooklyn
League History
1919 – 1942 / National Hockey League
Team History
1941 – 1942 / Brooklyn Americans
1925 – 1941 / New York Americans
1920 – 1925 / Hamilton Tigers
1919 – 1920 / Quebec Bulldogs
Nickname
Americans – The New York Americans, founded in 1925, were one of the original six teams to make up the National Hockey League (NHL). The team was initially known as the Brooklyn Americans and had a unique nickname that has its roots in American history.
It is believed that when founding owner William Dwyer decided to name his new hockey team after his hometown of Brooklyn, he wanted something more than "Brooklyn." He chose "Americans" because it represented a sense of patriotism and pride for his country. It also served as an homage to all those who have fought for America's freedom over the years.
In addition, by using this name, Dwyer hoped to attract fans from outside Brooklyn interested in supporting an American-based professional sports franchise. This strategy worked well initially, with many people flocking to Madison Square Garden on game days wearing red, white, and blue clothing or waving small flags during games.
Despite their popularity amongst local fans, however, financial difficulties forced them out of New York City just eight seasons later; they relocated across state lines into Pennsylvania, where they became known as the Philadelphia Quakers until folding altogether shortly after that due to poor attendance numbers and lackluster performance on ice throughout their tenure there.
Although no longer around today, the legacy left behind by these pioneering players still lives on through current NHL franchises like Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals & St Louis Blues, which all adopted similar names inspired by national pride & loyalty towards one’s home nation. We can thank Mr. William Dwyer & co for leaving us such an essential piece of our sporting heritage here in North America!
Championship
Stanley Cup 0
Arena
*New York*
1925 – 1942 / Madison Square Garden
*Hamilton*
1920 – 1925 / Barton Street Arena
*Quebec*
1919 – 1920 / Quebec Arena
Owner
1936 – 1942 / Mervyn “Red” Dutton
1925 – 1936 / Bill Dwyer
1920 – 1925 / Abso Pure Ice Company
1919 – 1920 / Quebec Athletic Club
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
- 1925
- 1941
-
The New Americans
In April of 1925, Duggan and Bill Dwyer, New York City’s most-celebrated prohibition bootlegger, were awarded the franchise for New York. Somewhat fortuitously given the shortage of players, the Hamilton Tigers, who had finished first the season before, had been suspended from the league after they struck for higher pay. However, the suspensions were quietly lifted in the off-season. Soon ... -
The Americans Hurting
The Americans made the playoffs again in 1938 – 1939 and 1939 – 1940 seasons but were bounced in the first round each time. Canada entered World War II in September 1939, and some of the team’s Canadian players left for military service. However, an even large number of players entered the military in 1940 – 1941. With a decimated ...
History of the Americans
The New York Americans, also known as the Amerks, were an NHL hockey team that played in Manhattan from 1925 to 1942. Founded by Tex Rickard, who was already a successful boxing promoter and owner of Madison Square Garden at the time, they were one of six original teams in the National Hockey League's first season. The Americans had some success early on; they made it to Stanley Cup Finals twice during their 17 years.
Despite their initial successes, however, financial difficulties plagued them throughout their history due to poor attendance figures and limited resources compared with other teams like Toronto Maple Leafs or Montreal Canadiens. They struggled so much financially that after World War II broke out, many players enlisted for military service, leaving them with no choice but disbanding shortly afterward in 1942 when MSG refused to renew the lease agreements unless ownership changed hands, which never happened, thus ending New York American’s era forever.
Despite being short-lived, the legacy left behind by this team cannot be denied as it was very influential on ice hockey culture both locally and nationally especially considering how popular the sport is today across the United States thanks mainly due its presence back then. It certainly paved the way for future generations through innovations such as introducing the forward passing rule into the game along with providing an excellent platform for young stars like Frank Boucher, who went became a Hall Fame inductee later in life, among others too numerous mentioned here, making sure memory lives even though franchise itself does not anymore.
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