The Quebec Bulldogs history highlights one of the earliest and most influential teams in professional hockey. As a founding NHL club, the Quebec Bulldogs hockey team brought excitement to fans with its skilled players and championship wins. Their achievements in the early 1900s played a key role in shaping the foundation of the National Hockey League.
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
Bulldogs – The Quebec Bulldogs were one of the original teams that made up the National Hockey League (NHL) when it was founded in 1917. The team was based in Quebec City, Canada, and played its home games at Arena Gardens. Although their time in the NHL lasted only for three seasons until 1920, they left a lasting legacy still celebrated today.
But where did their nickname come from? Several theories about how they got their name – some more plausible than others! One popular theory suggests that it originated from an English bulldog owned by one of the team’s owners or players. Another claims that since dogs often chase after hockey pucks during practice sessions, someone thought “Bulldogs” would be a fitting name for them!
Quebec Bulldogs Origin
Another exciting story involves two rival teams playing against each other on New Year's Day back in 1906 - which happened to be a Sunday - and both sides had plenty of fans cheering them on with cries like "Go Bulldogs!" This supposedly inspired fans who attended future games between these two rivals to shout "Go Bulldogs!" as well – eventually making it stick with all hockey fans across Canada as part of our national sport's culture today!
Whatever its origin, though, we can say that even over 100 years later, Canadians still cheer proudly whenever they hear those words: Go Bulldogs!
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
- 1919
Bulldogs in NHL
In May 1919, NHL president Calder and Mike Quinn made efforts to return Quebec to the league. Calder suggested that Quinn apply to the league for a new franchise. On December 2, 1919, the NHL approved the application of the Quebec Athletic Club for an NHL franchise. Newspapers at the time now referred to the team as the Quebec Athletics ...
Quebec Bulldogs History
The Quebec Bulldogs history represents one of the most significant chapters in early Canadian hockey. The Quebec Bulldogs hockey team was founded in 1878 as the Quebec Hockey Club and was among the earliest professional teams in the country. They competed in the National Hockey Association (NHA) and then briefly in the National Hockey League (NHL), making them an important part of the league’s foundation.
During their time in the NHA, the Quebec Bulldogs hockey team won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1912 and 1913. When the NHL was formed in 1917, the Bulldogs were granted a franchise but were unable to ice a team due to financial difficulties. They officially joined the NHL in the 1919–1920 season but struggled to match their earlier success and finished last in the standings.
Financial and logistical problems continued to trouble the Quebec Bulldogs hockey organization. After the 1919–20 season, the franchise was transferred to Hamilton, Ontario, and became the Hamilton Tigers. This marked the end of the original Quebec Bulldogs history in the NHL, but their legacy as one of hockey’s first great clubs lived on.
Bulldogs Achievements
The achievements of the Quebec Bulldogs hockey team remain remarkable even today. Their two Stanley Cup titles established them as one of the most dominant teams of their era, and their success helped pave the way for other Eastern Canadian clubs to join organized professional leagues. Many of their players, including Hall of Famers like Joe Malone, became key figures in shaping early professional hockey.
Even though the Quebec Bulldogs history ended more than a century ago, the team’s influence on the sport continues to resonate. Their championships, contributions to the professionalization of hockey, and impact on the formation of the NHL ensure that the Quebec Bulldogs hockey team will always hold a celebrated place in the story of Canadian hockey.
