The Toronto Arenas history tells the story of the NHL’s first Toronto-based franchise. Originally formed in 1917, this club played a key role in establishing Toronto Arenas hockey during the league’s early years. Known for their blue sweaters and determined play, they set the foundation for future Toronto teams that became iconic in professional hockey.
Established
1917
City
Toronto
League History
1917 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1927 – Present / Toronto Maple Leafs
1919 – 1927 / Toronto St. Patricks
1917 – 1919 / Toronto Arenas
Nickname
Arenas – The Toronto Arenas are among the oldest hockey teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). The team was initially founded in 1917 as part of the original NHL. Although they have undergone several name changes over their long history, their nickname has always remained “the Arenas.” But why?
Toronto Arenas Origin
The story behind this iconic nickname begins with Eddie Livingstone, who owned and operated Arena Gardens at Mutual Street and Shuter Street in downtown Toronto from 1912 to 1931. It was here that professional hockey first made its home when Livingstone formed his pro league known as the National Hockey Association (NHA) – a precursor to today's NHL – which included teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, Quebec Bulldogs, Ottawa Senators, and more. For these new NHA franchises to play each other regularly, they needed arenas; thus, it is no surprise that Arena Gardens became a hub for early professional ice hockey games during this period - making it only natural that people began referring to Livingstone's team simply by what everyone already knew them best: "the Arenas."
When six NHA clubs joined forces with two other independent clubs from western Canada into what would become known today as "the Original Six" era of modern-day NHL beginning in 1926–27 season, Eddie Livingston's club officially adopted its current moniker - becoming always known simply by their former unofficial title: The Toronto Arenas!
So there you have it, sports fans! Next time you hear someone refer to or cheer about “Go Leafs Go,” remember where those famous words came from…it all started back at old Arena Gardens way back when!
Championship
Stanley Cups 1
1967, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1951, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1945, 1942, 1932, 1922, 1918
Arena
2019 - Present / Scotiabank Arena
1999 – 2918 / Air Canada Centre
1932 – 1999 / Maple Leaf Gardens
1917 – 1931 / Mutual Street Arena
Owner
1998 – Present / Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
1996 – 1998 / Steve Stavro and Larry Tanenbaum
1991 – 1996 / Steve Stavro
1990 – 1991 / Estate of Harold Ballard
1972 – 1990 / Harold Ballard
1970 – 1972 / Stafford Smythe and Harold Ballard
1961 – 1970 / Stafford Smythe, Harold Ballard, and John Bassett
1927 – 1961 / Conn Smythe
1919 – 1927 / Charles Querrie
1917 – 1919 / Toronto Arena Company
- 1917
- 1918
Toronto Arenas Team Formation
By the fall of 1917, a dispute between Eddie Livingstone, owner of the Blueshirts, and the owners of the NHA’s other four clubs the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, and Quebec Bulldogs had come to a boil. The other NHA owners were eager to disassociate themselves from Livingstone but discovered that the NHA’s constitution didn’t allow them to simply ...
Stanley Cup Winner 1918
The 1918 Stanley Cup Final was contested by the National Hockey League (NHL) champion Toronto and the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA) champion Vancouver Millionaires. In a series held entirely in Toronto, the Toronto team won the series by three games to two in the best-of-five game series to win the Stanley Cup. It was the first series contested by ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Toronto Arenas History
The Toronto Arenas hockey team holds a special place in the NHL’s early years. Formed in 1917, the Toronto Arenas history began as one of the league’s founding franchises. They played their first game on December 19, 1917, defeating the Montreal Wanderers 10-9 in an exciting debut. After 1919, the club became the Toronto St. Patricks and later evolved into today’s Toronto Maple Leafs.
During this era, the Toronto Arenas history included major milestones. The team captured the first Stanley Cup ever awarded to an NHL team in 1918 under coach Dick Carroll. This victory made Toronto Arenas hockey one of the earliest success stories in professional hockey. Legendary goaltender Hap Holmes was central to their championship run, and the club quickly gained a reputation for gritty play and resilience.
Arenas Achievements
The legacy of the Toronto Arenas history extended into the St. Patricks and Maple Leafs eras, where the team won additional Stanley Cups in 1922 and beyond. Players from those early rosters set standards for scoring and defensive records, laying a foundation for Toronto’s future hockey dominance. These achievements cemented Toronto Arenas hockey as a key contributor to the sport’s growth in Canada.
Today, the modern Toronto Maple Leafs carry on the proud tradition established by the Toronto Arenas hockey team. Their commitment to excellence, passionate fan base, and ongoing pursuit of championships show how the Toronto Arenas history helped shape one of the NHL’s most iconic franchises. With stars like Auston Matthews leading the way, the team continues to honor its origins while striving for future glory.
Retired Number
1 / Johnny Bower
1 / Turk Broda
4 / Red Kelly
4 / Hap Day
5 / Bill Barilko
6 / Ace Bailey
7 / Tim Horton
7 / King Clancy
9 / Charlie Conacher
9 / Ted Kennedy
10 / Syl Apps
10 / George Armstrong
13 / Mats Sundin
14 / Dave Keon
17 / Wendel Clark
21 / Borje Salming
27 / Frank Mahovlich
27 / Darryl Sittler
93 / Doug Gilmour
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history