The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league of which countries?

The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America comprising 32 teams—25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. It is considered to be the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.

The Stanley Cup, the oldest professional sports trophy in North America, is awarded annually to the league playoff champion at the end of each season.

The National Hockey League was organized at the Windsor Hotel in Montreal on November 26, 1917, after the suspension of operations of its predecessor organization, the National Hockey Association (NHA), which had been founded in 1909 in Renfrew, Ontario.

At its inception, the NHL had four teams, all in Canada, thus the adjective "National" in the league's name. The league expanded to the United States in 1924, when the Boston Bruins joined, and has since consisted of both American and Canadian teams.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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18 Comments

zizimarcohabs

The sport is called hockey.

Elaine GIbson

David Stokes, the “national” was for Canada and USA let it stay.

GONavarini

David Stokes, well, perhaps because we are?

GONavarini

There's no hockey in Mexico? Sat it ain't so!!!

Irene Townsend

Marianne, Simple because America thinks it is the world.

Irene Townsend

David Stokes, Totally agree with you. The answer couldn't be anything else.

David Stokes

So why isn't it called the "USA/Canada Hockey League", or the "North American Hockey League" (as in continent, not nation). or is this just one more example of where the Americans think they own everything and are the centre of the universe.

Alex Markin

Lilly shoots a puck again into her own goal.

Shelley Durocher

Albeck1994, There used to be two. The Montreal Expos played until 2004, when they were moved to Washington as The Nationals. I'm among the Canadians hoping, probably in vain, to see another Canadian team, although I'll always stand by my Blue Jays.

Leonardo Scamacca

Ken Putnam, Montreal and Toronto were original 6 teams. Not added afterwards.

Stephen W. Gerrard

A lot of hockey in Mexico? LOL!

Albeck1994

Marianne, and even then only 1 team in Canada

Marianne

Ken Putnam, I have always wondered about the "Baseball World Series" name. Canada and the US are the only countries that play, so where does the "World" come into?