While there are currently seven Canadian Hockey teams in the NHL, there are other teams that contribute to this great game that Canadians and others enjoy so much.
Canadian Hockey League
This is the entity that oversees the majority of junior hockey in Canada. It is of high importance because the players in these teams are looking forward to hopefully making it to the pros. The CHL has the responsibility for:
- The Western Hockey League
- The Ontario Hockey League
- The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Top Canadian Teams
There are several different hockey teams in Canada, but there are ten that are considered to be the best of the best, which are:
- Montreal Canadiens
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Vancouver Canucks
- Calgary Flames
- Edmonton Oilers
- Ottawa Senators
- Quebec Nordiques
- Team Canada
- Montreal Maroons
- Toronto Blueshirts
Some of these teams are still going strong today, while others are no longer in existence. One that many were sorry to see go was the Quebec Nordiques, but they actually became Colorado Avalanche. Many greats were in this original team who are highly recognized in hockey, such as Guy Lafleur and Maurice Richard.
Team Canada is unique in itself as it represents Canada, such as in the Canada Cup and the Olympics.
The Montreal Maroons is a team that dates way back and played between the years 1924 and 1938.
The Toronto Blueshirts were the original Toronto Maple Leafs, and when under the Blueshirts name, the team was the holder of the Stanley Cup.
Some in Canada would like to see additional teams added to the NHL, then others feel there are enough now.
Hockey players start at a very young age. As soon as a youngster is old enough to play, they can join one of the Peewee leagues, which is their first start to enjoying this game in its organized version.