National Hockey League

The league was founded in 1917 in Montreal, Quebec, and its predecessor organization is the National Hockey Association which was founded in 1909. It started with four teams and now composed of 30 teams, 24 of which are located in the United States and 6 in Canada. The NHL attracts many highly skilled players from all over the world. Nowadays the league has a larger number of players from about 20 different countries. Canadians constitut over half of the players because both the sport and the league originated from Canada. Many American and European players have increased in the past 25 years, because the NHL continue to expand into the United States.

Prospal and Messier come to Rangers

It is reported that the New York Rangers will acquire Mark Messier as a special assistant to President and General Manager Glen Sather and forward Vaclav Prospal."I couldn't be more thrilled with the opportunity to move back to New York with my family, to learn from Glen and to work for the Rangers," Said Messier.

Prospal had signed the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier this summer. He played for Rangers and scored 19 goals and 26 assists last year.

Brooks Orpik has donated 15 set of equipment

It is said that defenseman Brooks Orpik of Pittsburgh Penguins has donated 15 sets of hockey equipment to Pittsburgh's "Hockey in the Hood" program.

Each player who has attended the Olympic Men's Hockey Orientation Camp in Woodbridge donated 15 sets of equipment to the youth organization. And the equipment was purchased by the National Hockey League Players Association through the "Goals & Dreams" fund.

Brian Elliott joins in Senators

Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray announced that Brian Elliott has joined in the club and they have signed him to a two-year deal. Originally he appeared in 30 games with the American Hockey League -- Binghamton Senators. Although Elliott was selected as the Canadian goaltender for the 2009 AHL All-Star game.

Elliott recently appeared in 31 games with the Senators, and won 8 constant games from March 5 to 21. Elliott recorded his first National Hockey League debut on March 29 against Tampa Bay Lightning.

Scottie Upshall remains in Coyotes for another year

Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced that the Coyotes have signed left wing Scottie Upshall for another contract which lasts for one year. Fans can continue to see him playing on the ice in his Coyotes jersey.

Upshall completed new career-highs in 15 goals, 34 points and 74 games played last season. Before being traded to the Coyotes on March 4, 2009 in exchange for Daniel Carcillo, he started the season with Philadelphia Flyers. In 19 games with Phoenix, Upshall scored 26 penalty minutes during that time. He also earned a silver medal when he represented Canada at the 2009 World Championship in Switzerland.

Roman Polak's new contract with Blues

Polak played in all four postseason games against Vancouver with St.Louis Blues.And Blues signed a new deal with the defenseman Polak. "He's a solid young defenseman who is continuing to grow and will play a huge role with our team."Blues President John Davidson said.

Polak became a regular player last season, playing in 69 games and getting 15 points. He also added an assist for his first career game. Polak has played in 94 regular season games after being taken by St. Louis in the sixth round of the 2004 Entry Draft, scoring 16 points. Now fans are going to change their Canucks jerseys to Blues jerseys.

Chucko joins in Calgary Flames

Calgary Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter announced the club has signed forward Kris Chucko. Chucko spent the past three seasons with the Calgary Flames and finished second in goals and third in team scoring with the Quad City Flames last season. He also played his first two NHL games with Calgary in March. Chucko was the Calgary Flames first round pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Boyd Gordon joins in Washington Capitals

According to vice president and general manager George McPhee of Washington Capitals, the club have signed center Boyd Gordon to a one-year contract. Gordon finished his sixth season with the Capitals in 2008-09 and earned five goals and nine assists.

Gordon was the Capitals’ first-round choice in the 2002 Entry Draft. He has played in 267 career games for Washington, recording 66 points and just 54 penalty minutes. He was also an integral member of Hershey Bears in American Hockey League, playing in all playoff games.

Canadiens add Moen

Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced the they have signed forward Travis Moen to a three-year contract. "Travis Moen is a character player. He is versatile, and he plays hard. His size and style will contribute to adding physicality to our team," said Bob Gainey.

Last season Moen took part in 82 regular-season contests with Ducks and Sharks. Moen registered 16 points, 91 penalty minutes. In five NHL seasons he got 6 points and 487 penalty minutes with Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks. In addition,he was also a member of the 2007 Stanley Cup Champion -- Anaheim Ducks.

Bolland joins in Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed center Dave Bolland to a five-year deal. "This is a first step towards keeping our core together for the future," Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon said. "We are impressed with the way all three players have developed in our system and look forward to a bright future with them in place."

Bolland appeared in 81 of Chicago's regular-season games last season, ranking sixth on the club with a career-high 19 goals and ninth with a career-most 28 assists. Bolland has recorded 64 points and 80 penalty minutes in 121 games over the last three seasons with the Blackhawks.
chicago blackhawks

Bolland joins in Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed center Dave Bolland to a five-year deal. "This is a first step towards keeping our core together for the future," Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon said. "We are impressed with the way all three players have developed in our system and look forward to a bright future with them in place."

Bolland appeared in 81 of Chicago's regular-season games last season, ranking sixth on the club with a career-high 19 goals and ninth with a career-most 28 assists. Bolland has recorded 64 points and 80 penalty minutes in 121 games over the last three seasons with the Blackhawks.

Artyukhin was acquired by Ducks

Ducks told the media today that the NHL club has acquired Evgeny Artyukhin from Tampa Bay Linghting in exchange for Drew Miller.Artyukhin was originally selected by Tampa Bay in the third round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, he has played two seasons with the Lightning. In 145 career NHL games, Artyukhin has collected 33 points with 241 PIM.He has also appeared in 102 career American Hockey League,getting 14-23=37 points with 257 PIM.

Miller appeared in 27 games with Ducks last season, scoring 10 points with 27PIM.He was originally selected by Ducks in the sixth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft,collecting 15 points with 23 PIM in 53 career NHL games. He won his first Stanley with the Ducks in 2007.

Scott Nichol becomes a new comer in Sharks

Doug Wilson, who is the Executive Vice President and General Manager in San Jose Sharks, said last Wednesday that the club had signed a contract with Scott Nichol. The contract lasts for one year and some unique terms of the deal are still not known.

"Scott is an ultra-competitive by nature,"said Wilson joyfully,"He utilizes his speed and compete-factor to be involved every time he steps on the ice.We're very familiar with his game and we're happy to have hime on our team as opposed to playing against him."

Nichol,this 34 guy spent the last four seasons with Nashville Predators.During the 08-09 season,he got 41 penalty minutes in 43 games.It is said that Nichol signed the one-year deal for $750,000. The Sharks may not be a familiar team for him and he doesn’t know anyone. “I guess I’ll get to know them,” he said. “I think it will be a good fit.”Now he hopes to get to know his teammates as soon as possible.