The National Hockey League (NHL) was formed and began play in 1917 so the league was in its earliest years during the 1920s.

Unlike the other major professional leagues in the United States during that period, the NHL was relatively small and largely Canadian.

1920-1929 – Professional Hockey

Not until 1924 did an American team (the Boston Bruins) enter the league, and they were joined by the New York Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1925.

In 1926 the NHL expanded to 10 teams with the addition of the New York Rangers, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Detroit Cougars.

The league remained at 10 teams, in two sections of five, until 1931.

1920-1929 – Professional Hockey

American interest in the league was minimal except in the franchise cities of New York, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh.

Players were almost all Canadian so there was little “hometown” identification for local American fans.

1920-1929 – Professional Hockey