The Detroit Cougars' Inaugural NHL Game: A Historic Matchup Against the Boston Bruins in 1926
The New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks are all commemorating their Centennial seasons in 2025-26 with special events and jerseys. NHL.com columnist Dave Stubbs is exploring each team's inaugural NHL game. This article focuses on the Red Wings' first game as the Cougars against the Boston Bruins on November 18, 1926.
The Detroit Free Press advertised the arrival of the Detroit Cougars, the city's new NHL team, in November 1926. The Cougars, formerly the Victoria Cougars of the Western Hockey League, were set to make their debut in the NHL. The NHL welcomed Detroit, along with the New York Rangers and Chicago Black Hawks, in a historic season.
The Cougars played their first game against the Boston Bruins on November 18, 1926, at the Border Cities Arena in Windsor, Ontario. Despite a strong effort, the Cougars fell to the Bruins 2-0, with Duke Keats scoring two early goals for Boston.
Harry "Hap" Holmes, the Cougars' main goalie, was scheduled to start the game but fell ill, leading to Herb Stuart taking his place in the net. Holmes was known for his consistent and cool-headed performance in goal.
The Windsor Star was filled with anticipation leading up to the Cougars' first game, with a capacity crowd expected at the arena. The Bruins, led by captain Sprague Cleghorn and defenseman Eddie Shore, presented a formidable challenge for the Cougars.
The Cougars were formed after the Western Hockey League folded, and Detroit acquired a franchise in the NHL. The team, under coach Art Duncan, had a strong roster with players like Frank Fredrickson, Frank Foyston, and Johnny Sheppard.
The Cougars' first game in Windsor was a grand event, with 6,000 fans packing the arena to witness the historic occasion. The team's debut marked the beginning of a new era for hockey in Detroit, with the construction of the Olympia Stadium underway.
As the Red Wings prepare to celebrate their Centennial season, they look back on their roots as the Cougars and their first NHL game against the Boston Bruins. The rich history of the franchise is a testament to the passion and dedication of Detroit hockey fans throughout the years.