October 19 Milestones: Richard’s 500th, Howe and Orr Make History
The article revisits notable NHL events from October 19, including Maurice Richard becoming the first player to reach 500 career goals in 1957. It also notes Gordie Howe's first career assist in 1946 and Bobby Orr's professional debut in 1966. Other milestones and birthdays from hockey history are included.
On October 19, 1957, Maurice Richard became the first NHL skater to reach 500 goals, scoring on a first-period power play in Montreal’s 3-1 home win over Chicago. Jean Beliveau set up the milestone shot against Glenn Hall; no other player had yet hit 400, and Richard retired in 1960 with 544.
Twenty years afterward, on the same date in 1966, Bobby Orr debuted professionally for Boston, earning an assist in a 6-3 win over Detroit. That night, Gordie Howe began his 21st consecutive NHL season, breaking a record shared by Dit Clapper and Bill Gadsby. Howe’s first NHL assist had come on October 19, 1946.
For hockey fans and young players, revisiting rookie debuts and first milestones could make early career moments feel more significant. Aspiring athletes may see that a single assist or goal can begin a legendary path. Teams and media may use such anniversaries to connect generations of supporters, while historians and collectors could find added value in dates tied to Orr, Howe, and Richard. The impact is likely cultural and inspirational rather than immediate or measurable.