On This Day in Blackhawks History: January 25

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Jonnie Nonnie | Last updated 1/25/24

Here's a list of notable events on January 25 in Chicago Blackhawks history.

1961: Phil Esposito Scores First NHL Goal

On January 25, 1964, Phil Esposito scored his first NHL goal. Esposito's inaugural tally came at the 16:01 mark of the second period in the Blackhawks' 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

60 years ago today, Phil Esposito scored his first NHL goal #Hockey365 #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/SFyIgJTFfW
— Mike Commito (@mikecommito) January 25, 2024

Esposito spent the first four seasons of what would become a Hall of Fame career in Chicago. He posted 174 points (74 goals, 100 assists) in 235 regular-season games and added eight points (four goals, four assists) in 29 playoff games with the Blackhawks before long stints with the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers.

1995: Blackhawks Play First Game at the United Center

On January 25, 1995, the Blackhawks played their first game at the United Center and christened it with a 5-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

Joe Murphy, Keith Carney, Chris Chelios, Jeff Shantz, and Bernie Nicholls lit the lamp for the Blackhawks while Roman Oksiuta scored Edmonton's lone goal. Ed Belfour stopped 17 of 18 Oilers' shots to backstop the victory.

The first #Blackhawks game at the United Center. Hawks beat the Oilers 5-1. (January 25, 1995) pic.twitter.com/qaSxUPWkSv
— Vintage Hawks (@VintageHawks) March 11, 2021

Notable Blackhawks Birthdays

Chris Chelios, a Hall of Fame NHL defenseman, was born on January 25, 1962. Chelios played nine seasons with the Blackhawks and racked up 487 points (92 goals, 395 assists) in 664 regular-season games. He added 48 points (12 goals, 36 assists) in 65 playoff games with Chicago. The Blackhawks will retire Chelios' jersey No. 7 on Feb. 25, 2024.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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