STORY BY
AL DANIEL AND BENJAMIN LERNER eventually becoming the Chairman of the First National Stores grocery chain ( Finast ). Hockey subsequently caught his eye through multiple trips to amateur hockey games at Boston Arena , as well as a trip to the 1924 Stanley Cup Final in Montreal . That same year , Adams made a bold foray into the world of sports by establishing the Boston Bruins , the first NHL team in the United States . This monumental decision was not just about creating a new team ; it was about bringing the game he loved closer to home . When the NHL looked to expand beyond Canada , Adams applied for a franchise and beat out bidders from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh for the class of 1924-1925 .
Adams ’ original vision was to make hockey a prominent sport in America , a goal he pursued with remarkable zeal . Under Adams ’ guidance , the Bruins quickly became a powerhouse in the NHL . Adams had a knack for recognizing talent , which was clearly demonstrated when he hired noted manager and coach , Art Ross , in 1924 . It was a critical decision that led the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup victory in 1929 . Adams was not merely an owner ; he was a strategic thinker who understood the subtle nuances of hockey . His acquisition of the Western Canada Hockey League in 1926 was a genius masterstroke , bringing in a wave of talent that would elevate the Bruins ’ future rosters to new heights .
Adams oversaw the Bruins ’ first 12 NHL seasons . He lived to watch his son , Weston , call the shots for another 11 years , and also savor three additional Stanley Cup championships . A consummate entrepreneur and innovator , Adams ’ influence extended far beyond hockey . He ventured into baseball with the Boston Braves ( a team that eventually relocated to Atlanta to become the Atlanta Braves ), and made significant contributions to horse racing by developing the Suffolk Downs racetrack . His ability to cross boundaries in the sporting world showcased his versatility and foresight as a sports executive .
Adams ’ contributions to hockey were recognized long after his tenure with the Bruins . He was posthumously inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1960 and was later honored as the namesake of an NHL division from 1974 to 1993 , underscoring his powerful imprint on professional hockey . And it all started … in Vermont !
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