National Hockey League Trivia
National Hockey League trivia highlights the history, teams, and standout moments of the premier professional ice hockey league in the world. Founded in 1917, the NHL now features 32 teams across the United States and Canada, giving fans plenty to explore through easy, funny, and challenging questions alike.
Easy National Hockey League Trivia
13 questions
These easy National Hockey League trivia questions are great for beginners and kids around age 12 and under.
Question 1
What does NHL stand for?
Answer: National Hockey League
NHL is the abbreviation for National Hockey League.
Question 2
The NHL is a professional ice hockey league in which region?
Answer: North America
The NHL is a professional ice hockey league in North America.
Question 3
How many teams are in the NHL?
Answer: 32 teams
The NHL currently has 32 teams.
Question 4
How many NHL teams are based in the United States?
Answer: 25 teams in the United States
Twenty-five NHL teams are based in the United States.
Question 5
What is the name of the NHL championship trophy?
Answer: Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is the NHL championship trophy.
Question 6
How many games does each NHL team currently play in the regular season?
Answer: 82 games
Each team currently plays 82 games in the NHL regular season.
Question 7
What event wraps up the NHL season?
Answer: Stanley Cup Playoffs
The NHL season ends with the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Question 8
In what year was the NHL founded?
Answer: 1917
The NHL was founded in 1917.
Question 9
Which city is home to NHL headquarters?
- A.New York City
- B.Toronto
- C.Montreal
- D.Chicago
Answer: New York City
The NHL headquarters is in New York City.
Question 10
Which team has won the most Stanley Cups in NHL history?
Answer: Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have won the most Stanley Cups in NHL history.
Question 11
Who holds the NHL record for most career points?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky holds the NHL record for most career points.
Question 12
How many periods are played in NHL regulation time?
Answer: three periods
The NHL uses three periods in regulation play.
Question 13
If an NHL game is tied after regulation, what happens next?
Answer: overtime
When an NHL game is tied after regulation, it goes to overtime.
National Hockey League Family Trivia
12 questions
These family National Hockey League trivia questions are built for mixed-age game nights, classrooms, and groups.
Question 1
Which NHL award is given to the player who finishes the season with the most points?
- A.The Art Ross Trophy.
- B.Hart Memorial Trophy
- C.Maurice Richard Trophy
- D.Vezina Trophy
Answer: The Art Ross Trophy.
The Art Ross Trophy goes to the NHL points leader.
Question 2
What trophy honors the NHL's top rookie?
Answer: The Calder Memorial Trophy.
The Calder Memorial Trophy honors the NHL's top rookie.
Question 3
At playoff time, which trophy is awarded to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
- A.Art Ross Trophy
- B.Vezina Trophy
- C.The Conn Smythe Trophy.
- D.Hart Memorial Trophy
Answer: The Conn Smythe Trophy.
The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Question 4
Which NHL trophy goes to the league's most valuable player?
Answer: The Hart Memorial Trophy.
The Hart Memorial Trophy goes to the NHL's most valuable player.
Question 5
Which award is handed to the NHL's goals leader?
- A.The Maurice Richard Trophy.
- B.Art Ross Trophy
- C.Conn Smythe Trophy
- D.Vezina Trophy
Answer: The Maurice Richard Trophy.
The Maurice Richard Trophy is awarded to the NHL goals leader.
Question 6
True or false: The New York Rangers are one of the NHL's Original Six teams.?
Answer: True
The New York Rangers are one of the NHL's Original Six teams.
Question 7
The NHL All-Star Game brings together players from where?
- A.Only from playoff teams
- B.NHL
- C.Only from Canadian teams
- D.Only from Original Six teams
Answer: From across the NHL.
The NHL All-Star Game features players from across the league.
Question 8
Which team is the NHL's newest by inaugural season, starting play in 2021?
- A.The Seattle Kraken.
- B.Vegas Golden Knights
- C.New York Rangers
- D.Winnipeg Jets
Answer: The Seattle Kraken.
The NHL's newest team by inaugural season is the Seattle Kraken, which began play in 2021.
Question 9
Which of these is one of the NHL's seven Canadian teams: Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, New York Rangers, or Vegas Golden Knights?
- A.Vegas Golden Knights
- B.Calgary Flames
- C.Seattle Kraken
- D.New York Rangers
Answer: Calgary Flames.
The Calgary Flames are one of the NHL's seven Canadian teams.
Question 10
Pick the NHL team that is based in Canada.?
- A.New York Rangers
- B.Vegas Golden Knights
- C.Edmonton Oilers
- D.Seattle Kraken
Answer: Edmonton Oilers.
The Edmonton Oilers are one of the NHL's seven Canadian teams.
Question 11
Which team on this list is one of the NHL's seven Canadian teams?
- A.Seattle Kraken
- B.Vegas Golden Knights
- C.Ottawa Senators
- D.New York Rangers
Answer: Ottawa Senators.
The Ottawa Senators are one of the NHL's seven Canadian teams.
Question 12
Which of these NHL teams is Canadian?
- A.Vegas Golden Knights
- B.Vancouver Canucks
- C.Seattle Kraken
- D.New York Rangers
Answer: Vancouver Canucks.
The Vancouver Canucks are one of the NHL's seven Canadian teams.
Fun National Hockey League Trivia
13 questions
These fun National Hockey League trivia questions highlight surprising moments and playful facts for game-night groups.
Question 1
Which team skated into the NHL as a brand-new franchise in 2000, bringing hockey to Ohio?
- A.Minnesota Wild
- B.Nashville Predators
- C.San Jose Sharks
- D.Columbus Blue Jackets
Answer: Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets began NHL play in 2000.
Question 2
On what date did the very first NHL game take place?
Answer: December 19, 1917
The first NHL game was played on December 19, 1917.
Question 3
The Hartford Whalers packed up and became which NHL team in 1997?
- A.Anaheim Ducks
- B.Carolina Hurricanes
- C.Colorado Avalanche
- D.Arizona Coyotes
Answer: Carolina Hurricanes
The Hartford Whalers moved and became the Carolina Hurricanes in 1997.
Question 4
Which cleaner-sounding team name replaced the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2006?
Answer: Anaheim Ducks
The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim changed their name to the Anaheim Ducks in 2006.
Question 5
Which team joined the NHL in 2000 alongside the Columbus Blue Jackets?
- A.Minnesota Wild
- B.Tampa Bay Lightning
- C.San Jose Sharks
- D.Nashville Predators
Answer: Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild began NHL play in 2000.
Question 6
How many Stanley Cups have the Montreal Canadiens won?
Answer: 24 Stanley Cups
The Montreal Canadiens have won 24 Stanley Cups.
Question 7
Which franchise entered the NHL in 1998, giving Smashville something to cheer about?
- A.Tampa Bay Lightning
- B.San Jose Sharks
- C.Minnesota Wild
- D.Nashville Predators
Answer: Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators began NHL play in 1998.
Question 8
In 1979, how many WHA teams were absorbed by the NHL?
Answer: Four WHA teams
The NHL absorbed four WHA teams in 1979.
Question 9
The Phoenix Coyotes changed their name in 2014. What did they become?
- A.Carolina Hurricanes
- B.Colorado Avalanche
- C.Arizona Coyotes
- D.Anaheim Ducks
Answer: Arizona Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes changed their name to the Arizona Coyotes in 2014.
Question 10
Which current team emerged when the Quebec Nordiques relocated in 1995?
- A.Arizona Coyotes
- B.Anaheim Ducks
- C.Colorado Avalanche
- D.Carolina Hurricanes
Answer: Colorado Avalanche
The Quebec Nordiques moved and became the Colorado Avalanche in 1995.
Question 11
Which California franchise first splashed into NHL action in 1991?
- A.Tampa Bay Lightning
- B.Nashville Predators
- C.Columbus Blue Jackets
- D.San Jose Sharks
Answer: San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks began NHL play in 1991.
Question 12
The Stanley Cup is named after which person?
Answer: Lord Stanley of Preston
The Stanley Cup is named after Lord Stanley of Preston.
Question 13
Which Florida team began NHL play in 1992?
- A.San Jose Sharks
- B.Minnesota Wild
- C.Tampa Bay Lightning
- D.Nashville Predators
Answer: Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning began NHL play in 1992.
Funny National Hockey League Trivia
13 questions
These funny National Hockey League trivia questions highlight playful moments, odd facts, and inside jokes.
Question 1
If one skater lights the lamp three times in a single NHL game, what delicious-sounding feat is that called?
Answer: A hat trick.
In the NHL, a hat trick means one player scores three goals in one game.
Question 2
What is the name of the stat line that says, 'I scored, I helped, and yes, things got a little spicy'—one goal, one assist, and one fight in a game?
Answer: A Gordie Howe hat trick.
A Gordie Howe hat trick is a goal, an assist, and a fight in one game.
Question 3
In 2021, which superstar passed Wayne Gretzky for the most power-play goals in NHL history?
Answer: Alexander Ovechkin.
Alexander Ovechkin passed Wayne Gretzky for the NHL record for most power-play goals in 2021.
Question 4
When a goalie slams the door so completely that the other team scores exactly zero, what is the goalie credited with?
Answer: A shutout.
A goalie is credited with a shutout when the opponent scores zero goals.
Question 5
In the NHL standings, how many points does a regulation win hand your team?
Answer: Two points.
An NHL regulation win is worth two points in the standings.
Question 6
Your team loses in overtime, the mascot looks sad, but the standings still offer a tiny consolation snack. How many points is that overtime loss worth?
Answer: One point.
In NHL standings, an overtime loss is worth one point.
Question 7
Which goaltender owns the NHL record for the most career wins, basically collecting victories like they were trading cards?
Answer: Martin Brodeur.
Martin Brodeur holds the NHL record for most career wins by a goaltender.
Question 8
Since a 2015 rule change, regular-season NHL overtime is played in what format that leaves lots of ice and very nervous coaches?
Answer: 3-on-3 overtime.
Regular-season NHL overtime has been 3-on-3 since the 2015 rule change.
Question 9
What year hosted the very first Heritage Classic, proving hockey players will absolutely work outside in winter?
Answer: 2003.
The first Heritage Classic was played in 2003.
Question 10
The first NHL Winter Classic took place in what year, kicking off the league's big outdoor New Year's spectacle?
Answer: 2008.
The first NHL Winter Classic was played in 2008.
Question 11
Which outdoor NHL game series is specifically the one played in Canada, where the weather can feel extremely committed to the bit?
Answer: The Heritage Classic.
The Heritage Classic is the NHL's outdoor game series in Canada.
Question 12
How long did the longest game in NHL history last by time, for anyone who enjoys hockey with a side of sunrise?
Answer: 176 minutes and 30 seconds.
The longest game in NHL history by time lasted 176 minutes and 30 seconds.
Question 13
What oddly geometric zone did the NHL add behind the net in 2005, politely telling goalies not to go wandering too far?
Answer: The trapezoid.
The NHL added the trapezoid behind the net in 2005.
Hard National Hockey League Trivia
14 questions
These hard National Hockey League trivia questions are for expert fans who want a real challenge.
Question 1
Who was the first president of the National Hockey League?
Answer: Frank Calder
Frank Calder was the NHL's first president.
Question 2
Which year marks the first Stanley Cup won by a U.S.-based NHL franchise, accomplished by the Boston Bruins?
- A.1931
- B.1933
- C.1929
- D.1927
Answer: 1929
The Boston Bruins became the first U.S.-based NHL member club to win the Stanley Cup in 1929.
Question 3
Which franchise became the first NHL team based in the United States in 1925?
Answer: New York Americans
The New York Americans were the first NHL franchise based in the United States, beginning in 1925.
Question 4
How many teams were added in the NHL's first expansion beyond the Original Six?
Answer: Six teams
The first major expansion beyond the Original Six added six teams in 1967.
Question 5
Which 1967 expansion club took root in Philadelphia?
- A.Philadelphia Flyers
- B.Pittsburgh Penguins
- C.St. Louis Blues
- D.Los Angeles Kings
Answer: Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers were one of the six teams added in the 1967 expansion.
Question 6
Name the 1967 expansion team based in St. Louis.?
Answer: St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues joined the NHL in the 1967 expansion.
Question 7
Which Pennsylvania club entered the NHL during the 1967 expansion alongside five other newcomers?
Answer: Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins were part of the NHL's 1967 expansion class.
Question 8
Which Southern California franchise was added in the 1967 NHL expansion?
- A.California Seals
- B.San Jose Sharks
- C.Anaheim Ducks
- D.Los Angeles Kings
Answer: Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings joined the NHL in the 1967 expansion.
Question 9
Before Dallas had the Stars, which franchise entered the NHL in the 1967 expansion?
Answer: Minnesota North Stars
The Minnesota North Stars were one of the six teams added in 1967.
Question 10
Which club from the 1967 expansion carried the Seals name into the NHL?
Answer: California Seals
The California Seals joined the NHL during the 1967 expansion.
Question 11
Which four teams entered the NHL as part of the 1979 WHA merger?
Answer: Edmonton, Hartford, Quebec, and Winnipeg
The four WHA merger teams in 1979 were Edmonton, Hartford, Quebec, and Winnipeg.
Question 12
In what year did the Atlanta Flames relocate to Calgary?
Answer: 1980
The Atlanta Flames moved to Calgary in 1980.
Question 13
The North Stars packed for Texas in what year?
Answer: 1993
The Minnesota North Stars moved to Dallas in 1993.
Question 14
Which year saw the original Winnipeg Jets move to Phoenix?
- A.1998
- B.1996
- C.1993
- D.1995
Answer: 1996
The original Winnipeg Jets relocated to Phoenix in 1996.
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