In what year was the National Hockey League (NHL) established?

The National Hockey League (NHL) was established in 1917, which marks a significant moment in the history of professional ice hockey. This foundation was initiated in Montreal, Quebec, in response to the disbanding of the National Hockey Association (NHA). The establishment of the NHL represented a pivotal change in the organization and governance of professional hockey, aiming to create a more stable and organized league system that would foster the growth of the sport across Canada and eventually into the United States.

The other years listed are significant in hockey history as well, but they do not coincide with the founding of the NHL. The year 1905, for example, is notable for the formation of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association, while 1926 is marked by the NHL's takeover of the old Western Hockey League, and 1934 is when the league began to expand further, solidifying its role in professional sports. However, the true beginning of the NHL as we know it today occurred in 1917.