In which year did La Presse first refer to hockey as "the national sport of Canada"?

La Presse, a prominent French-language newspaper in Canada, first referred to hockey as "the national sport of Canada" in 1896. This designation was significant because it highlighted the growing popularity of hockey in Canada and its cultural importance as a unifying sport for Canadians. The late 19th century marked a period when hockey began to gain recognition not only as a pastime but as a key element of Canadian identity. The term "national sport" reflected this shift and contributed to the foundation of hockey's enduring reputation in the nation.

The other years listed do not capture this pivotal moment in hockey's history as accurately as 1896, marking that year as a key milestone in recognizing hockey's place in Canadian culture.