By the Letters: The Power of "B" in NHL History
When considering the illustrious history of the NHL, few letters carry as much weight as letter “B.” It’s the calling card of an “Original Six” titan, the namesake of the league's most soulful trophy, and the first letter of the surname that helped redefine what a defenseman could be.
The Eight-Spoked B: More Than a Logo
When you talk about the letter "B" in hockey, you’re talking about the Boston Bruins. Since 1924, the Bruins have played in the NHL, making the organization the third oldest active NHL team. While the colours shifted from the original brown and gold to the iconic black and gold, the vibe has stayed the same: tough, loyal, and competitive. Since 1948, the Bruins' eight-spoked black and gold logo has helped turn the letter “B” into a global shorthand for grit and excellence.
Cool Fact: Following the Boston Bruins' departure from the Boston Arena, the Bruins played at the Boston Garden for 67 seasons (1928-1995); the TD Garden is now called home.
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Perseverance and Dedication
The letter “B” also belongs to the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. To commemorate the perseverance and dedication to the game of hockey embodied by Bill Masterton, the 29-year old NHL rookie, the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy honours an NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey”; a clear reminder of the human side of the game. The most recent winners of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy include: Sean Monahan (2025); Connor Ingram (2024); and Kris Letang (2023).
Cool Fact: In 1968, Claude Provost was awarded the first Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
Bourque: The Gold Standard of Defensemen
Lastly, you can’t talk about the letter "B" without Ray Bourque. Although Bourque famously finally hoisted the Stanley Cup in Colorado, his legacy was forged over his 21 seasons in Boston Bruins jersey. Bourque didn’t just play defense; he mastered it. He still holds the NHL records for goals (410), assists (1,169), and points (1,579) by a defenseman. With five James Norris Memorial Trophies and the Calder Memorial Trophy (1980), Bourque turned his last name into a permanent part of the NHL's elite "B" history.
Cool Fact: Ray Bourque was selected to the 100 Greatest NHL Players list.
B: The Letter’s Significance in NHL History
Whether it is proudly stamped in the middle of a team logo, the namesake of a prestigious league-wide award, or the first letter in the surname of a legendary defenseman, the letter "B" represents the very best of the NHL.