The National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier professional ice hockey league globally, featuring 32 teams across North America, with 25 in the U.S. and 7 in Canada. Organized on November 26, 1917, in Montreal, it succeeded the National Hockey Association and initially consisted of four Canadian teams before expanding to the United States in 1924. A notable "Original Six" era, featuring only six teams, lasted from 1942 to 1967, after which the league underwent significant expansion to reach its current size.
The NHL's regular season runs from October to April, leading to the thrilling Stanley Cup playoffs, where 16 teams compete for the Stanley Cup, the oldest professional sports trophy in North America. The Montreal Canadiens hold the record for the most NHL titles with 25, showcasing a rich history of success. The league, headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, continues to be a major force in professional sports, concluding its season with a champion crowned in June.