November 17

Events - Sports

1896day.year

The Western Pennsylvania Hockey League, which later became the first ice hockey league to openly trade and hire players, began play at Pittsburgh's Schenley Park Casino.

The Western Pennsylvania Hockey League begins play in Pittsburgh, pioneering organized ice hockey competition with paid players.
On November 17, 1896, the Western Pennsylvania Hockey League (WPHL) held its inaugural games at Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park Casino. The WPHL became notable as the first organized ice hockey league to openly hire and trade professional players. Its formation marked a shift from amateur to professional hockey, influencing the sport’s future development. Teams competed on indoor artificial ice, attracting growing crowds eager for fast-paced winter entertainment. The league’s success in Pittsburgh helped lay the groundwork for modern professional hockey leagues in North America. Though the WPHL operated for only a few seasons, its legacy endured through the professional structures it inspired.
1896 Western Pennsylvania Hockey League ice hockey began play Pittsburgh Schenley Park Casino
1968day.year

Viewers of the Raiders–Jets football game in the eastern United States are denied the opportunity to watch its exciting finish when NBC broadcasts Heidi instead, prompting changes to sports broadcasting in the U.S.

NBC cuts away from the Raiders–Jets game for 'Heidi', sparking fan outrage and changing sports broadcasting.
On November 17, 1968, NBC interrupted the thrilling conclusion of a Raiders–Jets football game to air the family movie Heidi. Viewers in the Eastern United States missed the dramatic final plays, leading to widespread protest. The incident, dubbed the ‘Heidi Game’, underscored the clash between scheduled programming and live sports. In response, networks established rules to ensure that future games would be broadcast to completion. This event reshaped the way television handles live sports, prioritizing fans’ viewing experience. The ‘Heidi Game’ remains a landmark moment in American broadcasting history.
Raiders–Jets football game NBC Heidi