Feb. 22: First hockey play-by-play; Manitoba Rugby Football League created.

February 22, 1892 - The Manitoba Rugby Football Union was created. The Winnipeg Football Club, a forerunner to the Blue Bombers, was a member team. For the story of how rugby football became Canadian football.

Winnipeg Free Press, February 22, 1923

February 22, 1923 - The Winnipeg Falcons beat Port Arthur 4 - 1 at the Winnipeg Amphitheatre. It put the Falcons atop the Manitoba Amateur Hockey League and guaranteed them a play-off spot.

What made this game important in hockey history is that it was broadcast live by the Winnipeg Free Press' short-lived CJCG radio station. It is credited as the first ever live play-by-play of a complete hockey game.

For more about CJCG and early Manitoba radio history.

© 2012, 2020 Christian Cassidy

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