Things I learned today

Today while I was dictating data from old newspapers into my mega database, I found out when the penalty shot was scored. According to December 1921 newspapers, the rule was brought in to provides a free shot for an attacking team where  a defending player deliberately commits a major file by tripping, etc., when the attacking players is in a position to shoot. It is proposed to have at least three places marked off 15 or 20 feet from where the shot will be provided. The league wanted to discourage this practice of tripping and committing major fouls under circumstances as outlined. The first penalty shot goal was scored by Tommy Dunderdale of the Victoria Aristocrats in a game against the Vancouver Millionaires on December 12, 1921. The referees seemed to have called penalty shots quite frequently, but there were not many goals scored.