# September 24 in Hockey History
September 24 has emerged as a notable date in NHL history, marked by several exceptional individual performances that showcase the offensive prowess demonstrated across different eras of professional hockey. While the league's regular season typically begins in October, preseason games and early-season contests have produced memorable moments on this calendar date.
A Pattern of Prolific Performances
What makes September 24 particularly significant in the NHL record is the recurring appearance of hat-trick performances. The date has been the stage for four separate three-goal performances spanning thirteen years, demonstrating a consistent pattern of exceptional offensive nights.
The most recent of these performances occurred in 2023, when Calgary Flames forward Matt Coronato recorded a dominant three-goal effort against the Vancouver Canucks. Coronato's output on this date extended beyond the hat trick itself—he registered an assist as well, compiling four points in the contest. This performance represented a significant display of offensive efficiency for the Flames forward.
Historical Context Across Decades
Moving backward through the records, September 24, 2013 saw Dallas Stars forward Colton Sceviour deliver a similar three-goal performance, though this time against the Colorado Avalanche. Like Coronato a decade later, Sceviour added an assist to his three-goal total, also accumulating four points in the game. The parallel performances by these two forwards suggest that September 24 may represent a particularly favorable date for offensive output.
The year 2010 proved especially prolific for September 24 performances, hosting two separate hat-trick efforts on the same calendar date. Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks scored three goals against the San Jose Sharks, while simultaneously, Tomas Kubalik of the Columbus Blue Jackets recorded his own three-goal performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Notably, both players registered their hat tricks without recording assists, focusing their impact purely on goal-scoring.
Significance and Analysis
The concentration of three-goal performances on this single date is statistically noteworthy. Hat tricks themselves represent rare individual accomplishments, occurring infrequently across an 82-game regular season. Having four such performances documented on the same calendar date across different seasons and different team pairings suggests either a remarkable coincidence or a particular competitive dynamic that characterizes September 24 contests in the NHL.
These performances occurred during preseason or early-season play, when teams are often in transition and defensive structures may still be solidifying. However, the quality of competition during these periods remains professional, and individual excellence still shines through against legitimate opposition.
By the Numbers
**4**: Hat-trick performances recorded on September 24 across four separate seasons**8**: Combined points generated by Matt Coronato and Colton Sceviour (each with 3G-1A)**6**: Combined goals scored by Corey Perry and Tomas Kubalik in 2010 performances**13**: Years spanning the earliest (2010) to most recent (2023) documented performances