The Vancouver Millionaires win the 1915 Stanley Cup Finals, the first championship played between the Pacific Coast Hockey Association and the National Hockey Association.

The **Vancouver Millionaires**, a name that echoes through the early annals of professional **ice hockey**, were a formidable force based in Vancouver, British Columbia, during a crucial period for the sport. Initially known as the Millionaires, they later rebranded as the **Vancouver Maroons**. This pioneering team competed across the **Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA)** and the **Western Canada Hockey League** from 1911 until 1926, leaving an indelible mark on Canadian sports history. Their home ice was the magnificent **Denman Arena**, a truly groundbreaking facility that boasted Canada's very first artificial ice surface and was, remarkably, the largest indoor ice rink in the world when it first opened its doors. This arena wasn't just a venue; it was a symbol of Vancouver's ambition and its passion for the burgeoning sport of hockey.

Throughout their tenure, the Millionaires/Maroons proved to be consistent contenders. They captured the PCHA championship an impressive six times, securing titles in 1915, 1918, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924. However, their crowning achievement came in 1915 when they lifted the coveted **Stanley Cup**, triumphing over the National Hockey Association's (NHA) **Ottawa Senators**. This victory not only cemented their legacy but also marked a significant moment for Western Canadian hockey.

A Distinctive Look and Enduring Legacy

The Millionaires' identity was as distinctive as their play. Their jerseys were a striking maroon, boldly featuring a large white 'V'. Uniquely, the team's name, "Vancouver," was spelled out down one side of the 'V' and continued up the other, a memorable design for fans of the era. The team was also home to some of the sport's all-time greats. Legends like **Fred "Cyclone" Taylor**, renowned for his incredible speed and skill, **Mickey MacKay**, and **Didier Pitre** were among the most significant players to proudly wear the Millionaires/Maroons uniform, contributing immensely to the team's success and reputation.

The legacy of the **Vancouver Millionaires** continues to resonate today, particularly in their home city. On October 1, 2010, the **Vancouver Canucks**, the city's current NHL franchise, made a significant announcement: their president and management had officially purchased the rights to the Millionaires' historic logos, jerseys, and trademarks. This acquisition was a heartfelt nod to the past, allowing the Canucks to occasionally honor their predecessors. Since then, the Canucks have donned special Millionaires throwback uniforms on several memorable occasions. Perhaps most notably, they proudly sported these vintage jerseys on March 2, 2014, during the **2014 Heritage Classic** outdoor game, once again facing off against the **Ottawa Senators**, a poetic echo of that historic 1915 Stanley Cup rivalry.

The Historic 1915 Stanley Cup Finals: A Western Triumph

The **1915 Stanley Cup Finals** remains a pivotal moment in hockey history, showcasing the burgeoning talent from the West Coast. Played between March 22 and 26, 1915, this series saw the PCHA champion **Vancouver Millionaires** dominate the NHA champion **Ottawa Senators**. In a best-of-five game series, the Millionaires swept the Senators three games to none, demonstrating their clear superiority. All the finals games were contested in Vancouver, with games one, three, and five adhering to PCHA rules, a strategic advantage for the home team. This monumental victory made the Millionaires the very first team from the PCHA to hoist the **Stanley Cup**, a monumental achievement that shifted the balance of power, at least temporarily, from the traditionally dominant Eastern teams. It was also the second time a Stanley Cup championship series pitted the champions of the NHA against those of the PCHA, and notably, the first time such a final was hosted in a PCHA rink, bringing the excitement of professional hockey to Western Canadian fans like never before.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Vancouver Millionaires

Who were the Vancouver Millionaires?
The **Vancouver Millionaires** were a professional **ice hockey** team based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They competed from 1911 to 1926, initially in the **Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA)** and later in the **Western Canada Hockey League**. They were also known as the **Vancouver Maroons** during part of their history.
When did the Vancouver Millionaires win the Stanley Cup?
The **Vancouver Millionaires** won the **Stanley Cup** once, in 1915. They defeated the Ottawa Senators of the NHA in a three-game sweep.
What was Denman Arena?
**Denman Arena** was the home rink for the **Vancouver Millionaires**. It was a historically significant venue, notable for being the first artificial ice surface in Canada and the largest indoor ice rink in the world at the time of its opening.
Who were some famous players for the Millionaires?
The Millionaires boasted several Hockey Hall of Fame players, including **Fred "Cyclone" Taylor**, **Mickey MacKay**, and **Didier Pitre**, who were instrumental in the team's success.
Do the Vancouver Millionaires still exist?
No, the **Vancouver Millionaires** ceased operations in 1926. However, their legacy lives on, particularly through the **Vancouver Canucks**, who purchased the rights to their logos and jerseys in 2010 and occasionally wear Millionaires throwback uniforms to honor the historic team.
When did the Canucks wear Millionaires jerseys?
The **Vancouver Canucks** have worn Millionaires throwback uniforms on several occasions since purchasing the rights in 2010. A notable instance was on March 2, 2014, during the **2014 Heritage Classic** game against the **Ottawa Senators**.