NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday to celebrate the start of the 2015-16 NHL regular season.
Bettman was joined by New Jersey Devils forward Patrik Elias, New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey and pro scout Eric Cairns, and New York Rangers legend Rod Gilbert.
The 2015-16 season began Wednesday with the Montreal Canadiens visiting the Toronto Maple Leafs. Forward Max Pacioretty scored the season's first goal 3:09 into the first period to lead the Canadiens to a 3-1 win at Air Canada Centre. The Chicago Blackhawks also celebrated their 2015 Stanley Cup championship with a banner-raising ceremony before a 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers at United Center.
Seven games are on the schedule Thursday, including a nationally televised game between the Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche (9 p.m. ET; NBCSN).
The top-two picks of the 2015 NHL Draft will also make their respective debuts. Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are at Scottrade Center to play the St. Louis Blues (8 p.m. ET; SN360). Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres are home to face the Ottawa Senators.