STEVE WOCHY - THE OLDEST LIVING FORMER NHL PLAYER

When Jim Conacher passed away earlier this month, Steve Wochy became the oldest living former National Hockey League player.

Born Steven Wojciechowski on December 25, 1922, in Fort William, Ontario, the spelling of his surname was altered to Wochy at a young age, as it was difficult to pronounce. One scribe wrote, "Steve became a real favourite with sports writers, copy readers and linotype operators - not to mention radio sportscasters when he shortened his name to Steve Wochy.

Beginning in 1938-39, Wochy, who skated on the right side, had a four year run in the Thunder Bay Junior Hockey League. His first team was the Fort William Maroons, then in 1939-40, he joined the Port Arthur West Ends. When their post-season came to a close, Wochy played senior hockey with the Port Arthur Bearcats in pursuit of an Allan Cup championship.

In 1941-42, Wochy had an off the charts year with Port Arthur. In a stunning display of offensive hockey, he scored 22 goals and 41 assists for 63 points in only 18 games. Although he didn't lead the league in goals, he led all players with 41 helpers.

As planned, Wochy switched sweaters and helped the senior Bearcats battle the Ottawa R.C.A.F. Flyers in the Allan Cup final. The best-of-five final went the distance with game five taking place on April 25, 1942, at Maple Leaf Gardens. Unfortunately for Wochy and his teammates, they were crushed 7-1. In the final, Wochy earned an assist in game one, and scored his lone goal in period three of game three, with assists going to future Hockey Hall of Famer Edgar Laprade and Lyn McDougall.

Also, in October 1941, Wochy attended the New York Americans training camp in Port Arthur, Ontario. The NHL club held their camp in Port Arthur, Ontario, and Wochy skated alongside veterans like Lorne Carr, Buzz Boll, Mel Hill and Harvey "Busher" Jackson.

The next year, Wochy moved south to play senior hockey in the OHA with the St. Catharines Saints. In 17 games, he amassed 39 points in 17 contests.

Wochy's next stop blended his love of both Country and hockey. At the age of 21, he joined the Canadian Army and was able to spend time on the ice. In 1943-44, he participated in 10 games with Winnipeg Army of the National Defence Hockey League.

After his discharge from the Army, and with NHL rosters ravaged by regulars still serving, Wochy got a chance to play for the Detroit Red Wings. He made his National Hockey League debut on October 29, 1944, at home against the Boston Bruins.

Detroit remained in the Motor City for game two on their schedule and Wochy scored his first two NHL goals. The Red Wings hosted the New York Rangers and in net for the visitors was Ken McAuley. A native of Edmonton, Alberta, McAuley was shell-shocked as the Red Wings hammered the Rangers by a score of 10-3.

His first year in Detroit was a huge success as Wochy put up 39 points in 49 games. This included 19 goals, which was one shy of the 20 goal benchmark for elite scorers. He was in the hunt for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie, but finished far behind the winner, Toronto goalie Frank McCool, and runner-up Ken Smith of Boston. His teammate, Ted Lindsay, was third in the voting.

Despite his production in his freshman year, Wochy couldn't land a job with the Red Wings. Instead, he split the 1945-46 season between the Indianapolis Capitols and Omaha Knights. These were Detroit's farm teams in American Hockey League and the United States Hockey League.

In a November 1945 newspaper story, Montreal coach, Dick Irvin, referred to Wochy and Ken Smith being sent to the minors after they made an impact. The article on wartime hockey observed how in certain cases, those who returned from the service made it difficult for their replacements to remain in the NHL.

Clearly, Wochy and others fell under those parameters.

When the Red Wings opened their 1946-47 campaign, Wochy skated in 5 matches, and by late October was shipped to Indianapolis along with Cliff Simpson and Hugh Millar. This marked the end of Wochy's journey in the National Hockey League.

The final tally reveals he played in 54 regular season games and scored 19 goals and 20 assists for 39 points. In 6 playoff contests, he assisted on one goal.

During the balance of his career, Wochy was a solid performer in the American Hockey League.

With Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Buffalo, he scored 20 or more goals from 1947 to 1954. The one exception was his final year as a Buffalo Bison in 1954-55. He scored 5 goals in 17 games. Wochy hung up his skates after finishing '54-'55 in the Northern Ontario Hockey League with the S. S. Marie Greyhounds.

Wochy's best work in the AHL came as a member of the Cleveland Barons.

In Wochy's second term with the Barons, they won the 1951 Calder Cup championship over the Pittsburgh Hornets in the seventh and deciding game. Unfortunately for Wochy, his season and playoffs, ended when he suffered a broken cheek bone in a tilt against Hershey on March 4, 1951. Up to the point of being sidelined, Wochy was having a banner year. He posted 56 points in 58 outings.

The following year, Wochy led the AHL in goals scored with 37, and he accumulated 78 points in 68 contests. The 40 points he gathered in the All-Star voting earned him the right wing spot on the First Team.

Cleveland reached the AHL final in 1953, and once again, squared off against the Pittsburgh Hornets. This time around, Wochy after another 37 goal campaign, was able to join his teammates as they captured the title in game 7. After regulation time expired, the game went to overtime and Barons' defenceman Bob Chrystal settled the matter with his goal at 6:23 of OT. The Barons defeated the Hornets 1-0, with future Toronto Maple Leaf goalie Johnny Bower, getting the shutout.

After a hockey career that began in 1938, which included 54 NHL games, 97 year-old Steven Wojciechowski aka Wochy, can take his place as the oldest living former National Hockey League player.

JIM CONACHER - 1921-2020 - A LONG LIFE

The oldest living former National Hockey League player passed away on April 9, 2020. Jim Conacher was born in Motherwell, Scotland on May 5, 1921, and died just shy of his 99th birthday.

His family moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada when Conacher was an infant.

"I was six years old when I first started to skate," Conacher told Ken McKenzie of The Hockey News in a 1948 interview. "It wasn't long after that I started to hold a hockey stick in my hands while skating. And do you know that if I skate today without holding my stick, I feel off balance."

Conacher played his junior hockey with the Toronto Young Rangers and Oshawa Generals. It was during this time, he learnt how to play the game.

"It is my opinion hockey players are made between the ages of 15 and 19," said Conacher in the feature story. "Those are the formative years and it's the things you learn during that time that will stick with you throughout out the rest of your hockey career."

Like most young men from his generation, Conacher's hockey career was interrupted when he joined the Army during World War Two. This came on the heels of his first pro season in the United States Hockey League with the Omaha Knights.

When he returned to civilian life, Conacher, whose rights belonged to the Detroit Red Wings, split his time between the Wings' farm team in Indianapolis and the parent club during the 1945-46 season.

The same division of playing time applied the following year in 1946-47.

This was a pattern shared by many with the ambition of sticking with a big league club. It was felt in many circles that seasoning was a necessary part of becoming a National Hockey League player. They were taught, as in the case of Conacher, how to become a Red Wing, and what was expected of them.

In his second spell - 1946-47 - with the Indianapolis Capitals, Conacher got off to a solid start and produced 33 points in 24 contests. This earned him another chance to show if he was ready to become a regular member of the Red Wings.

He was summoned by Detroit to play against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Christmas Day 1946. A newspaper report mentioned Conacher's involvement in the Red Wings lone goal of the game: Although he was not credited with an assist, Jim Conacher, playing his first game after being recalled from Indianapolis, [the] Red Wings' minor league farm club, set up the Detroit score. Syd [Sid] Abel finished the play. Conacher, no relation to Roy, was one of the best men for Detroit.

Conacher didn't squander the opportunity to show his game had matured to the point where he could make a solid contribution at the NHL level. In only 33 games, he scored 16 goals and 13 assists. The benchmark for elite scorers was 20, so Conacher was well within reach of accomplishing that feat.

His contributions to the Red Wings didn't go unnoticed around the league. In the voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy, the prize for the top NHL rookie, Conacher was the runner-up to Howie Meeker of the Leafs.

Of interest, another rookie on Detroit's roster, only managed to score 7 goals in the 58 games he appeared in. His name is Gordie Howe.

The Red Wings had seen enough to give Conacher a permanent roster spot in the 1947-48 season. Although his goals only increased by one to 17, Conacher's assists jumped to 23, and he recorded 40 points in 60 games.

Eager to further develop his strengths and skills, Conacher scored one goal in Detroit's first four games on the 1948-49 schedule. Just as Conacher was getting back into the groove, he was notified of the October 25, 1948, trade that sent him to the Chicago Black Hawks.

He discussed the deal with Ken McKenzie when the Hawks visited Montreal for a date with the Canadiens on December 11, 1948.

"I think the deal that brought Bep Guidolin, Doug McCaig and myself from Detroit to the Hawks for George Gee and Bud Poile is one that will work out satisfactorily for everyone concerned," said Conacher. I know it's sure worked out great for me. I've never been so contented playing professional hockey before. The fellows on the Hawks are a swell bunch and we all get together so well."

One of the highlights of Jim Conacher's career came early in his time with the Hawks.

Chicago was home at Chicago Stadium when they hosted the New York Rangers for an encounter on November 25, 1948. In this contest, Conacher unleashed his scoring prowess by connecting for four goals against New York netminder Chuck Rayner. He scored one goal in the opening period, two in the second period, and one in the final twenty minutes of play.

"I've scored two goals in a game on three occasions with Detroit, but the game on November 25 against the Rangers was the first time I'd wrung up the hat trick in the NHL," said Conacher of his big night. "I was as happy as a little kid at Christmas that night."

The change of scenery, from Detroit to Chicago, did a world of good when it came to Conacher's performance. The ledger shows he scored 25 goals (plus one for Detroit) and 23 helpers for 48 points in 55 games as a Black Hawk.

In author Kevin Shea's book on Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman, Bill Barilko, he included a quote by Barilko from an interview late in the '48-'49 season on CFRB radio. The interview was conducted by Wes McKnight. Barilko and McKnight talked about the forwards that gave Barilko the most difficulty  when it came to toughness.

"Why, I'd have to say Maurice Richard, Doug Bentley and Jimmy Conacher, who I haven't caught yet," said Barilko in response to the question. Barilko, known for his thunderous bodychecks, that ended many opposition rushes, placed Conacher in some lofty company. It can be drawn from the statement that Conacher was elusive and was crafty enough not to fall prey to rugged defenders like Bill Barilko.

McKenzie in his piece, described Conacher's game as "weaving and bobbing," which certainly coincides with Barilko being unable to physically contain Conacher.

The next year, Conacher's numbers dropped (66-13-20-33) and the Black Hawks inability to climb up the standings continued. They were perennial cellar dwellers along with the New York Rangers.

In 1950-51, the relationship between Conacher and the Black Hawks turned sour. He started the year with the farm team in Milwaukee, but on November 2, 1950, Conacher was suspended indefinitely by Chicago. Johnny Gottselig, the GM of the Hawks, explained that Conacher, who refused to take a pay cut, "Didn't show much" with the Sea Gulls.

By late November, Conacher was back with Chicago and finished the season with 10 goals and 27 assists in 52 games.

There was more turmoil for Conacher when the 1951-52 season got underway. Any hope of a future in the Windy City flew out the window as he was claimed on waivers by the New York Rangers on October 26, 1951.

Conacher's misery continued in New York and hit a low point on November 3, when the Blueshirts tangled with the Leafs at Maple Leaf Gardens. After a colliding with Leafs' forward Tod Sloan, Conacher left the game and it was later discovered he suffered a fractured knee cap.

His combined numbers with Chicago and New York, 21-0-2-3, reflected a player whose time ran out with the Hawks, and injury prohibited his time with the Rangers.

The end of Conacher's career came after dividing the 1952-53 season between the Rangers and Buffalo Bisons of the American Hockey League. His production was minimal and at the age of 32, the playing curve on his career was on a quick descent from the peak.

THE NHL'S TOP ROOKIE FOR 1948

The ambition of every hockey player entering the National Hockey League is to secure a roster spot and make the most of the opportunity. And those talented and productive enough to remain in the line-up, compete for one of hockey's most prestigious trophies, the Calder Memorial Trophy, which awarded to the top rookie.

The winner of the 1948 Calder Trophy was Detroit's Jim McFadden.

Born in Belfast, Ireland, on April 15, 1920, McFadden got his first taste of action with the Detroit Red Wings during the playoffs in 1947. He skated in four games and earned two assists.

At training camp in the fall, McFadden, who played up the middle, went to work and showed why he should be a regular on the Wings. For example, in an exhibition match against the AHL Cleveland Barons in Winnipeg, Manitoba, McFadden had a five point game in Detroit's 8-2 victory. He had a hat trick plus two assists.

When Detroit opened their 1947-48 campaign at home on October 15, McFadden reciprocated the faith his coach, Tommy Ivan, showed in him. In a solid outing, he fired home two goals in his team's 4-2 victory over the Chicago Black Hawks. Both goals were scored against Chicago goalie Emile Francis. A UPI report described the goals:

Freshman McFadden scored twice for Detroit in the second period. He rammed in a rebound at 2:20 with Dick Butler of the Hawks in penitence, and his second came midway through the session on a pass from Gordie Howe.

McFadden's ability to bury the puck in the net was highlighted in a November 22 game against the Chicago Black Hawks. In a span of eight-seconds, he connected for two goals to set a new National Hockey League record for the fastest two goals by a player.

Before Christmas, the NHL released a list of the "eligible players" in the running for the Calder Trophy. All six teams were represented with names like Doug Harvey (MTL), Pete Babando (BOS), Metro Prystai (CHI), Don Raleigh (NY), and Bill Barilko (TOR). McFadden not only topped the Red Wings' list, but many in the press identified him as the favourite to capture the trophy named after former NHL president Frank Calder. Perhaps, the stiffest competition for McFadden came from within his own club. The Detroit list included Max McNab, Marty Pavlich, Don Morrison, and Rod Morrison.

In a February 1948 interview, Detroit's general manager, Jack Adams, talked about his prized rookie.

"Detroit's most valuable rookie in all the years I've been associated with the club," said Adams glowingly of McFadden.

 This may seem like a strange statement since Adams watched other prospects like Ted Lindsay play their freshman year in the Motor City. His appreciation for McFadden stemmed from him being a rookie at the age of 27 and the experience he brought to the table. Prior to joining the Red Wings, McFadden toiled for seven seasons in the minor leagues and had a leg up on the other first-timers entering the NHL. 

Of note, McFadden had an audition with the Montreal Canadiens, but they felt his size of 5 feet-seven inches was too small for the rough and tumble ways of the NHL.

To clarify his statement, Adams elaborated on McFadden's current worth and what the future may look like for him.

"Now don't get me wrong, McFadden may not end up as an all-star because after all he's 27 years old and probably at the peak of his play, but we've never had a man break in as a major leaguer who was worth so much to the club."

In the article, it was mentioned that McFadden had already scored 19 goals and added 18 helpers.

When Detroit ended their regular season schedule on April 14, 1948, McFadden's point count had risen to 48 points in 60 games. This included 24 goals and 24 assists.

Come late April, the NHL released the voting results for the Calder Trophy and as expected, McFadden was named the winner. The voting was done by three sports writers from each NHL location. The count revealed that he received 50 of a possible 54 votes. Only one writer failed to consider McFadden. On the other hand, 16 writers made him the top choice. In the voting process, three points were given for first choice, two for second, and one point for third choice.

The final calculations gave McFadden 50 points, and a huge margin over Babando (22), Kelly (14), Raleigh (8), Ed Sandford (8), and Barilko (4).

Along with the honour of winning a major NHL trophy, McFadden banked $1,000 as the financial compensation for being the top rookie.

When Jim McFadden left the NHL in 1954, after playing for both Detroit and Chicago, his first year remained to be his finest. His goal and point production dropped, but his defensive play, especially in Detroit, helped take the burden off Ted Lindsay. The closest he got to matching his rookie numbers came in 1952-53 with Chicago. In 70 games, McFadden amassed 44 points on 23 goals and 21 assists.

His body of work in the NHL is composed of 412 regular season games and 100 goals/126 assists/226 points. In the playoffs his record in 49 games is 10 goals/9 assists/19 points.

McFadden became a Stanley Cup champion with Detroit in 1950, and played in the 1950 All-Star Game. 

He entered the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame as an Honoured Member in the class of 2004.

Jim McFadden passed away on August 28, 2002. 

A SWEEP FOR THE NEW YORK RANGERS

The New York Rangers entered the National Hockey in time for the 1926-27 season, and in the following year were crowned Stanley Cup champions when they defeated the Montreal Maroons 2-1 on April 14, 1928.

In all their year's competing for Lord Stanley's Cup, it is an interesting fact they never swept a playoff series until the spring of 1972.

On April 16, 1972, the Rangers opened their semi-final series against the Black Hawks at Chicago Stadium. The format was a best-of-seven showdown.

New York got off to a great start by taking both games on the road. Game one was close, with the Rangers squeaking out a 3-2 victory. The Rangers weren't content with only one win as they downed Chicago 5-3 in game two.

The series shifted east for two contests at New York's Madison Square Garden on April 20 and 23.

When the Rangers defeated Chicago by a score of 3-2 in game three, the stage was set for the brooms to come out at the Garden. The Black Hawks were on the ropes as they faced elimination if they failed to win game four and secure a ticket to return home for the fifth game.

Pressure clearly was on the Hawks to find a way to earn a win and take a step towards getting back into the series. But the Rangers knew they had Chicago down for the count and had no intention of letting them get back up.

Chicago opened the scoring when Bobby Hull beat Gilles Villemure in the Rangers' net at 5:37. New York responded shortly after, at 5:49, when Phil Goyette tied the game. The exchanging of goals became a pattern as the game progressed.

"We would get a lead and then the next line would go out there and bingo the Rangers would score," said Hull of his team's inability to build a lead. "This takes the heart out of you. Working like hell and then going to the bench and watching while you're tied up or behind."

The point-getters for New York in this contest were Rod Gilbert (pictured above) and Bobby Rousseau.

Gilbert notched the game-winning goal in New York's 6-2 victory, when he beat Tony Esposito at the 4:37 mark of period two. He finished the night with a goal and three helpers. Rousseau, who won four Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, contributed two goals and two assists.

Ranger center, Pete Stemkowski, provided analysis on why his team was able to oust the Black Hawks in four straight.

"We didn't change our game-plan in any one of the four wins," said Stemkowski, a Stanley Cup champion with the 1967 Toronto Maple Leafs. "Our center's forechecked deep and tough, taking the first puck carrier. This prevented them from turning those wings loose with long, well-aimed passes which was their trademark all season."

KEN DRYDEN - THE NEW PLAYOFF KING

To say the Montreal Canadiens were ready for the 1979 playoffs is a huge understatement.

Based on their regular season record of 52-17-11 in 80 games, the Habs were prepared to defend their Stanley Cup championship from the previous year. Only the New York Islanders with 116 points topped the Canadiens point total of 115.

Montreal had a powerful offence that scored 337 goals, second best for the 1978-79 season, but on defence, the goaltending tandem of Ken Dryden and Bunny Larocque led the league with the fewest goals against - 204 - and were honoured with the Vezina Trophy.

The Canadiens sweep of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the quarter-finals was especially sweet for Ken Dryden.

When Montreal bounced the Leafs in game four, the 5-4 victory on April 22, 1979, was Dryden's 72nd win in NHL playoff competition. The new playoff King moved passed former Montreal legend, Jacques Plante, to earn top spot in the win column.

The win didn't come easy, as the Leafs fought back from a 4 goal deficit to force sudden death overtime.

And sudden death for Toronto came at the 4:14 mark of the first overtime period.

The game-winning goal was scored by defenceman Larry Robinson on the power play with Tiger Williams in the penalty box. Frank Orr of the Toronto Star wrote, "Leafs had killed 1.24 of the two minutes when Robinson drove a slap-shot from the blueline through a screen of players in front of Leaf goalie Paul Harrison to complete the sweep."

Jacques Plante earned his 71st playoff win on April 28, 1970, in game five of the St. Louis Blues semi-final series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. As a result of Plante blanking the Penguins 5-0, he became the all-time leader in NHL playoff shutouts with 14. Plante shared the previous record of 13 with former Toronto Maple Leaf goalie Turk Broda.

THE BARILKO GOAL - APRIL 21, 1951

I can only imagine what it was like to be a young hockey fan back on that Saturday night in 1951, when Bill Barilko finished off the Montreal Canadiens with his overtime winner in game five of the Stanley Cup final.

A couple of things I do know; I would've listened to Foster Hewitt's call on the radio, and waited for the Monday newspaper so I could cut out clippings for my scrapbook.

Since the above wasn't possible, I decided to go digital and crop items I thought would make my scrapbook.

Here is a sampling from the goal to the post-game celebrations...

CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS

JEAN BELIVEAU'S LONE PLAYOFF HAT TRICK

When delving into Jean Beliveau's playoff statistical record, it isn't difficult to discover why he is considered a legend in the game.

In 17 post-seasons, Beliveau played in 162 games, scored 79 goals and 97 assists for a grand total of 176 points. He won ten Stanley Cups from 1956 to 1971. Also, Beliveau, in 1965, had the distinction of being the initial winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the playoffs.

Beliveau's one and only playoff hat trick came in game two of the Canadiens semi-final series against the Chicago Black Hawks. The contest was played on April 20, 1968, at the Forum in Montreal.

He began his demolition of the Black Hawks in the first period after Chicago had taken a 1-0 lead on a goal by Stan Mikita. After Mikita's tally, Beliveau rolled up his sleeves and went to work. His first goal came when he beat Chicago goalie Denis DeJordy by "jabbing" the puck into the net.

In period two, Beliveau broke the 1-1 tie with his second goal of the game at 10:04.

Before Beliveau completed his hat trick, teammate Jacques Lemaire enhanced the Canadiens lead with a goal at the 15:41 mark. Beliveau earned an assist on the goal. "Rookie Jacques Lemaire sandwiched a goal between two sparkling Beliveau counters in the second period. All came on power plays."

At 17:57 of the middle frame, Beliveau scored his third goal of the game. "Beliveau, putting his reach to excellent use, scooped a backhand shot from 20 feet away as he pivoted in front of DeJordy."

A game report noted that with the hat trick, Beliveau's playoff goal count of 67, placed him second behind the retired "Rocket" Richard's 82 goals. His three goals against Chicago enabled him to leap over Gordie Howe and his 65 playoff goals.

As for a memento to remember his first NHL playoff hat trick, Beliveau was informed by the Habs trainer that the wife of team president, David Molson, had requested the stick and puck from his third goal. Also, she made a caveat that if Beliveau wanted the souvenirs, she would return them. Beliveau, however, was able to pose for a picture holding three pucks.

"It's nice to get three goals but the big thing is to win," Beliveau said after graciously giving his blessing to Mrs. Molson keeping the stick and puck. "In this game we did not start fast enough. We will have to be sharper in Chicago because [the] Hawks will be much tougher."

After winning the first two games in Montreal, the Canadiens and Hawks split the next two games at Chicago Stadium. On home ice for game five, Montreal's 4-3 overtime win sent them to the Stanley Cup final against the St. Louis Blues. The Canadiens swept the Blues to win the first Stanley Cup in the post-expansion era.

STAN "THE MAN" MIKITA

In the spring of 1962, the Chicago Black Hawks were hoping to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. After eliminating the Montreal Canadiens in their semi-final match up, they advanced to the Cup final for a showdown with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

One of Chicago's leaders was center Stan Mikita and in game five of the Cup final, he established two new NHL records. The game took place at Maple Leaf Gardens on April 19, 1962.

His two assists on goals scored by Ab McDonald enabled Mikita to set a new mark for playoff points and assists in one playoff year. He became the new point leader by passing Gordie Howe's record of 20 points, which went into the books in 1955. The two helpers gave Mikita a total of 15 assists, also new record.

Ab McDonald's goals were described by Jim Vipond of The Globe and Mail as follows:

Ab McDonald got the second period underway with two quick goals. McDonald picked up a loose puck at centre ice as Stan Mikita and Horton [Tim] jousted against the boards and ... found scoring success with a long shot. Dick Duff was serving a charging penalty when McDonald put Chicago in front 3-2. Again it was a long rising shot but this time from the right side of the rink.

While Mikita was able to achieve personal success in game five, the Maple Leafs doubled them up on the scoreboard by a score of 8-4. And it didn't get better for Chicago in game six at Chicago Stadium. In a tight contest, the Leafs defeated Chicago 2-1, and departed the Windy City with the Stanley Cup.

A COMEBACK FOR THE AGES IN 1942

Tonight is the 78th anniversary of the greatest comeback in professional sports history.

Down three games in the best-of-seven 1942 Stanley Cup final, the Toronto Maple Leafs proceeded to win the next four games against Detroit and captured the Stanley Cup.

The game-winning goal was scored by Pete Langelle at the 9:48 mark of the third period. Bob Goldham and John McCreedy assisted on the goal.

"We had a bit of the party that night after the game with some friends and relatives, but I was so tired I couldn't enjoy it," Goldham recalled.

On July 9, 1942, Bob Goldham joined the Canadian Navy.

"It seemed as though a phase in my life was over, that my time as a youth was finished and it was my time to grow up," Goldham said of the big change in his life.

BERNIE PARENT - SAVE AFTER SAVE

To succeed in the Stanley Cup playoffs a team must have a reliable goalie between the pipes. His ability to gain the confidence of his teammates is crucial. Blunders by a goalie can sink the ship. A hot goalie in the post-season is often referred to as a money-goalie.

On April 16, 1968, Philadelphia Flyers' goalie, Bernie Parent, took possession of the ships' wheel and led the Flyers to a 2-1 double-overtime win against the St. Louis Blues. This was game six of their quarter-final series.

Unwilling to fold under a constant barrage of pucks being fired at him, Parent only surrounded one goal as he faced a total of 64 shots. At the other end, St. Louis goalie Glenn Hall encountered 43 shots. The lone Blues' tally came when Parent wasn't able to stop a backhand shot by Gerry Melnyk at the 18:06 mark of the first period.

In what appeared to be a case of the Flyers not being able to take advantage of Parent's ability to keep them in the game, their offence sputtered through most of the regulation time. It looked like Melnyk's goal would stand as the winner.

With time clicking down on the clock, the Flyers were able to get the equalizer against Glenn Hall. It came about with Parent on the bench for an extra-attacker. Andre Lacroix, with 15 seconds remaining, scored on a scramble in front of Hall, who dove on the ice for the puck. Once Lacroix gained control of the puck, he had an open net and shot it home.

The contest went to a second overtime period when neither team scored in the first twenty minutes of extra-time.

At the 11:18 mark of period two of overtime, Philadelphia forward Don Blackburn settled the matter.

A wire service story wrote that, "Blackburn fooled goalie Glenn Hall with a deflected slider to spoil the night for 13,738 St. Louis fans."

For his part, Blackburn wasn't sure his shot had the accuracy to find the net.

"I didn't think the puck was going to go in when it left my stick," said Blackburn. "It wasn't a good shot, a weirdo that changed direction after hitting a stick. But I won't throw it back."

While much of the attention focused on Blackburn's game-winner, Bernie Parent's performance was just as vital. His save after save following Melnyk's opening goal, brought his team to the point Blackburn could end the game. In the second overtime, Parent turned aside all ten St. Louis shots, while Hall only faced two shots.

The win was huge for Philly as it forced a seventh and deciding game. Also, it marked the first overtime win for the expansion franchise.

In game seven back in Philadelphia, the Blues rebounded with a 3-1 win to eliminate the Flyers.

A CUP-WINNING GOAL FOR CAL GARDNER

In a year where the possibility exists that the Stanley Cup will not be awarded, it is good to be reminded of past Cup champions.

And that was the case this morning when I read a Facebook post by Paul Gardner. His dad, Cal Gardner, scored the Cup-winning goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1949 final. With the score deadlocked at one goal apiece late in the second period, Gardner notched the winner against Detroit netminder, Harry Lumley.

A newspaper article described the goal as follows:

With 15 seconds left in the middle period, Jack Stewart became more interested in separating a stickless Bill Ezinicki from his wishbone than protecting "Lum." Bill promptly kicked the puck to Jim Thomson, who fed Cal Gardner a pass. Cal raced down the lane left vacant by Stewart, shifted Lumley from the post with a twist of his hips (rhumba style), and then fired home the winner.

CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

The 3-1 victory made the Leafs the first modern day team to capture three consecutive Stanley Cups.

Also, the post by Paul Gardner brought back a wonderful memory from my childhood that included Cal Gardner and my dad.

On what seemed like a typical late afternoon, Dad arrived home from work and headed right for my room. The big smile on his face was an indicator he had some good news to tell me. Instead, there was silence as he pulled a piece of paper from his suit pocket and placed it in my hand.

It read, "Jim, loads of luck, Cal Gardner."

Dad broke the silence as he told me Gardner visited the office, and of course, Dad got his autograph for me. I didn't know much about Cal Gardner, but the fun part was listening to Dad tell me about him and his two Stanley Cups with the Leafs.

A treasured moment with Dad that is relived every time I look at that glorious, aged piece of paper.

RANGERS - HOME AWAY FROM HOME

When the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings tangled in the 1950 Stanley Cup final, the Rangers were put in a unique situation that wasn't foreign to them.

In the usual format for a best-of-seven final, the team's would split the first four games at their respective rinks, then alternate the remaining contests.

The Red Wings held home ice advantage due to winning the league title with 88 points, and earned the right to host games one and two at the Olympia.

As planned, the opener took place in Detroit on April 11, 1950, with the Red Wings winning by a score of 4-1.

However, there was a problem that put a wrench in the plan when it came to game two and beyond.

Due to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &  Bailey Circus being booked at Madison Square Garden in New York, the Rangers were unable to host any games in the final. The problem was resolved when an agreement was reached to have the Rangers play games two and three at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. The balance of the games would be contested in Detroit, thus allowing the Red Wings to play five tilts in their barn.

The first game for the Rangers in their home away from home was on April 13.

"All tickets were gone in 45 minutes after the box office opened yesterday morning, devoured by long lines of sports followers who had been lined up for a few hours," noted a Toronto newspaper.

Upon arriving in Toronto, the Rangers made themselves feel at home and settled into the Toronto Maple Leafs' locker room.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

After a scoreless first period, New York and Detroit exchanged goals in the middle frame, with Gerry Couture breaking the ice and Pat Eagan getting the equalizer for New York.

In the final twenty-minutes, Edgar Laprade of the Rangers went to work.

Laprade's game-winning goal was scored at the 3:04 mark. He put the game out of reach at 11:20 when his shot got past Detroit goalie Harry Lumley. Of his two tallies, Laprade's second got the most attention in the press.

The kinky-haired master stickhandled from his own blueline with wee Tony Leswick as a decoy. He shifted two players nearly out of the rink before coming to bulky Gene Martin, in front of Lumley. Martin nearly was "decked" out of his skates as Laprade rounded him and placed the puck into the net on Lumley's short side.

The Rangers weren't as successful in game three at Maple Leaf Gardens, as they were shutout 4-0 by the Red Wings.

Despite not having all the amenities of playing at home, the New York Rangers battled to extend the final to a seventh and deciding game on April 23 at the Olympia. Detroit's Pete Babando, who passed away on February 19, 2020, scored the Cup-winning goal at the 8:31 mark of the second overtime period.

Back in 1928, New York took on the Montreal Maroons in the final, but with the circus booked in the Garden, all five games were played at the Forum in Montreal. On this occasion, the Rangers captured the Cup by winning game five of the best-of-five final.

NORM ULLMAN - QUICK OFF THE DRAW

Although he never won a Stanley Cup, Norm Ullman had a magical playoff game in the spring of 1965 against the Chicago Black Hawks.

The game in question took place on April 11, 1965, in Detroit at the Olympia.

Going into game five, the Red Wings and Black Hawks split the first four games of the best-of-seven semi-final series. Winning game five is considered vital and in weather terms is usually hotly contested.

As one journalist wrote: "While the worst storm in years raged outside the jammed (15,002) Olympia, Ullman who had been inconspicuous during the Wings' two losses at Chicago last week, suddenly whipped up a tornado of his own in the hot, humid atmosphere within the building."

Ullman began his turbulent attack on Chicago in the second period. The Wings trailed the Hawks by a score of 2-1, when Ullman went to work at the 17:35 mark. His first goal of the game was described in the newspaper the next day: "[Ullman] grabbed Bill Gadsby's pass and blasted a 45-footer past Elmer Vasko, low to Hall's right."

Bill Gadsby, in his 19th NHL campaign, was a defenceman with the Red Wings. In voting for the All-Stars, Gadsby made the Second All-Star Team alongside Toronto's Carl Brewer. Elmer Vasko was Chicago's brawny defenceman who used his physical prowess to stop the opposition. Glenn Hall manned Chicago's net and was a Stanley Cup champion in 1961.

With one shot already successfully fired, Ullman was quick off the draw when the puck was dropped to resume play.

Again, we go the newspaper text for what happened next: "After out-drawing Hay [Bill] he took about a half dozen strides, and caught Hall totally unprepared for the shot which went by defenceman Matt Ravelich [and] Hall fanned."

Another paper detailed the goal: "Norm poked the puck through Hay's feet, dipped past and raced in on Matt Ravlich. When the defenceman moved across to check him, Ullman fired the puck past a shell-shocked Hall on the short side."

In the blink of an eye, Norm Ullman entered the NHL record book for the fastest two goals - 5 seconds - scored by one player in the playoffs. His second tally came at 17:40.

Ullman scored a shorthanded goal in the third period to complete the hat trick. The Wings won the game 4-2.

Bill Hay, the lanky Chicago center Ullman beat on the faceoff, had set the previous mark for the fastest two goals in the 1964 playoffs. In game two of the semi-finals against Detroit, he scored two goals 47 seconds apart in the middle frame. His victim was rookie Bob Champoux, who replaced an injured Terry Sawchuk in the first period. To make the story even more interesting, Ullman, like in his own record breaking game, bagged a hat trick to help his club edge Chicago 5-4.

In his own words, Ullman dissected the two goals. "I think Hall was screened a little on both goals," said Ullman in his usual humble way. "I was able to scoot past the defenceman on both. The first went between Pilote and Vasko. On the second, Pavlich moved across in front of me just as the puck cleared my stick."

PAT STAPLETON: 1940-2020

Mostly known for his time with the Chicago Black Hawks and as a member of Team Canada 1972, former NHL defenceman Pat Stapleton passed away on April 8, 2020, at the age of 79.

Pat Stapleton played his junior A hockey in the OHA with the St. Catharines Teepees from 1958 to 1960. Stapleton not only looked after his defensive responsibilities, but was highly effective at moving the puck and penetrating enemy territory.

In his last year with St. Catharines, Stapleton and his teammates faced the St. Mike's Majors in the OHA final. Game four epitomized Stapleton's career as a junior. The contest ended in a 3-3 tie, with Stapleton scoring two goals and gaining an assist on the Teepees third tally by Chico Maki.

The 1959-60 Teepees were a potent team on offence with Maki, Ray Cullen, and Vic Hadfield leading the way, but Stapleton's production aided the cause. In 47 regular season games, he recorded 47 points. He scored 12 goals and chipped in with 35 assists.

St. Catharines advanced when they defeated St. Mike's in game six. In his post-game comments, St. Mike's coach, Bob Goldham, called Stapleton "the best pro prospect in the league."

Stapleton became a Memorial Cup champion when the Teepees defeated the Edmonton Oil Kings in six games.

His rights were owned by the Chicago Black Hawks and Stapleton spent the 1960-61 season in the Eastern Professional Hockey League with the Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds.

At the League meetings in 1961, Stapleton was claimed in the intra-league draft by the Boston Bruins from the Chicago Black Hawks.

Needing help in all positions, the Bruins welcomed Stapleton to their roster. The previous season, they only earned 15 wins in 70 games.

Stapleton made his NHL debut with the Bruins on October 11, 1961, at Boston Garden. By December, Boston general manager, Lynn Patrick called Stapleton the best of seven rookies in his team's line-up.

During his four seasons in the Bruins organization, Stapleton went from Boston to Kingston (EPHL), then to Portland (WHL). In Portland with the Buckaroos, Stapleton was named to the First All-Star Team in 1964-65, and was named the top defenceman in the WHL. During that season, he showed his versatility, being used as both a defenceman and forward. In 70 games, he racked up 86 points, 29 of which were goals. They Buckaroos won the WHL championship.

On June 8, 1965, Stapleton was on the move again when the Bruins dealt him along with Andy Hebenton and Orland Kurtenbach to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Ron Stewart. Later, Stapleton reflected on his stay in Beantown. "I thought I was ready for the NHL with Boston, but the way things turned out I guess I wasn't."

In a colossal blunder the next day, the Leafs, via the intra-league draft, lost both Stapleton and goalie Gerry Cheevers. The Chicago Black Hawks claimed Stapleton, and Cheevers was claimed by Boston. At the time, Toronto was a veteran team, and although they captured the Stanley Cup in 1967, their cupboard was empty when it came to quality prospects.

When Chicago trimmed their roster to begin the 1965-66 season, they sent Stapleton to the St. Louis Braves, their farm team in the CPHL.

He played in 14 games with the Braves, but was summoned by the Black Hawks to replace an injured Elmer Vasko. In his first contest with the Hawks on November 28, at home, Stapleton scored his first National Hockey League goal. On the play, his 25-foot shot got past Montreal goalie Gump Worsley. Stapleton scored the lone Chicago goal in Montreal's 2-1 victory.

On December 19, Stapleton recorded his second tally in a 5-4 win over Detroit at Chicago Stadium. His game-winner beat Roger Crozier in the Red Wings' net. Stapleton and Crozier were teammates on Teepees Memorial Cup team in 1960.

With Chicago's defence riddled with injuries, Stapleton garnered valuable ice time and experience. As was the case when Pierre Pilote was sidelined with a broken thumb in early January.

Chicago coach, Billy Reay, talked about what Stapleton brought to the table. The two worked together with the Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds as coach and player.

"Pat gets away about four or five shots, compared to one or two for the average defenceman. He's pretty good as a point man on our power play unit. He can bring up the puck well to set up plays, he passes well and he's consistent."

For his part, Stapleton, said, "I try to put the puck on the net and hope someone will be there for the rebound."

When training camp rolled around in the fall, there was no question Stapleton was ready to remain in the Windy City. Over the next seven seasons, he became a mainstay on the Hawks blueline.

Stapleton had two cracks at getting his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. The first opportunity was in 1971, but the Hawks lost to Montreal in game seven of the final. The second chance was in the 1973, when Stapleton led all playoff performers in the assist category with 15. The Canadiens bounced Chicago in six games.

After the 1971-72 season, Stapleton had a tough decision to make concerning possible surgery on his left knee. Usually, there wouldn't be any hesitation to go under the knife and solve the problem. If the operation wasn't done, he could still play, but with degree of pain. Also, there was an underlying factor in Stapleton's thought process that made him avoid a stay in the hospital.

Now considered a veteran defenceman at the age of 32, Stapleton didn't want to put himself out of the running to compete for a spot on Team Canada 1972. This was the Summit Series when Canada and the USSR battled for world dominance in the game of hockey.

"It was in the back of my mind then that I might be asked to play in the series against Russia," said Stapleton in an August 1972 interview. Surgery over the summer meant Stapleton couldn't lace up his skates until October 1. "That way, it would have been impossible to play in this series. I decided to forget the surgery."

Stapleton and his Chicago defence partner, Bill White, didn't dress for game one of the Summit Series in Montreal. "We were told we were only going to play in one game and maybe that wasn't our game," said White. "We watched in the crowd and the team started out well. After the first period we went into the dressing room and you could see the guys were starting to fade because of the lack of conditioning."

Trounced by a 7-3 score in game one, Team Canada inserted Stapleton and White into the line-up and they played the last seven battles in the war on ice. Team Canada emerged victorious when Paul Henderson's goal with 34 seconds remaining on the clock in game eight gave them a 6-5 lead. As the story goes, Stapleton retrieved the puck and kept it in his possession.

After his success in the 1973 Stanley Cup final, Stapleton jumped ship and joined the WHA Chicago Cougars as playing coach.

As a Black Hawk, Stapleton was named to the Second All-Star Team in 1966, 1971, and 1972. He played in a total of five All-Star Games. He skated in 635 NHL games (Boston & Chicago) and registered 337 points (43 goals & 294 assists). In 65 playoff contests, he scored 10 goals and added 49 helpers.

"It gives me an opportunity to expand my hockey career and I'm going to put every ounce of effort into doing a good job for them," Stapleton explained of his decision to leave the Hawks.

He  remained in various roles - player, coach, and co-owner - with the Cougars until they went bust after the 1974-75 season.

On the international front, Stapleton participated in the 1974 Summit Series which featured Team Canada against the Soviets. Team Canada was composed of players from the World Hockey Association. Stapleton served as team captain. The Soviets won the series 4-1-3.

Also, Stapleton made stops in Indianapolis and Cincinnati.

When the Indianapolis Racers bit the dust in December 1978, Stapleton was their coach and general manager. In a message from owner Nelson Skalbania, Stapleton was told, "The incentive to keep writing checks to cover the cost of playing hockey in Indianapolis seems ludicrous."

That was a way of life for Stapleton and many others in the World Hockey Association.

Patrick James "Whitey" Stapleton was born on July 4, 1940, in Sarnia, Ontario. He passed away on April 8, 2020, in Strathroy, Ontario.

THE LEAFS-HAWKS GO WEST IN 1936

During the early part of the Original Six era, unless you lived in an NHL town, your exposure to the game was limited to a radio broadcast, reports in the newspapers or film clips showed in the theatre. Of course, fans could take a road trip to witness an NHL contest in-person.

Recognizing the fact that the non-NHL towns were hungry to view a game in their local community, the Original Six teams would often hit the road to play in exhibition games across North America.

One such journey took place in April 1936, between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Chicago Black Hawks. In a previous story, I wrote about the event that took place in western Canada. The text is reprinted below.

The two teams set out for the west with a series of matches scheduled for Winnipeg and Calgary, before reaching Vancouver for their showdown. The tour consisted of two games in Manitoba and three in Alberta. The B.C. portion also called for three contests.
For hockey fans west of Ontario, it was an opportunity to witness the game being played by NHL players. The action kicked-off in Winnipeg on April 16, 1936 and concluded on May 1st in Vancouver. On hand for the events was broadcaster Foster Hewitt. Many in the crowds were more eager to see the face behind the voice than the players themselves.
In Vancouver, the Leafs were crowned champions with total-goals being the determining factor. The Hawks won the first game 5-3, but Toronto bounced back with 7-2 and 3-2 victories.
News reports from the day painted this picture of the winners reward, "a handsome Gyro Club, Totem Pole Trophy." The Gyro Service Club sponsored the trip west for Toronto and Chicago.
While in Vancouver, both teams, when not battling on the ice, relaxed at The Commodore. It was considered the place to be when it came to enjoying the nightlife. Of course, the players were the toast-of-the-town. The orchestra saluted Toronto by cranking out "The Maple Leaf Forever", with Leaf players joining in. Not to be outdone, Chicago players pipped-up with a unique twist to the words by adding this chorus "Toronto Maple Leafs, runners-up forever."

Since publishing the story, hockey enthusiast Doug Wellington, has provided me with photos of a unique piece of memorabilia from the competition.

   

The above pocket watch was given to former Toronto Maple Leaf forward, Ace Bailey. Bailey, was forced to hang-up his skates after suffering a career ending head injury in a game against the Boston Bruins on December 12, 1933.

After recovering from his brain trauma, Bailey became a popular participant on the guest speakers circuit. One of his stops was the Gyro Club of Vancouver celebration of the Leafs-Black Hawks showdown.

A reporter, covering a speech Bailey gave in Niagara Falls, Ontario, made note of Bailey's view of the  trip to Vancouver:

The recent western trip of the Leafs and Chicago Black Hawks did much to advance the game, he (Bailey) thought. He did not feel that the big exodus of amateur players to the United States and England would hurt Canadian hockey, and felt the player demand would never exceed the supply.

The inscription on the back of the watch reads, "In appreciation, to Ace Bailey, at visit of NHL, Maple Leafs & Black Hawks, April 1936, Gyro Club of Vancouver."

A FIRST IN THE NHL PLAYOFFS

In the long history of the National Hockey League, no player scored on a penalty shot in the playoffs until the post-season of 1968.

The first to accomplish this feat was Minnesota North Star forward Wayne Connelly.

He made his NHL debut in 1960-61 with the Montreal Canadiens. Connelly only played three games with the Habs, then was traded to the Boston Bruins. He was with Boston for four seasons and in the expansion draft of 1967, was claimed by the Stars.

In Minnesota, Connelly, a center, flourished with increased ice time. The first year of expansion turned out to be one his best in the NHL. In 74 contests, he accumulated 35 goals. Point wise, his best production came in 1969-70 with the Detroit Red Wings, when he recorded 59 points.

When the 1968 Stanley Cup playoffs rolled around, the North Stars took on the Los Angeles Kings in the quarter-finals. After losing the first two games in LA, the series shifted to Minnesota.

Game three took place on April 9, 1968, and it turned out to be a rollercoaster ride for the Stars.

As Minnesota coach and general manager Wren Blair said of his team's 7-5 win, "My guys can't stand prosperity. They storm back from behind a 3-1 deficit to go ahead, 6-3, and then are life and death to win. We darn near blew it. [We] made hard work out of what should have been an easy win"

Wayne Connelly's historic goal was scored at the 16:56 mark of the second period. After being hauled down by Los Angeles defenceman Dale Rolfe, on a clear cut breakaway, Connelly was awarded a penalty shot. In the one-on-one match up, Connelly's nemesis was veteran goalie Terry Sawchuk. A native of Rouyn, Quebec, Connelly didn't waste the opportunity, as his shot eluded Sawchuk and went into the right side of the cage.

It was a banner playoffs for Wayne Connelly as he led all goal scorers with 8 goals in 14 games.

As for the Minnesota North Stars, they went on to eliminate the Kings in seven games, but fell to the St. Louis Blues in the semi-finals.

MAROONED - THE 1926 STANLEY CUP

When Montreal is mentioned as being Stanley Cup champions, the Canadiens immediately come to mind. But in the spring of 1926, another Montreal franchise were crowned Cup winners, and they were the Montreal Maroons.

The Maroons entered the National Hockey League in time for the 1924-25 season as an expansion team along with the Boston Bruins. In the 30 game schedule, the Maroons finished with a 9-19-2 record and finished second-last in the standings.

In their sophomore year, the Maroons took gigantic strides up the standings and went 20-11-5 in 36 regular season games. The Ottawa Senators led the league in points with 52, while the Maroons came in second with 45 points.

When the playoffs got underway, the Maroons faced the third-place Pittsburgh Pirates in the semi-finals. A winner would be reached in a two-game total-goals series. The Maroons beat Pittsburgh in the first contest by a 3 to 1 score to give them the edge. Game two ended in a 3-3 draw, which allowed Montreal to advance to the NHL final.

Up next for the Maroons were the Ottawa Senators. They secured a spot in the NHL final by finishing at the top of the standings. Once again, the format called for two games with total-goals being the deciding factor. The final opened in Montreal and in a very tight contest, they skated to a 1-1 tie. In game two, another closely played game, the Maroons scored the lone goal and headed to the Stanley Cup final.

On March 30, the Cup final started with the Maroons and Victoria Cougars battling to be champions. The Cougars represented the Western Hockey League and as it turned out, they'd be the last non-NHL team to compete for Lord Stanley's Cup. Also, of note, the Maroons were the first Montreal based club to play a Stanley Cup tilt in the Montreal Forum.

In the best-of-five showdown, the Maroons had no problems downing the Cougars with three shutout victories. Victoria won game four 3-2. The scoring sensation for Montreal was Nels Stewart (pictured below). In the four encounters against Victoria, he scored six goals and added one assist. In net for the Maroons was Clint Benedict, who was out of this world, he recored 3 shutouts and posted an average of 0.75.

The Montreal Maroons clinched the Cup 94-years-go tonight at the Forum by a 2-0 score.

After a scoreless first period, Nels Stewart scored at 1:50 and 17:30 of the middle frame to give his team the lead. The opening tally, which turned out to be the winner, was described as follows in this newspaper account of the game:

Stewart stole the puck from Foyston [Frank]. He went down flanked by Phillips [Bill] and Broadbent ["Punch"]. A scuffle developed in front of Holmes [Victoria goalie, Hap] and he was called upon to make four saves. Stewart finally broke the ice when he skated around the back of the net and caught Holmes too slow to reach the other corner of the cage. The trick was done at 1:50.

For winning the Cup, the Maroons were financially compensated for their accomplishment. Each player received $839.52 plus "a personal gift of $1,000, donated personally by directors of the Forum and friends of the team, together with other cash awards for scoring goals, etc."

The Montreal Maroons went on to earn a second Stanley Cup in 1935, when they swept the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Following the 1937-38 season, the Montreal Maroons folded after a dismal year.

A MILESTONE FOR JOHNNY BOWER

On April 2, 1967, the Toronto Maple Leafs played their final regular season game, and for goalie Johnny Bower, it was a milestone victory. The Leafs downed the Bruins 5-2 and Bower became the second Leaf netminder to reach the 200-win plateau. The first to reach 200 was Turk Broda.

Although the score favoured Toronto, the Bruins had an edge in play. They outshot the Leafs 44-28, but were stymied for the most part by Bower. As one report noted of Bower, "His play early in the game while the Leafs were attempting to organize on offence, was instrumental in the victory."

Bower was forced to leave the game at the mid-point of the third period and was replaced by Terry Sawchuk. The Leaf duo both gave up a goal to the Bruins. Bower, suffering exhaustion due to the heat in Boston Garden, was given "a rousing ovation when he left the game."

SUDDEN DEATH - THE 1919 STANLEY CUP FINAL

During this time of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the state of professional sports can be summed up on a sign posted at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. When the NHL "paused" their season on March 12, 2020, the sign informed the public that, "The Following Leagues Have Temporarily Suspended All Games Until Further Notice: NBA, NHL, NLL."

With each passing day, the prospect of having the NHL regular season brought to a conclusion and some sort of playoffs, fades all the more. There's an abundance of questions and very few answers. The biggest concern is whether or not a Stanley Cup champion will be crowned for 2020.

The last year a Cup winner wasn't determined was in 1919, when the Spanish Influenza brought illness and death across the world. And the hockey world wasn't immune to the devastation.

On March 19, 1919, the Stanley Cup final got underway in Seattle. The Seattle Metropolitans represented the Pacific Coast Hockey Association and the Montreal Canadiens the NHL. The biggest difference in the regulations being Pacific Coast rules allowed for a seventh player, called the rover, to be implemented. They rotated between contests, with Pacific Coast rules on tap for the opening encounter.

Game one was a blow-out with Seattle pounding Montreal 7-0.  A newspaper report on the game noted, "The Flying Frenchmen made heroic efforts to stem the tide, but all to no avail. The winners would not be denied, and with the throttle wide open and a relentless attack, they swept all the opposition aside and made a runaway of the match."

Montreal rebounded in game two on March 22 with a 4-2 victory. The scoring star for the Canadiens was "Newsy" Lalonde. An article two days later observed, "Lalonde gave a great exhibition of skating and scored all four of the Canadiens' points. Lalonde was the star of both teams. The leader of the visitors was a fiend on defence and was impossible to stop when he gained possession of the rubber."

In game three on March 24, the Metropolitans downed Montreal 7-2. Seattle jumped to a 4-0 lead in the first period and didn't relinquish their scoring advantage. The fact Pacific Coast rules were in effect, allowed Seattle to carry the game on offence. "Seattle won tonight because they played a sparkling combination game on the forward line, something they were unable to do under the abbreviated six-man rule," penned a reporter.

With Seattle holding a one game lead in the final, the two teams were back at it for game four on March 26. By all accounts it was one for the ages. In a magnificent battle between Montreal goalie Georges Vezina, and Seattle's Hap Holmes, neither team was able to produce a single tally in a 0-0 final score that included two 10-minute overtime periods. "The crowd taxed the arena to its capacity and they were kept in suspense from beginning to end," wrote a scribe. "When the teams, on the point of exhaustion, left the ice they were cheered impartially. Canadiens made a host of friends by their gallant efforts and will not want for support in the remaining game or games."

In a must-win situation, the Canadiens needed a victory in game five on March 30 to extend the final to a deciding game. It didn't look good for Montreal as they fell behind Seattle by three goals, but they responded to send the game to overtime. The hero for the Canadiens was Jack McDonald, who scored his lone goal in the final. During the regular season he scored 8 goals.

A newspaper story told its readers "Several of the Seattle men are under the care of a doctor as a result of the strenuous game." 

No one knew the full extent of what was going on when it came to the physical well being of the players on both clubs. 

The devastating news on the status of the Stanley Cup final dropped on April 1, 1919.

In a stunning and unexpected announcement at 2:30 pm, management of the arena in Seattle told reporters that no further games in the Stanley Cup final would be played. Earlier in the day, they began removing the ice.

The reason for shutting down was attributed to five Montreal players falling extremely ill from influenza.

"It will be two or three weeks before the visiting boys will be back on their feet again able to play," said a representative. "Consequently the series has been called off."

"Newsy"Lalonde, Bert Couture, Jack McDonald, Louis Berlinquette, and Joe Hall were identified as the sick. Their temperatures ranged from 101 to 105 degrees. Both McDonald and Hall were taken to the hospital. Also, the Canadiens' manager, George Kennedy, was diagnosed with influenza.

Under these dire conditions, the Seattle team refused to claim the Stanley Cup, a right they possessed due to Montreal not being able to ice a team. It meant the Cup remained with the 1918 champions, the Toronto Arenas. The decision was made by Frank Patrick, the president of the PCHA. Patrick was the brother of the legendary Lester Patrick.

Patrick addressed the situation with the press.

"This has been the most peculiar series in the history of the sport. There never was another series of games like the present one ... but the circumstances were such that it would have been impossible to play the game."

A very tragic turn occurred when Joe Hall died on the afternoon of April 6, 1919, "of pneumonia following a severe attack of influenza." He was just shy from celebrating his 38th birthday.

"Joe Hall was one of the real veterans of hockey," stated Frank Patrick. "He had been playing senior hockey since 1902. Off the ice he was one of the jolliest, best-hearted, most popular men who ever played."

Hall was born on May 3, 1882, in Staffordshire, England. A rugged defenceman, he earned the nickname "Bad Joe" Hall, which came from his reputation to play a physical game. Hall led the NHL in penalty-minutes in both 1918 and 1919.

A headline following a game against the Ottawa Senators in early January 1919, read, "Joe Hall Gets Major Penalty for an Attack on Nighbor." Frank Nighbor was a scoring ace with the Senators. He finished the 1918-19 season with 19 goals in 18 games. On the play in question, Hall "rushed across the ice and jammed Neighbour into the boards, at the same time slashing him."

As someone noted about Hall, "He was game and would battle them all, anytime, anywhere."

Prior to the formation of the National Hockey League, Hall won two Stanley Cups with the Quebec Bulldogs in 1911-12 and 1912-13. The Bulldogs were part the National Hockey Association. Also, Hall won a Cup in 1907 with the Kenora Thistles, but he didn't see any action. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961, as an Honoured Member.

The body of Joe Hall was sent to Vancouver, then to Brandon, Manitoba, to be reunited with his wife and three children.

To determine exactly when, why, and how the five Montreal Canadien players contracted the Spanish Influenza is impossible to establish. Exposure certainly would be a factor since they travelled by train from Canada to Seattle. Did they touch an object along the way that their teammates didn't come into contact him, thus putting them at risk? Also, if they were asymptomatic, participating in a rigorous and physical competition couldn't have been healthy for their condition.

All of this sounds so familiar with the current situation we are facing in 2020, with more questions than answers. But as a society we have clearly learnt by some degree from the past.

The swift actions taken by the professional sports community, has curtailed thousands from being subjected to large crowds and the dreadful affects of the coronavirus.  

At this point, it seems meaningless if a Stanley Cup champion isn't crowned. There is always next year.

If only that could've been said for Joe Hall back in 1919.

Joe Hall: 1882-1919