DOUG MCKAY: AN NHL GAME TO REMEMBER

It's a dream shared by everyone that has laced up a pair of skates and played the game of hockey. The dream that takes place when one closes their eyes and conjures up images of playing in a National Hockey League contest.

For Doug McKay, who died this week at the age of 90, his dream unfolded in the spring of 1950. He was born on May 28, 1929, in Hamilton, Ontario.

A product of the Detroit Red Wings' organization, McKay played his junior hockey with the Windsor Spitfires in the OHA, and graduated to the Indianapolis Capitals in 1949-50. The Caps were Detroit's farm team in the American Hockey League.

In his first year with Indianapolis, McKay, who played left wing, scored 16 goals and produced 37 points in 65 contests. 

When the playoffs rolled around, Indianapolis went on a tear and achieved a record that had never been accomplished in the AHL. Backed by goalie Terry Sawchuk, the Caps sailed through two playoff rounds and won 8 straight games to win the Calder Cup. On April 14, 1950, the Capitals downed the Cleveland Barons 3-2 to capture the best-of-seven final, and become the first team in AHL history to go undefeated in the post-season.

Immediately after the game, Detroit's GM, Jack Adams, announced that Doug McKay, Al Dewsbury, Jimmy Peters, and Gordon Haidy were summoned from Indianapolis to join the Red Wings. The explanation given for the reinforcements being airlifted was Detroit's semi-final battle with the Toronto Maple Leafs that went the distance of seven games.

Doug McKay played his one and only NHL game on April 15, 1950, when the Red Wings faced the New York Rangers in game three of the Stanley Cup final. The contest took place in Toronto due to the fact the Rangers home at Madison Square Garden was previously booked by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. 

One reporter noted that McKay, who also had experience playing at center, "Spelled off Abel a couple of times." Sid Abel played between Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay and the trio were known as the Production Line.

The Red Wings were victorious in game three as they blanked the Rangers 4-0 at Maple Leaf Gardens. 

On April 23, game seven was played at the Olympia. Detroit captured the Stanley Cup in double overtime when Pete Babanco scored the Cup-winning goal.