TORONTO: Put an end to frivolous showboating, drifting in the neutral zone, and the shinny-style nonchalance that characterized recent NHL all-star games.
The league’s first formal all-star game took place in Toronto in 1947. It was a gritty, high-intensity match that included two fighting majors, twelve minor penalties, and a 4-3 score line as the NHL all-stars defeated the Stanley Cup-winning Maple Leafs.
The all-star game, which is now a midseason showcase, is back in the Ontario capital this week for a three-day extravaganza that starts with a fan festival and ends with a skills competition and women’s three-on-three match before Saturday’s game at Scotiabank Arena.
When the teams first faced off at Maple Leaf Gardens almost eight decades ago, things were very different.
Paul Patskou, an author, researcher, and hockey historian, claimed that “the players hated each other back then.” “They didn’t end up dating. Both the Stanley Cup team and the all-stars want victory. Bodychecking occurred, and it was quite painful.”
The 1947 match, like a number of unauthorized all-star games in the years prior, was a fundraising event. The new players’ pension fund was one of the recipients.
After winning the Cup the previous spring, the Maple Leafs hosted the game to kick off the season. The opposition was supplied by star players from the five other Original Six clubs.
“You had players playing for the first time together and they were rivals,” stated Patskou. “Back then, there was a genuine hate on.”
At the time, player salaries were not too high. Regular employment were held by many athletes during the off-season.
The current champs were feted by local shops. Eaton’s department shop donated sweater coats to the Maple Leafs, while Simpsons gave hats, Birks gave table lighters, and CCM gave golf balls.
The city gave engraved gold watches, and the league gave the Leafs silver tea trays. In recognition of their appearance, the all-stars received silver watch chains.
At each end of the Gardens, glass had been added recently, taking the place of the previous fencing.
The day after the game, Gordon Walker wrote in the Toronto Daily Star of October 14, 1947, “Flat noses are likely to be in vogue this season.” “There’s no give to the glass like there was to wire screening.”
The NHL emblem was centered on the jerseys worn by the 17 all-stars, which also featured five white stars across the upper chest and arm stripes. In their two-piece midnight blue outfits, referee Frank (King) Clancy and his linesmen looked sharp.
Midway through the first period, Toronto forward Harry Watson opened the score in front of over 14,000 spectators. Later on, he contributed two assists as the Maple Leafs quickly took a 3-1 lead.
Vic Lynn of Toronto and Ken Reardon of Montreal each received penalties for fighting during the second period. Scrums, stickwork, and chippiness persisted throughout the match.
In the third period, Montreal’s Maurice (Rocket) Richard knotted the score and, less than a minute later, helped Chicago’s Max Bentley win the game.
“Well done, team. Walker’s tale quotes coach Dick Irvin as saying to his players, “That’s why you’re all-stars.”
That was a very different era for playwriting. There was more space on the rink, less equipment, no goalies or helmets for skaters, and no masks for goalies.
Fighting during the second period resulted in penalties for both Ken Reardon of Montreal and Vic Lynn of Toronto. Throughout the entire game, scrums, stickwork, and chippiness were evident.
After Montreal’s Maurice (Rocket) Richard tied the score in the third period, Chicago’s Max Bentley won the game with his assistance in less than a minute.
“Excellent work, guys. Coach Dick Irvin is quoted in Walker’s story as telling his players, “That’s why you’re all-stars.”
Playwriting was quite different in that age. The rink was larger, had less equipment, no goalies, no skater helmets, and no goalkeeper masks.
In the 1947 game, Toronto’s starting lineup featured players like Turk Broda, Bill Barilko, Ted Kennedy, and Syl Apps. Among the all-star main players were Boston’s Milt Schmidt and Detroit’s Ted Lindsay.
“The NHL All-Star Game, 50 Years of the Great Tradition” author Andrew Podnieks stated, “They didn’t have (a) gear except for top gear,” in 2000—the final year Toronto hosted.
They were unable to unwind, float, or simply enjoy the evening. Their goal was to win when they played.”
In his game account, Walker also cited NHL president Clarence Campbell.
“Let me mention one thing,” Campbell stated. “It was a lot rougher than I expected it would be.”
The Canadian Press originally released this article on January 30, 2024.
