A retrospective of the inaugural NHL all-star game featuring scraps, stickwork, and star power
TORONTO: Put an end to frivolous showboating, floating in the neutral zone, and the shinny-style nonchalance that characterized recent NHL all-star games.
The league’s first official all-star game took place in Toronto in 1947. It was a physical, high-intensity match that saw 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 event 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 desired victory. Bodychecking occurred, and it was quite painful.”
The 1947 match, like a number of unofficial 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 teams.
“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 very high. Regular jobs were held by many athletes during the off-season.
The current champions were feted by local retailers. Eaton’s department store 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 installed 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 logo 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 suits, 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 both 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 tied the score and, less than a minute later, helped Chicago’s Max Bentley win the game.
“Well done, team. Walker’s story quotes coach Dick Irvin as saying to his team, “That’s why you’re all-stars.”
That was a very different era for playwriting. There was more space on the ice, less equipment, no goalies or helmets for skaters, and no masks for goalies.
Historian of hockey and author Eric Zweig said, “You played your position and you moved slower.” “Guys weren’t athletes like they are now, but they were in good enough shape to play hockey. No one was injured, and no one was able to perform the tasks that they can now.”
In terms of defense, Zweig stated that instead of man-to-man coverage, players would “patrol the area” in a more zone-style configuration. He added that the offensive style was also different.
“Nobody would shoot like Auston Matthews or Alexander Ovechkin in those days, but they also didn’t have to,” he stated. “You could take more time to move in on somebody and make a deke or to wind up for a big, strong slapshot.”
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 story, 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.
On X, follow @GregoryStrongCP.
The Canadian Press’s Gregory Strong
