APRIL 7, 1947
BEES, PACKERS SPLIT FIRST TWO GAMES OF CUP FINALS
The Chicago Packers accomplished exactly what they needed to in Boston, securing a split of the opening two games of the best-of-seven Challenge Cup Finals. Despite playing with a patchwork first line due to injuries that sidelined Marty Mahoney and greatly reduced the effectiveness of Wes Burns, the Packers now return to Lakeside Arena for their first home Cup final game in 15 years, buoyed by resolute spirits.
The opening game witnessed the Boston Bees seize the early advantage, triumphing with a narrow 2-1 victory, courtesy of the scorching stick of Wilbur Chandler. The seasoned forward, who had already netted an astounding 5 goals, including 4 in one game, in the swift 3-game annihilation of the New York Shamrocks during the semi-finals, continued his torrid scoring streak by single-handedly spearheading the Bees' offensive charge. Midway through the second period, the 28-year-old Chandler, leading the league in playoff scoring, initiated the goal parade by slamming home a rebound from a Tommy Hart shot. Determined to leave no room for doubt, he solidified his team's position by notching another marker in the third period. Although the Packers managed to solve the vigilant netminder Pierre Melancon in the dying minutes, courtesy of Ed Delarue's late strike, it proved insufficient to bridge the gap as the Bees' relentless forecheck stymied their valiant attempts to pull goaltender Norm Hanson for an additional attacker.
Nevertheless, the second encounter showcased a remarkable resurgence from Hanson, the 26-year-old guardian of the Packers' net. Demonstrating immense resilience, Hanson orchestrated an awe-inspiring shutout, blunting the Bees' offensive thrust and leading his team to a convincing 2-0 triumph. Hanson's heroics were not unduly tested, as the Packers once again outshot their adversaries. However, his timely saves proved instrumental in preserving the shutout, denying the Bees' onslaught with 20 impressive stops, including 10 in the final period. The Packers, undeterred by adversity, unleashed a barrage of 31 shots on Melancon, falling just two short of their earlier attempt in the series opener.
Surprisingly it was Chicago defenseman Rocky Messer, who has just 14 career goals in 296 regular season games, who opened the scoring just over 7 minutes into the game when his seeing-eye wrist shot from the point found the back of the net behind a screened Melancon. David Rankin, inserted on the top line due to Wes Burns' broken jaw, completed the scoring with his third of the playoffs midway through the second period.
With the series now shifting to the Windy City, the third and fourth encounters promise to be electrifying showdowns. The Bees, yearning for their second consecutive Cup and fifth within the last seven years, find themselves in the enviable position of experience and dominance. Conversely, the Packers, seeking their inaugural franchise championship, stand resolute, determined to etch their names in hockey lore.
OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
- A flurry of deals in FABL this week including the Toronto Wolves sending 1945 Whitney Award winning infielder Walt Pack to the Chicago Cougars for a pair of prospects.
- And then there were two. Liberty College, runners-up a year ago, are back in the collegiate cage championship game where they will face the Whitney College Engineers for the title.
- US Secretary of State George Marshall and Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov engaged in the sharpest debate of the Moscow conference with Marshall accusing the Russians of wanting to starve Germany based upon their proposal.
- King George II of Greece died unexpectedly of a heart ailment at a critical period in his nation's history. His brother will take the throne.
Full national sports coverage is available in this week's edition of
THIS WEEK IN FIGMENT BASEBALL.