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05-22-2023, 04:21 PM
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#21 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 9,739
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February 10, 1947
 FEBRUARY 10, 1947 PACKERS TITLE HOPES DEALT BLOW Wes Burns May Miss Remainder of Season Pretty much everything has gone right for the Chicago Packers in 1947, going 11-3-1 since the calendar flipped. Now two points behind the Bees, the Packers have learned that they may be without star winger and captain Wes Burns for the rest of the season. Burns left in the first period of the Packers 4-0 loss to the New York Shamorcks Thursday evening with a suspected broken jaw. The diagnosis confirmed the Packers worst fears and Burns, who did not make the trip to New York for Sunday's 5-1 win in the rematch with the Shamrocks, is expected to need 6 weeks to fully heal. That timeline means Burns would miss the rest of the regular season and quite possibly the opening round of the playoffs but there is a chance he could return for the Challenge Cup finals, should the Packers advance that far. Chicago is the only active NAHC franchise to have never won the Challenge Cup and if Wes Burns is indeed sidelined for 6 weeks it will be a big blow to the team's chances this time around. Some Chicago sources have indicated that Wes is determined to play, perhaps as soon as a couple of weeks from now, wearing a helmet afixed with a special face guard. For now, Burns will not play as Packers brass has decided to put him on the injured list which would prevent him from seeing any game action for at least two weeks. The Packers are now foused on the difficult challenge of finding an effective replacement for Burns on the top line with his brother Tommy Burns and right winger Marty Mahoney. If this is indeed Wes Burns final regular season game of the year, he will finish with 19 goals and 17 assists -numbers that presently rank him 4th in goals and tied for 4th with linemen Marty Mahoney in points with 36. Chicago is fortunate in that it has some depth up front and 23-year-old rookie David Rankin, who's scored 8 goals and assisted on 13, will be given the opportunity to skate on Chicago's big line. Code:
NAHC STANINGS
TEAM GP W L T PTS
Boston Bees 34 21 9 4 46
Chicago Packers 35 18 10 6 44
Detroit Motors 34 16 13 5 37
New York Shamrocks 35 15 18 2 32
Brooklyn Eagles 35 13 16 6 32
Montreal Valiants 35 12 20 3 27
Toronto Dukes 34 10 20 4 24
SCORING LEADERS
NAME TEAM GP G A PTS
Tommy Burns CHI 35 25 28 53
Quinton Pollack BKN 35 25 15 40
Tommy Hart BOS 33 22 16 38
Wes Burns CHI 34 19 17 36
Marty Mahoney CHI 35 11 25 36
Orval Cabbell NY 32 18 17 35
Bobbie Sauer TOR 34 16 19 35
Wilbur Chandler BOS 32 14 18 32
Graham Comeau DET 34 13 19 32
Sam Coates BKN 35 10 22 32
Ed Delarue CHI 32 14 17 31
Laurel Albers NY 36 7 24 31
Claude Skinner MON 34 16 13 29
GOALIE LEADERS
NAME TEAM W L T ShO GAA
Tom Brockers BKN 13-14-6 3 2.49
Norm Hanson CHI 18-10-3 3 2.50
Pierre Melancon BOS 15-7-4 3 2.60
Henri Chasse DET 16-13-5 4 2.74
Etienne Tremblay NY 13-16-2 3 2.98
Millard Touhey MON 8-16-3 0 3.60
Gordie Broadway TOR 8-18-2 0 3.60
Tuesday February 4 Wilbur Chandler had a goal and an assist while Pierre Melancon stopped all 19 shots he faced as Boston blanked Montreal 3-0, pulling the Bees back even with Chicago for first place in the NAHC. In New York, Quinton Pollack scored his 24th goal of the season to pull into a tie with the Packers Tommy Burns for tops in that category as the visiting Brooklyn Eagles downed New York 3-1. Thursday February 6 Two teams heading in the opposite direction met in Detroit as the Motors won their fourth in a row by nipping Montreal 5-4 and handing the Valiants their fourth straight loss. Garrett Ferrar paced the Motors attack with 3 goals. The Chicago Packers missed a chance to regain sole possession of first place after Etienne Tremblay and the New York Shamrocks shut them out 4-0. Joe Martin and Adam Greenham each had a goal and an assist for the Greenshirts, who outshot the Packers 36-17 and brought an end to the Packers Tommy Burns' -the league points leader- scoring streak at 13 games. Saturday February 8 A fifth straight loss for the Montreal Valiants who are shut out 3-0 by Brooklyn with Tommy Brockers making 26 saves in net for the Eagles. Quinton Pollack took over the league lead with his 25 goal of the season while also adding an assist in the win. Boston built a 4-1 lead on Toronto after 40 minutes and hung on for a 4-3 victory over the Dukes despite a pair of Trevor Parker goals for Toronto. Wilbur Chandler and Tommy Hart each had two points for the Bees, who move two points ahead of Chicago into sole possession of top spot in the NAHC. Sunday February 9 Boston and Chicago each win so the Bees lead on the Packers remains at 2 points. In New England, Wilbur Chandler scored twice and added an assist as the Bees beat visiting Deroit 5-2 while in New York Marty Mahoney scored three times and Tommy Burns added a goal and an assist in the Packers 5-1 win over the Shamrocks. The third game on the schedule saw Brooklyn's Tom Brockers blanked Montreal for the second night in a row as the Eagles beat the Valiants 3-0 to move into a fourth place tie with the New York Shamrocks. UPCOMING GAMES Tuesday February 11 Boston at Detroit Montreal at New York Thursday February 13 Chicago at Montreal New York at Boston Friday February 14 Detroit at Chicgo Saturday February 15 Montreal at Boston Toronto at New York Sunday February 16 Chicago at Brooklyn Detroit at Montreal New York at Toronto  AROUND THE LEAGUE BEES BACK ON TOP -A solid 3-0 week brought Boston back into the top spot in the league, with a game in hand on Chicago. Wilbur Chandler is getting warm, with 4 goals during the Bees current four-game winning streak, including two on the power play, and 6 goals in his last 6 contests. Chandler is a two-time McDaniels Trophy winner as the league's Most Valuable Player and had a long-term injury scare in the offseason, but has played in 32 of the Bees' 34 games. - Finn Lebec/Boston Globe CHANGES COMING IN TORONTO -The Dukes run to secure a playoff berth seems to have fallen on deaf ears. Changes are coming , the only question is where to start? Shoring up the the blue line seems to be a must, along with adding a bit of grit. -Toronto Mail & Empire. BIG TEST FOR MOTORS -The Detroit Motors continue to hold down third place in the NAHC as the club hopes to turn things around after two heartbreaking years of missing the playoffs by a single point. A four-game winning streak came to an end in Boston Sunday night and it marked the start of a tough stretch of 3 games against the two clubs ahead of Detroit in the standings. Boston swarms into the Thompson Palladium tomorrow evening beore the Motors travel to Chicago for a date with the Packers on Thursday. With 14 games remaining in the season the Motors are 5 points clear of both Brooklyn and New York -the two clubs tied for the final playoff spot- and have a game in hand on each of them but falling just short that last couple of seasons makes the organization feel far less comfortable about their spot in the standings than perhaps they should. The Motors have been getting some nice offensive production of late, led by Garrett Ferrar who scored a hat trick against Montreal last week and has 8 of his 17 goals since the calendar flipped to 1947. The 32-year-old Ferrar is just one shy of his career high of 18 goals accumulated in 1941-42. Head Coach Mark Moore has been juggling his lines all season but seems to have found a nice duo in Ferrar and 24-year-old second year winger Graham Comeau, who has 32 points and is on a pace to more than double his output as a rookie. The challenge has been finding a third member of the line as attempts have been made to use Arnold Singleton, Dave Bradley and even rookie Vince Arsenault but results have been mixed.- Dan Urbanski/Detroit Times. VALIANTS SLUMP CONTINUES -Stuck in a losing skid that has reached six games, the Montreal Valiants are seeing their playoff hopes quickly fade away. The Valiants, who just slipped into the fourth and final playoff spot a year ago, ousting Detroit by a single point before going on to sweep Toronto -the team with the best regular season record in the loop a year ago- in the semi-finals and then make a spirited push against Boston before falling in six games, had very high hopes entering this season. However, a toothless offense and terrible defensive play has seen this season turn into a terrible disappointment for the Valiants. Only Toronto, which has fallen from the league's best record to the worst this time around, has overshadowed the Valiants in failing to live up to expectations. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Eagles continue to be the surprising story of the campaign. The Eagles, winners of just 2 games a year ago and only 17 over the previous 4 seasons, are on pace to surpass the 17 victory mark this year alone. Brooklyn has won 3 straight games and moved into a tie for the fourth and final playoff spot with their cross-town rivals from New York. If successful in their playoff push, it will be the Eagles first trip to the postseason since the spring of 1938. Brooklyn always had strong goaltending in the incomparable Tom Brockers but they have finally surrounded him with some talent after the club raided the Great Western League for some of the coast loop's top performers. The arrival of Quinton Pollack (25-15-40) and Sam Coates (10-22-32) has given the Eagles a much needed scoring touch while newcomer Alexandre Veins, acquired from Detroit, has teamed with Ryan Kennedy to give Brooklyn a solid top defensive pair. Add in Brockers, the 4-time Juneau winner who backstopped Boston to 3 Challenge Cups, and is coming off back-to-back shutouts of Montreal over the weekend, and the Eagles are soaring high. OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
__________________
Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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05-23-2023, 04:11 PM
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#22 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 9,739
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February 17, 1947
FEBRUARY 17, 1947 EAGLES FRANCHISE FACES FINANCIAL PERIL While all associated with the Brooklyn Eagles are denying it, rumours out of New York continue to circulate that team owner Edward Faberge is seriously considering folding the franchise at seasons end as the financial losses continue to mount. It would not be the first time the club was nearly shuttered as it took a last minute move by Faberge, with assistance from Brooklyn Kings and Prescott Arena owner Daniel Prescott just to keep the club alive when it was on the verge of bankruptcy just seven years ago with Bill Yeadon in charge and the club played out of Bigsby Garden. On the ice this season has been the most successful campaign in years for the Eagles who are challenging for a playoff spot after winning just 2 games a year ago. Brooklyn has not made the playoffs since the final season of the old two division formet in 1937-38. The Eagles were not always bad -it just seems that way- as they did win the Challenge Cup in 1929 and reached the Cup finals on two other occasions, falling to the rival Shamrocks both of those times. Faberge tried to make some changes to the team this year by signing their first round pick, defenseman Robert Sharpley, to a big contract and make some smart acquisitions at a reasonable cost from the coast loop in forwards Quinton Pollack, Sam Coates and Ian Doyle. The moves have led to success on the ice but not at the box office as the club remains dead last in attendance, averaging just over 7,500 fans per game. In contrast, Montreal and Chicago both average more than double that amount while Boston and Toronto are also drawing substantialy more paying customers than the Eagles, who are playing regularly before a Prescott Arena crowd that is nearly half comprised of empty seats. There is always the chance that boosted by the added gate receipts a playoff appearance will bring -should the Eagles qualify- that Faberge decides to keep the team going. Another option is a relocation of the club, perhaps to Philadelphia where the minor league Rascals lead the Hockey Association of America in attendance and the Keystone Arena is large enough to house a big league club. The NAHC has held steady at seven teams since the Montreal Nationals were shut down when New York Shamrocks owner Sam Bigsby purchased the struggling club, moved its top players to the Shamrocks and then folded the team. Could a repeat of that situation happen again with the Eagles? DUKES SET TO MAKE CHANGE BEHIND THE BENCH It seems assured that Norb Hickey's days as head coach of the Toronto Dukes are very close to coming to an end. The 46 year old led the Dukes to back-to-back Challenge Cup wins in 1944 and 1945 but being swept by the fourth place Montreal Valiants in the semi-finals last spring certainly did not go over well with Dukes owner David Welcombe. Hickey's job was still quite safe at the time but Welcombe brought in a new General Manager. This season has been a nightmare for all involved with the Dukes as the club, after posting the best regular season mark in the NAHC a year ago, is all but assured of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1938 and could finish last for the first time since 1927-28 when they were at the bottom of the old Canadian Division. Whether Hickey is allowed to finish out the season or will be fired in the coming days remains to be seen. It is clear that nothing short of a miracle run to reach the playoffs will save the coach's job and Toronto reportedly already has his replacement in mind. *** Barrell Returning to Toronto? *** Jack Barrell will almost assuredly be the next coach of the Toronto Dukes as the former long-time Dukes star player has been told the job is his. After an illustrious playing career, Barrell coached the Detroit Motors until a falling out with Motors owner John Connelly Jr. following the 1944-45 season led to his dismissal. Barrell resurfaced with Tacoma of the coast league but recently left that club to take a job with the Cleveland Eries of the Hockey Association of America. Cleveland just happens to have a working agreement with the Dukes and it is believed Toronto wanted Barrell nearby for when they pull the trigger to jettison Hickey. Barrell had led the Tacoma Lions to the top of GWHL with a 33-3-4 record when he abruptly left a week ago to accept the position in Cleveland. Code:
NAHC STANINGS
TEAM GP W L T PTS
Boston Bees 37 23 9 5 51
Chicago Packers 38 21 11 6 48
Detroit Motors 37 17 14 6 40
New York Shamrocks 39 17 20 2 36
Brooklyn Eagles 36 13 17 6 32
Montreal Valiants 39 13 23 3 29
Toronto Dukes 36 11 21 4 26
SCORING LEADERS
NAME TEAM GP G A PTS
Tommy Burns CHI 38 27 29 56
Quinton Pollack BKN 36 25 16 41
Tommy Hart BOS 36 24 17 41
Marty Mahoney CHI 38 12 28 40
Orval Cabbell NY 36 19 19 38
Laurel Albers NY 40 9 28 37
Wes Burns CHI 34 19 17 36
Bobbie Sauer TOR 36 16 19 35
Wilbur Chandler BOS 35 15 20 35
Ed Delarue CHI 35 15 20 35
Graham Comeau DET 37 14 20 34
Tom Brescia NY 33 13 19 32
Sam Coates BKN 35 10 22 32
GOALIE LEADERS
NAME TEAM W L T ShO GAA
Pierre Melancon BOS 17-7-5 4 2.47
Norm Hanson CHI 20-11-3 3 2.51
Tom Brockers BKN 13-15-6 3 2.62
Henri Chasse DET 17-14-5 4 2.71
Etienne Tremblay NY 14-18-2 3 2.98
Millard Touhey MON 9-19-3 0 3.59
Gordie Broadway TOR 9-19-2 0 3.70
Tuesday February 11 Tommy Hart scored with 1:08 remaining in the third period to allow first place Boston to escape Detroit with a single point and a 3-3 tie. In New York, the Shamrocks handed Montreal its 7th straight loss, blasting the Valiants 5-1 in a game they outshot Montreal 32-10. Laurel Alberts had 3 points for the Greenshirts while Tom Brescia added two goals. Thursday February 13 The Valiants losing skid came to an end with a 4-3 win over Chicago at the Montreal Arena. Tony Narand scored the game winner and assisted on another goal while Marty Mahoney had 2 points and Tommy Burns scored for the Packers, who were playing without the third member of their big line, Wes Burns -out indefinitely with a broken jaw. In the other game this evening, George Anderson and Waldemar Rupp each had 3 points to pace Boston to a 4-1 win on home ice over the visiting New York Shamrocks. Friday February 14 The lone Valentine's Day contest saw Norm Hanson make 30 saves to lead Chicago to a 2-1 win over Detroit. Jarrett McGlynn's 13th goal of the season, early in the third period, stood up as the winner. Saturday February 15 Another win for the Boston Bees, who improved to 6-0-2 in their last 8 games and are 12-3-2 since the beginning of January after beating Montreal 3-0. Pierre Melancon had an easy time in the Boston net, facing just 16 shots for his 4th shutout of the season while Boston peppered the Valiants Millard Touhey with 41 shots on goal. In other action the Toronto Dukes snapped a 5-game losing streak and won for the first time in February, dumping New York 5-2 behind a goal and two assists from Trevor Parker. Sunday February 16 Plenty of scoring two fronts in a busy Sunday. New York blasted Toronto 8-0 in the back half of their weekend home-and-home series. Adam Greenham had 2 goals and 2 assists for New York with Gilbert Chandler picking up 4 helpers as Shamrocks backup goaltender Ronnie Flanagan earned his second shutout of the season. Chicago also lit the lamp 8 times as the Packers blasted Brooklyn 8-3 behind 3 point nights from Marsh Mansfield and Norm Fraser while in Montreal the visiting Detroit Motors doubled the Valiants 4-2 with defenseman Joe Todd scoring once and adding an assist for the winners. UPCOMING GAMES TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18 Boston at Toronto Brooklyn at New York THURSDAY FEBRUARY 20 Brooklyn at Chicago Toronto at Montreal SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22 Montreal at Chicago Toronto at Detroit SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23 Boston at Brooklyn Detroit at Toronto New York at Chicago OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
__________________
Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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05-24-2023, 12:55 PM
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#23 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 9,739
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February 24, 1947
FEBRUARY 24, 1947  HOTLY CONTESTED RACE FOR FINAL PLAYOFF SPOT REACHES FEVER PITCH In the waning weeks of the 1946-47 North American Hockey Confederation season, the battle for playoff supremacy has reached a fevered pitch. The race for seeding is as open as a spring flower, with teams vying for the coveted postseason berths. At the forefront of the standings stand the mighty Boston Bees, seemingly poised for glory with a three-point lead over the second-place Chicago Packers. The Bees, with two games in hand, exude confidence as they march toward postseason glory and the quest to hoist the Challenge Cup for the 5th time in the past 7 years. Meanwhile, the Detroit Motors, positioned a distant seven points adrift from the Packers, find themselves comfortably perched six points above the New York Shamrocks. These Motor City stalwarts appear primed to put an end to their two-year playoff absence, but their aspirations for home ice advantage in the semifinals are but a fleeting dream. The true spectacle unfolds in the struggle for the fourth and final playoff spot, reserved for the boldest of contenders vying for the illustrious Challenge Cup. The New York Shamrocks, gallant warriors of the ice, currently hold this coveted position with an impressive 37 points. However, looming just three points behind them are the Brooklyn Eagles, a team who, a mere year ago, celebrated victory in a paltry two encounters. These underdogs, absent from the playoffs for nearly a decade, have risen from the ashes, their hearts aflame with determination. With nine games remaining, two more than the fourth-placed Greenshirts, the Eagles have the opportunity to pen a remarkable tale of triumph. But let us not forget the Montreal Valiants, whose valiant efforts have not gone unnoticed. These heroes of the ice where seemingly lost in their ways much of the season, but reminiscent of their astonishing upset against the top-seeded Toronto squad last year, have suddenly forged a path strewn with back to back triumphs. A recent two-game winning streak, the first in nearly two months, has rekindled their spirits. A mere four points behind the Shamrocks, the Valiants are set to clash with them in back-to-back battles next week, accompanied by their first of two remaining encounters with the Eagles. Should the Valiants maintain their fiery form, a tumultuous battle for that elusive final playoff berth shall ensue. Oh, the excitement! The North American Hockey Confederation playoffs await, promising a spectacle of grand proportions. The race for glory, akin to a blooming garden, captivates the hearts and souls of all hockey aficionados. So, dear readers, brace yourselves for the climactic conclusion to this riveting tale of skill, passion, and unyielding determination. Code:
NAHC STANINGS
TEAM GP W L T PTS
Boston Bees 39 24 9 6 54
Chicago Packers 41 22 12 7 51
Detroit Motors 39 18 14 7 43
New York Shamrocks 41 17 21 3 37
Brooklyn Eagles 39 14 19 6 34
Montreal Valiants 41 15 23 3 33
Toronto Dukes 40 11 23 6 28
SCORING LEADERS
NAME TEAM GP G A PTS
Tommy Burns CHI 41 28 31 59
Tommy Hart BOS 38 26 18 44
Marty Mahoney CHI 41 12 31 43
Quinton Pollack BKN 36 25 16 41
Orval Cabbell NY 38 20 21 41
Wilbur Chandler BOS 37 15 23 38
Laurel Albers NY 42 9 28 37
Wes Burns CHI 34 19 17 36
Bobbie Sauer TOR 40 17 19 36
Ed Delarue CHI 38 15 20 35
Graham Comeau DET 39 14 22 35
Tom Brescia NY 35 14 20 34
Garrett Ferrar DET 39 18 14 32
Sam Coates BKN 35 10 22 32
GOALIE LEADERS
NAME TEAM W L T ShO GAA
Pierre Melancon BOS 18-7-6 4 2.47
Norm Hanson CHI 21-12-4 3 2.53
Henri Chasse DET 18-14-7 5 2.59
Tom Brockers BKN 14-17-6 3 2.65
Etienne Tremblay NY 14-18-3 3 2.95
Millard Touhey MON 11-19-3 1 3.43
Gordie Broadway TOR 9-21-4 0 3.64
penned by Oliver Chatterton Tuesday February 18 In a dazzling display of third-period heroics, it was Trevor Parker who emerged as the shining star, gracing the ice at Dominion Gardens with his exquisite skill. With unmatched finesse, he unleashed a pair of awe-inspiring goals, elevating the Toronto Dukes to a hard-earned 4-4 tie against the formidable visiting Boston Bees. Meanwhile, in the grand metropolis of New York, the air crackled with anticipation as the Brooklyn Eagles soared into town, their wings fluttering with playoff purpose. It was Eddie Dallas and Norm Kessell who led the charge, their brilliance casting an ethereal glow upon the ice. Together, these titans of the game orchestrated a symphony of victory, each claiming three points on their noble quest. With unyielding determination, they guided the Brooklyn Eagles to a resounding 6-3 triumph over the valiant Shamrocks, Thursday February 20 Millard Touhey, the guardian of the Montreal Valiants' net, stood as an immovable force against the relentless onslaught from the Toronto Dukes. Like a gallant knight, he turned aside all 20 shots, securing his first shutout of the season and etching his name in the annals of glory. The Valiants, inspired by their indomitable netminder, marched forth to a resounding 4-0 victory. Glen Whitley, a maestro on the ice, adorned the scoresheet with a goal and a pair of timely assists, weaving a tapestry of triumph for the Valiants. In Chicago, it was defenseman Pete Moreau who dazzled the audience, his performance a testament to the greatness of the sport. With a goal and two assists, he orchestrated a symphony of success, propelling the Packers to a commanding 4-1 triumph over the valiant Brooklyn squad. Saturday February 22 On this remarkable Saturday, the heavens themselves smiled upon the city of Montreal as the unthinkable unfolded on the icy stage -the previously flailing Montreal Valiants strung together a two-game winning streak for the first time in nearly two months, with a stunning 4-2 upset against the formidable Chicago squad. Like a fortress impenetrable, Millard Touhey, the guardian of the Valiants' net, stood tall against a barrage of shots, making an astounding 36 saves. Three ethereal first-period goals became the pillars of victory, holding firm amidst the tempestuous storm. The Valiants' triumph, their second in a row, broke the shackles of destiny, for they had claimed victory in just four of their previous 19 battles. In another grand clash, the Detroit Motors, fueled by an unstoppable resolve, blanked the Toronto Dukes with a resounding 4-0 victory. Dave Bradley, a shining star of the evening, showcased his prowess with two glorious goals and an additional assist. Miles Barfield, the master of playmaking, added to the symphony of triumph with three brilliant assists. Henri Chasse, the sentinel between the pipes, scarcely broke a sweat, securing his league-leading fifth shutout of the season as the Dukes managed a mere 14 shots against the mighty Motors' net. Sunday February 23 As the sun graced the sky on this blessed Sunday, the Boston Bees, with hearts aflame, extended their unbeaten streak to a remarkable 10 games. In a thrilling battle, they clipped the wings of the valiant Brooklyn squad, emerging triumphant with a slender 2-1 victory. Daniel Fortin, a virtuoso of the ice, crafted a masterpiece with a goal and a sublime assist, while Benton Watson, the harbinger of success, lent his hand in both Bees' tallies. Oh, the drama that unfolded at Dominion Gardens! The Toronto Dukes and the Detroit Motors, locked in a fierce defensive contest, showcased their might on the grand stage. Bobbie Sauer, with his unparalleled timing, struck with just one second remaining in the first period, infusing the atmosphere with electricity. Phil Denman, an artist of the game, answered the call of destiny, igniting the hopes of the Dukes early in the third. The battle reached its zenith, and yet, the warriors could not be separated. In a testament to their valiance, the clash ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, leaving the spectators awestruck. Finally in Chicago, Lakeside Auditorium bore witness to a riveting showdown in which the hometown Packers skated to a 2-2 draw with the New York Shamrocks. In this grand spectacle, it was Bernie Ferrar, playing the surprising role of hometown hero, who etched his name upon the scoresheet not once, but twice. Like a maestro of destiny, he orchestrated the Packers' offense with finesse, delivering both goals that ignited the passions of the fervent crowd. UPCOMING GAMES TUESDAY FEBRUARY 25 Boston at New York Brooklyn at Toronto THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27 Chicago at Detroit New York at Montreal FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28 Detroit at Brooklyn SATURDAY MARCH 1 Montreal at New York Toronto at Boston SUNDAY MARCH 2 Chicago at Boston Detroit at New York Brooklyn at Montreal BEST DUKES CAN HOPE FOR IS TO RUIN SOMEONE ELSE'S DAY Special from Toronto Mail & Empire Toronto Dukes fans only hope is that the team shows some signs of life over the final three weeks to spoil other teams playoff chances. The season started poorly then got worse, with Toronto displaying by far the most porous defense in the NAHC. A dressing room in chaos, injuries, and losing -lots of losing- were the features of the once feared Dukes. Former management also put the team in a hole by dealing draft picks. The fans are screaming that heads should roll after the conclusion of the season. Dukes front office seems willing to oblige, offering hints that change is coming but also cautions the fans that there may be a few more lean years until they can restock the system. Toronto may also dabble in the free agent market but only in a minor way, the line from management is "There are no quick fixes out there, we need to build from within unfortunately that cupboard is empty at the present time." Dukes fans may not have seen the bottom, yet. OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
__________________
Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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05-25-2023, 12:31 PM
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#24 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 9,739
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March 3, 1947 - Playoff picture becoming quite clear.
MARCH 3, 1947 BEES, PACKERS SECURE PLAYOFF SPOTS Motors Near Locking Up Third Place The Boston Bees and Chicago Packers have become the first two NAHC clubs this season to secure their spots in the playoffs. The Bees, champions of the coveted Challenge Cup a year ago and owners of four of the silver chalices over the past four years are set to take another stab at adding to their trophy case. The Packers, on the other hand, will embark on yet another quest to bring the Windy City its first-ever NAHC crown. Meanwhile, the Detroit Motors find themselves on the brink of playoff qualification. With just two points needed from their remaining six games, they stand poised to secure their spot among the top four teams competing for the coveted Cup. The Motors have shown great resilience and now seek to seal their fate with a final push towards glory after failing by just a single point to qualify for the Cup chase each of the past two seasons. As the season nears its conclusion, the race for the final playoff spot remains a captivating tale. The New York Shamrocks, currently holding 41 points, appear to have a strong chance of clinching it. Though they have only three games left to play, their position seems secure, and their hopes remain high. The Montreal Valiants, on the other hand, faced a setback as they earned just a single point in their recent home and home series against the Greenshirts. While they still have a game in hand, they trail the Shamrocks by five points, making their path to the playoffs a challenging one. Time is running out, and the Valiants must summon all their strength to keep their dreams alive. The Brooklyn Eagles, in sixth place, continue to fight against the odds. Although they haven't made the playoffs in over a decade, they refuse to give up hope. With six games remaining, they aim to close the six-point gap that separates them from the Shamrocks. Their journey is arduous, but their determination fuels their quest for a place among the contenders. Regrettably, the Toronto Dukes find themselves all but assured of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1938. Despite their efforts, the gap of 11 points from fourth place proves insurmountable. The Dukes must confront the disappointment of an unfulfilled season and ponder over the changes expected to come as they look ahead to future campaigns. With just over two weeks remaining in the regular season, the stage is set for a thrilling climax to this captivating campaign. As the playoffs draw near, anticipation rises, and fans eagerly await the unfolding of the final chapters of this enthralling journey. Code:
NAHC STANINGS
TEAM GP W L T PTS
Boston Bees 42 25 10 7 57
Chicago Packers 43 24 12 7 55
Detroit Motors 42 19 15 8 46
New York Shamrocks 45 18 22 5 41
Montreal Valiants 44 16 24 4 36
Brooklyn Eagles 42 14 21 7 35
Toronto Dukes 42 12 24 6 30
SCORING LEADERS
NAME TEAM GP G A PTS
Tommy Burns CHI 43 28 31 59
Tommy Hart BOS 41 26 20 46
Marty Mahoney CHI 43 12 31 43
Orval Cabbell NY 42 21 21 42
Quinton Pollack BKN 36 25 16 41
Graham Comeau DET 42 17 23 40
Wilbur Chandler BOS 40 16 24 40
Laurel Albers NY 46 10 30 40
Bobbie Sauer TOR 42 19 20 39
Ed Delarue CHI 40 16 22 38
Wes Burns CHI 34 19 17 36
Tom Brescia NY 39 14 21 35
Garrett Ferrar DET 42 20 14 34
Clarence Skinner MON 37 16 16 32
Sam Coates BKN 35 10 22 32
GOALIE LEADERS
NAME TEAM W L T ShO GAA
Pierre Melancon BOS 19-7-7 4 2.47
Norm Hanson CHI 23-12-4 3 2.53
Henri Chasse DET 18-15-8 5 2.61
Tom Brockers BKN 14-19-7 3 2.70
Etienne Tremblay NY 15-18-5 3 2.82
Millard Touhey MON 12-20-4 1 3.31
Gordie Broadway TOR 10-22-4 1 3.58
Tuesday February 25 The New York Shamrocks held the visiting Boston Bees to just 15 shots will firing 27 of their own on Bees netminder Pierre Melancon as the two clubs skated to a 1-1 draw. In Toronto, Gordie Broadway picked up his first shutout of the season with 27 saves in a 4-0 Toronto victory over a short-staffed Brooklyn Eagles. Maurice Charette scored once and added 3 assists for Dukes, who won despite being outshot 27-19. With Quinton Pollack, Sam Coates and Ian Doyle all injured much of Brooklyn's offense spent the evening in the Dominion Garden Press Box. Thursday February 27 Four third-period goals lifted the Chicago Packers to a 4-2 win in Detroit. It was the first time since Christmas that Packers star Tommy Burns was held off the scoresheet in back-to-back games. Elsewhere, the New York Shamrocks took a big step towards eliminating the Montreal Valiants from playoff contention with a 2-1 win in Montreal. Orval Cabbell and Joe Martin each scored in the first period to pace the Greenshirts, who outshot Montreal 41-26 as Millard Touhey was outstanding in net for the Valiants. Friday February 28 The lone game on the docket saw Hank Walsh score late in the third period to allow the Brooklyn Eagles to claim a 2-2 tie with visiting Detroit at Prescott Arena. Tom Brockers made 34 saves in the Brooklyn net while defenseman Miles Norman assisted on both of the Eagles markers. Saturday March 1 Jocko Gregg scored twice to give the New York Shamrocks a 2-2 tie with Montreal and increase the New Yorkers six-point lead on idle Brooklyn and maintain the seven-point bulge on the Valiants for the final playoff berth. In Boston, the Bees Benton Watson scored once and added two helpers in a 5-4 victory over the visiting Toronto Dukes. Trevor Parker scored twice in a losing cause for the Dukes. Sunday March 2 The highlight was a showdown between the league's top two teams in Boston as the visiting Chicago Packers overcame a 3-1 first period deficit to rally and beat the Bees 4-3. Ed Delarue's 16th tally of the season, with less than 4 minutes remaining in the contest, proved the difference. Marsh Mansfield, Kent Drayton and Bernie Ferrar also scored for the Packers who saw their scoring leader Tommy Burns go pointless for the third straight game -just the second time this season that has happened. The news wasn't all bad for Burns as he learned he was named the NAHC's top player for the month February. Chicago is now 2 points behind Boston in the race for first place and home ice advantage throughout the playoffs, but the Bees do have a game in hand. Montreal's faint postseason hopes remained alive after the Valiants leapfrogged Brooklyn into fifth place with a 5-2 win on home ice over the Eagles. The backend contributed some offense for Montreal with Isaac Finnson scoring twice and adding an assist while Michael Baddock chipped in with a goal and an assist. Detroit took a huge step towards securing a return to the playoffs after narrowly missing the post-season each of the past two years. The Motors powered past the New York Shamrocks 7-1 with seven different Detroiters lighting the lamp. AROUND THE LEAGUE BEES TRYING TO HOLD ON TO FIRST PLACE By Finn LeBec -Boston Globe The Boston Bees are fighting to keep the top seed heading into the NAHC playoffs. This past week, there was a win, a loss, and a draw. An uninspiring draw started the week, as the Bees tied the Shamrocks, 1-1. After rookie George Anderson scored his 9th goal, it was very quiet. Boston only managed 15 shots in the game and had possession for only about 6-1/2 minutes in the New York zone all game, including just 1:07 in the third period. Things got better as the calendar transitioned to March and the Bees returned home to face Toronto and Chicago in livelier games. The Bees survived a scare from the Dukes, holding on to win, 5-4, after both teams combined for five goals in the second period and fans were treated to a one-goal game for most of the third. Leroy Hester scored with 3:06 left to give a momentary two-goal bulge, but the Dukes' Les Carlson potted a goal just 18 seconds later to cut the deficit to one. To the relief of the 14,058 fans packed into Denny Arena that was as close as the Toronto club would get and the Bees picked up a valuable two points. Boston had a tough back-to-back assignment as just 24 hours later the Chicago Packers invaded the Denny ice palace. Boston led through two periods, 3-2, but Chicago had the understandably fresher legs in the third and scored two goals to win. Marsh Mansfield tied the game with just under nine minutes to go and Ed Delarue capitalized on a costly Len Bentley holding penalty, scoring for the league's second-ranked power play (23.2%) with 3:57 left for the winning marker. Though Chicago crept two points closer, Boston's lead over Chicago is still two points with a game in hand. Boston has a chance to create a little breathing room on Tuesday night at Lakeside Auditorium in Chicago. The Bees will then travel to Canada for games against Montreal and Toronto before facing Brooklyn and engaging in a season-ending home-and-home against Detroit. In addition to Tuesday night's tilt in Chicago, the Packers have four other games remaining in Brooklyn, against Detroit, and a home-and-home with last place Toronto. BURNS RETURNS FOR END OF SEASON Chicago Daily News While most hockey fans may say the Packers' most valuable player is Tommy Burns, the star center knows otherwise. "It's got to be Wes." Tommy explained to reporters after a 4-3 win over the Bees. "I'm only at my best when big bro is on the ice. Our chemistry takes us to the highest level." Tommy may be onto something, as since his brother hit the injured list with a fractured jaw after a February 6th loss to the Shamrocks, Tommy has just 4 goals and 5 assists in his past 9 games, while not recording a point in each of Chicago's last three games. Burns still leads the league in goals (28) and points (59), but his 31 assists are now tied with linemate Marty Mahoney. With the season coming to a close, Packers coach Ed Hempenstall has decided it's time to bring the captain back on the ice. "If we want to win our first cup, we need #12 back on the ice. He knows the risks of playing, but he's the type of guy that leaves it all on the ice. He wants to perform for his teammates." When asked about how he feels, Wes cracked a smile. "See! I'm smiling! It doesn't hurt as much anymore!" That got plenty of laughs from the media room, but the 30-year-old was all business after that. "I've watched all our games while I've been out, and it's motivated me to get better as quickly as possible. I didn't want to miss any time, but the doctors are now more comfortable bringing me back out. I'm ready to go out and put on a show." "It's good to have the gang back together!" right wing Marty Mahoney told reporters in advance of a crucial game in Chicago against the first place Bees. "It's not the same without Wes on the ice to start the game. Dave [Rankin] has filled in well, but he was one of the happiest guys when he heard Wes was coming back. He credits him for a lot of his success in year one." When asked if Tommy Burns was upset that he tied him for assists, Mahoney chuckled. "He shouldn't be! Half those are because of him! If he wants the assist lead, maybe he should score less." The Packers have secured a playoff spot, but it will be tough for them to top the Bees. A win Tuesday night is a must, as Boston holds a two point lead with a game in hand. The Packers have five matchups left, three at home and two on the road, including a home-and-home with the Toronto Dukes to finish the season. This is a perfect way to finish, as the Dukes are just 12-24-6 (30 PTS) and five points behind the Brooklyn Eagles for 6th, who the Packers face next Sunday in New York. DUKES DEBACLE OF A SEASON MERCIFULLY NEARS FINISH LINE From The Toronto Mail & Empire The Toronto Dukes have begun their review of players as this lost season winds down. As telling a stat as there is, would be the fact that only one player is on the right side of the +/-. That would be winger Dick Klein, who is +1 and the veteran is fifth on the team in scoring with 21 points. Some of the big minuses belong to the likes of Sam Koger is -24 (in 27 games), while rearguards Frank Featherston at -16 and Francis McGraw, with a -18 rating, having clearly struggled. Center Rosie McInnis, whose days are probably ending in Toronto, is also -18. There were some concerns about the Dukes defense when the campaign opened in November and those have proven to be well founded as the Dukes are giving a league high average of shots against per game of 33.14. while only taking a league low of 25.62 shot on target per game. Definitely not a winning formula, and goaltender Gordie Broadway has been abandoned -although he is not helping himself with a .889 save percentage. Rumours abounded that head coach Norb Hickey is gone soon after the final game is played to be replaced by Jack Barrell who will be task with straightening out the Dukes both on the ice and in the room. Hickey may not be the only staff member that have limited time left at Dominion Gardens. Dukes have the highest league payroll, something that has owner David Welcombe likely joining with the fans in demanding change before training camp next October. VALIANTS NOTES Montreal Star
MOTORS ON VERGE OF POST-SEASON Dan Urbanski, Detroit Times They are not quite there yet but it certainly looks like the Detroit Motors will return to the playoffs after missing the post-season by the narrowest of margins each of the past two years. A year ago, the Motors were nosed out despite finishing with 50 points in the 48-game campaign. Chicago took third place with 52 points while the Montreal Valiants -who would go on to beat league leader Toronto in the semi-finals and push Boston to six games before falling in the Challenge Cup Finals- finished 1 point ahead of the Motors to claim the fourth and final playoff spot. This after the Valiants nosed out the Motors the previous season when each was tied for fourth place with 51 points only to see Montreal advance due to the fact it had one more victory than the Detroiters. That first playoff near-miss was a factor in the decision by Motors magnate John Connelly Jr. to part ways with Jack Barrell and replace the long-time Motors bench boss with Mark Moore. After the near miss in his debut last season, it is essential Moore leads the team to the playoffs and gives Connelly some much desired playoff revenue. With what has happened the past two years it is unwise to crack the champagne bottles yet, but with 6 games remaining and the Motors only require a total of two points from those contests the celebration has to be coming. *** Moore's Defense First Philosphy Working *** The Motors engine is clearly in the trunk of the vehicle as the team defense -led be a stellar campaign from goaltender Henri Chasse and a solid job from the big three of Shel Herron, Joe Todd and Bryant Williams on the blueline- is clearly why the club is sitting in third place. It is also no coincidence that Toronto is reeling this season after Williams and Todd bolted the Dominion Gardens to take up residence at Thompson Palladium. A first round playoff date with either Chicago or Boston will be tough and the Motors have struggled this season against both of them. Detroit still has one game remaining with the Packers but their record against Chicago sits at 1-4-2, while entering their season ending home and home with the Bees the Motors sport just a 1-4-1 record in games with Boston. OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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05-26-2023, 01:35 PM
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#25 |
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Hall Of Famer
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Location: Ontario Canada
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March 10, 1947: Playoff field set, but top spot still up for grabs
MARCH 10, 1947 PLAYOFF FIELD SET, BUT TOP SPOT UP FOR GRABS The four NAHC teams that will continue their quest for the Challenge Cup with playoff berths have been decided but the semi-final matchups are yet to be determined. The Detroit Motors and New York Shamrocks clinched third and fourth place respectively last week and they know they will each face either the Boston Bees or the Chicago Packers in the opening playoff round. What is not know is whether it will be the Bees or the Packers standing at the top of the heap when the regular season comes to a conclusion a week from Tuesday in Detroit. That final game may well determine the semi-final matchups as it will pit long-time rivals Boston and Detroit against each other. The way it stands now the Bees and Packers are dead even with 59 points each after Chicago beat Boston twice in just over a week. The Packers have 3 games remaining on their schedule while the Bees have four left to play. Code:
NAHC STANINGS
TEAM GP W L T PTS
Boston Bees 44 26 11 7 59
Chicago Packers 45 26 12 7 59
Detroit Motors 45 20 16 9 49
New York Shamrocks 47 19 22 6 44
Montreal Valiants 47 17 26 4 38
Brooklyn Eagles 45 14 23 8 36
Toronto Dukes 45 13 25 7 33
SCORING LEADERS
NAME TEAM GP G A PTS
Tommy Burns CHI 45 29 33 62
Tommy Hart BOS 43 29 20 49
Orval Cabbell NY 44 23 22 45
Marty Mahoney CHI 45 13 32 45
Graham Comeau DET 45 19 25 44
Wilbur Chandler BOS 42 17 27 44
Quinton Pollack BKN 39 26 16 42
Bobbie Sauer TOR 45 22 20 42
Ed Delarue CHI 42 18 24 42
Laurel Albers NY 48 11 30 41
Garrett Ferrar DET 45 20 16 36
Wes Burns CHI 36 19 17 36
Tom Brescia NY 41 14 22 36
Clarence Skinner MON 40 18 16 34
GOALIE LEADERS
NAME TEAM W L T ShO GAA
Norm Hanson CHI 24-12-4 3 2.51
Pierre Melancon BOS 20-8-7 4 2.53
Henri Chasse DET 19-16-9 5 2.62
Tom Brockers BKN 14-20-8 3 2.69
Etienne Tremblay NY 16-18-6 3 2.78
Millard Touhey MON 13-22-4 1 3.37
Gordie Broadway TOR 11-23-4 1 3.55
Tuesday March 4 The highly anticipated final meeting of the season between the league's top two teams took place in Chicago with the host Packers beat the visiting Boston Bees for the second straight game. The season series between the two was a dead heat with each club winning 3 times and the other two games ending in a tie score. As for this evening it was a 4-2 final with Ed Delarue scoring twice to pace the Packers. Wes Burns did not factor in the scoring at all, but he was back in the Chicago lineup after missing a month with a broken jaw. The other game saw the New York Shamrocks thump the Detroit Motos 6-1 to move closer to clinching the fourth and final playoff berth. Thursday March 6 Detroit secured a playoff spot and helped end Brooklyn's hopes for their first post-season appearance in over decade after the two clubs skated to a 1-1 draw in the Motor City. Quinton Pollack, back after missing three weeks with an injury, scored his 26th goal of the season while Dave Bradley's 11th accounted for the Detroit offense. Montreal kept its faint playoff hopes alive with a 3-2 win in Toronto. Ray Sclisizzi led the Valiants with a pair of goals while Bobbie Sauer had one for Toronto, allowing him to reach the 20-goal plateau for the third consecutive season. Saturday March 8 The New York Shamrocks clinched the fourth and final playoff spot without stepping on the ice. The Shamrocks were off but the Montreal Valiants playoff dreams were crushed in a 6-1 loss to the Detroit Motors. Detroit was led by two goals and an assist from Graham Comeau, giving the second-year player a team high 44 points on the season. Third period goals from Rosie McInnis and Leo Carlson lifted the Toronto Dukes to a 5-3 win over the Brooklyn Eagles in a game that saw the Dukes pepper beleaguered Brooklyn goaltender Tom Brockers with 52 shots. Sunday March 9 Boston and Chicago remain tied for first place after both won on Sunday. The Bees trimmed Montreal 4-3 despite a 3-point night for Valiants winger Nicholas Haines while the Packers had a much easier time of things in Brooklyn as Moose Vezina had a hat trick in a 6-2 Chicago victory over the Eagles. The final game of the night saw Bobbie Sauer score twice as Toronto and New York skated to a 3-3 tie. The game had a violent incident in the closing minutes when New York forward Adam Greenham was given a 5-minute boarding major and subsequently suspended four games by the league meaning he will miss the Shamrocks regular season finale next week and the first three games of the playoffs. NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE TUESDAY MARCH 11 Boston at Toronto THURSDAY MARCH 13 Detroit at Chicago Brooklyn at Boston SATURDAY MARCH 15 Montreal at Brooklyn Toronto at Chicago SUNDAY MARCH 16 Chicago at Toronto Detroit at Boston New York at Brooklyn AROUND THE LEAGUE NAHC PLAYOFF PICTURE The 4-team playoff field is set but the matchups are still murky as Boston and Chicago are tied for top spot with 9 days left in the season. Motors end a 2 year post-season drought in clinching third place while the Shamrocks take fourth and are back in the playoffs for the first time since 1941-42. Montreal's 4 year string of playoff appearances ends while Toronto misses for the first time since 1937-38. Brooklyn, which has not seen the postseason since 1935, had a tremendous improvement over last season's 2-win campaign, but still falls short. With home ice advantage throughout the playoffs the prize for finishing first the Packers have home games against Detroit and the Dukes this week before ending their season in Toronto on Sunday. Boston travels to Toronto Tuesday, and then hosts Brooklyn and Detroit before finishing up the season in the Motor City a week from Tuesday. CIRCUS-LIKE ATMOSPHERE IN NEW YORK Courtesy of the New York World Telegram With one week, but only one game, remaining in the season the Shamrock's can finally have a small celebration. The Greenshirts are going bback to the playoffs for the first time since 1941-42. The only negative is the 4 game suspension given to Adam Greenham for a high hit and swing of his stick in Sunday's Toronto Dukes game. Greenham will miss the finale in Brooklyn, then the first three games of the semi-finals against either Boston or Chicago. When asked if he had a preference in opponent Shamrocks head coach Kurt Stone replied, "I wouldn't tell you if I did. Either will be an extreme challenge. The important thing is we're in. This will be a valuable experience for the boys." Bigsby Gardens, now home to the circus, will soon be hosting playoff hockey. OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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05-29-2023, 12:48 PM
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#26 |
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March 19, 1947 End of the regular season - time for the Challenge Cup playoffs
MARCH 19, 1947 BEES CLAIM TOP SPOT AS NAHC SET FOR PLAYOFFS The Boston Bees finished with the best regular season record in the NAHC and that will give them home ice advantage in their quest for a fifth Challenge Cup in the past seven seasons. The Bees won the title last year, eliminating Montreal in six games in the finals, ending Toronto's two-year hold on the most famous trophy in sports. Boston had previously won three Cups in a row from 1941 to 1943. The Bees will have some injuries to contend with on their back line as defenseman Willis Beane, who led the club's blueliners with 19 points this season, is expected to miss at least the opener of the best-of-5 semi-final series with a foot injury. Elmer Jernigan is also out and there is some question about a third defenseman -veteran Fred Yeadon- being healthy enough to play. First line center Wilbur Chandler is also nursing an injury but is expected to suit up. Boston's opponent will be the fourth place New York Shamrocks, who are healthy but will be without rookie forward Adam Greenham for the first 3 games of the series as the 24-year old who tallied 32 points this season, remains suspended. Boston won the regular season series between the two rivals, winning 4 and tying 2 of the 8 games they duo competed in. For New York to win the series they will need a big effort out of goaltender Etienne Tremblay, who will have his work cut out for himself against Tommy Hart and the Bees. BOSTON VS NEW YORK  The other semi-final will be a contrast in styles as the league's most dominant offensive club in the Chicago Packers takes on the Detroit Motors, who allowed the fewest goals against this season. The big line of the Burns brothers along with Marty Mahoney leads Chicago but the Packers also have plenty of secondary scoring. Detroit has a balanced offense led by 24 year old Graham Comeau but the real strength of the Motors success lies in goaltender Henri Chasse and solid group of defenseman with ex-Toronto Duke Bryant Williams being the key. Both clubs may be missing key contributors for at least the series opener as Detroit defensemen Joe Todd and Bernie Dunton are both listed as day-to-day as is Chicago's 33 point man Jarrett McGlynn and steady defender Jerry Finch. Wes Burns will play for the Packers but he has not been overly effective in his 4 games back after missing a month with a broken jaw. CHICAGO VS DETROIT  BURNS SETS MODERN-ERA POINTS RECORD Chicago Packers center Tommy Burns picked up two points in each of his club's final two games of the season allowing the 27-year-old to establish a new modern day record for points in a season. The Port Arthur, On., native finished the campaign with 67 points, one more than Sam Koger accumulated for the Toronto Dukes in the 1943-44 season. Burns seems a likely candidate to win his second straight McDaniels Award, presented to the NAHC's most valuable player. The all-time record for points in a season is 80 established by Bert Gordier of Boston back in the 1929-30 season. Gordier and teammate George Tremaine, who tallied 78 points for the 29-30 Bees, are the only players in NAHC history to notch more points than Burns total this year. Burns was also one of three players to tie for the league lead in goals this season with 30. Joined by Boston's Tommy Hart and Brooklyn Eagles rookie Quinton Pollack, the trio join a select group to score at least 30 in a single season. The modern era leader is Gil Nagle with 32 for the 1941-42 Toronto Dukes while in all of NAHC history, going back to the 1926 merger with the USHA the top mark is 47 belonging to Gordier in his outstanding 1929-30 season.  DUKES JUST HAPPY NIGHTMARE SEASON IS OVER Toronto Mail & Empire The Season mercifully comes to a close for the Dukes. A year after winning 31 games and posting a 70 point season the club only accumulates half as many points in suffering through its first non-playoff campaign in over a decade. The final tally is a record of 13-26-9, while surrendering the most goals against in NAHC at 175 -15 more than any other team in the league. Imagine how bad it could have been without career leader in GAA, goaltender wins and shutouts Gordie Broadway between the pipes! Dukes had never finished with less than 23 wins in a season or 52 points in the modern era before this season's debacle. Head coach Norb Hickey was not at the season ending press conference furthering talks that he is out as coach. Code:
FINAL NAHC STANINGS
TEAM GP W L T PTS
Boston Bees 48 28 12 8 64
Chicago Packers 48 26 13 7 61
Detroit Motors 48 22 16 10 54
New York Shamrocks 48 19 23 6 44
Montreal Valiants 48 18 26 4 40
Brooklyn Eagles 48 15 25 8 38
Toronto Dukes 45 13 26 9 35
SCORING LEADERS
NAME TEAM GP G A PTS
Tommy Burns CHI 48 30 37 67
Tommy Hart BOS 47 30 23 53
Wilbur Chandler BOS 45 19 30 49
Marty Mahoney CHI 48 15 33 48
Quinton Pollack BKN 42 30 17 47
Bobbie Sauer TOR 48 24 22 46
Graham Comeau DET 48 20 26 46
Orval Cabbell NY 45 23 22 45
Ed Delarue CHI 45 18 24 42
Laurel Albers NY 49 11 30 41
Wes Burns CHI 38 19 19 38
Garrett Ferrar DET 48 20 17 37
Tom Brescia NY 42 14 22 36
Clarence Skinner MON 41 18 17 35
GOALIE LEADERS
NAME TEAM W L T ShO GAA
Norm Hanson CHI 24-13-4 3 2.56
Pierre Melancon BOS 22-8-8 4 2.57
Henri Chasse DET 21-16-10 5 2.60
Tom Brockers BKN 15-22-8 3 2.74
Etienne Tremblay NY 16-19-6 3 2.81
Millard Touhey MON 14-22-4 1 3.31
Gordie Broadway TOR 11-24-6 1 3.53
TUESDAY MARCH 11 The Boston Bees moved two points ahead of the Chicago Packers and into sole possession of first place with a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Dukes. Daniel Fortin's 8th goal of the season, unassisted and the only marker of the third period proved the difference. THURSDAY MARCH 13 Boston clinched at least a tie for first place with a 6-3 win at home over Brooklyn while the Chicago Packers were losing 3-2 on home ice to Detroit. Wilbur Chandler had a goal and 2 assists to pace the Bees to while Quinton Pollack scored twice for the Eagles in a losing effort. In the Windy City, three different Motors scored while goaltender Henri Chasse made 34 saves to pace Detroit. SATURDAY MARCH 15 Chicago had to settle for a 4-4 tie with Toronto and in the process gave the Boston Bees home ice advantage throughout the playoffs as the Bees, despite having the day off, clinched the best regular season record. The Packers led 4-2 after 40 minutes thanks to a pair of Marty Mahoney goals but third period markers from Bobbie Sauer and Mahlon Klein earned the last place Dukes a point. In the other game a contest between a pair of non-playoff participants just finishing out the string ended with the Montreal Valiants downing Brooklyn 4-1 behind 34 saves from Millard Touhey. SUNDAY MARCH 16 Tommy Burns had two assists to set a modern day single season points record with 67 as the Chicago Packers finished up their regular season with a 3-3 draw in Toronto. In Boston, Craig Simpson of the Bees and Detroit's Dave Bradley each scored twice and added an assist as their club's skated to a 4-4 tie while in Brooklyn rookie Quinton Pollack scored twice to give him 30 goals on the season as the Eagles downed the New York Shamrocks 4-1. TUESDAY MARCH 18 One final game on the schedule to complete the regular season saw the Detroit Motors top Boston 4-1 behind a 35 save effort from goaltender Henri Chasse. The only Boston player to beat Chasse was Tommy Hart, who notched his 30th goal of the season and finished in a 3-way tie for the lead in that category with Chicago's Tommy Burns and Brooklyn rookie Quinton Pollack. OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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05-30-2023, 09:41 AM
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#27 |
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Hall Of Famer
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March 28, 1947
MARCH 28, 1947 NO SURPRISES AS SEMI-FINAL SERIES GET UNDERWAY The Boston Bees and Chicago Packers were the class of the NAHC throughout the regular season, so it comes as little surprise that the duo each hold a 2-0 lead in their respective semi-final playoff series. That puts the Bees and Packers each just a victory away from meeting to determine who will lift the Challenge Cup. In Boston, the first-place Bees opened the playoffs with a convincing 6-1 win over the New York Shamrocks. The opener was the Wilbur Chandler show as the veteran Boston centre scored 4 goals and added an assist. His long-time linemates Waldemar Rupp -with 4 assists- and Tommy Hart -with a goal and 2 helpers- also enjoyed a big night. The Bees won despite being outshot by the Greenshirts 33-25 as Boston netminder Pierre Melancon had an outstanding game while Etienne Tremblay clearly stuggled between the pipes for the Shamrocks. It was a much closer contest two nights later in New England but once again the Bees prevailed but they needed nearly 11 minutes of overtime before Joe Morey scored to give Boston a 5-4 victory and a 2 games to none lead in the best-of-five series. New York scored the only goal of the opening stanza when mid-season pickup Laurel Albers beat Melancon less than 7 minutes into the coatest. The ice seemed tilted in New York's favour in the second period as the Shamrocks peppered Melancon with 21 shots but only managed to beat him once. The was a Garry Calof marker with 16 seconds remaining in the frame after Wilbur Chandler -with his series high 5 goal- had tied the game. Orval Cabbell scored twice for the Shamrocks in the third period but the Bees lit the lamp three times in the stanza -on goals by Morey, Craig Simpson and veteran Fred Yeadon- to force the overtime and eventually Morey's second of the game to end the contest. New York badly outshot the Bees once more, firing 50 shots including 7 in overtime on Melancon while the Bees managed 37 shots, including 5 in the extra period on Tremblay. *** Hanson Blanks Detroit Twice *** In Chicago the hero was Packers netminder Norm Hanson, who posted back to back shutouts as the Packers won each of the first two games on home ice by indentical 3-0 scores over the Detroit Motors. Tommy Burns, Ed Delarue and Marsh Mansfield -with one scoring in each period- were the marksmen in the series opener while game two was scoreless until David Rankin broke the goose egg with a goal just over a minute into the third period. Mansfield and Pete Moreau would seal the Motors fate when they each scored just over a minute apart. Mansfield notched a short-handed tally at 6:09 of the period to deflate the Motors and then Moreau contributed an insurance marker on a nifty feed from Tommy Burns while on the powerplay at 7:18. The Shamrocks and Motors each return home for at least one game, with both needing wins to remain alive in the playoff hunt.  CHALLENGE CUP NOTES
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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05-31-2023, 12:47 PM
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#28 |
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All Star Reserve
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March 31, 1947
APRIL 1, 1947 PACKERS JOIN BEES IN CHALLENGE CUP SHOWDOWN Moose Vezina scored twice and Tommy Burns added a pair of assists to lead the Chicago Packers to a 4-1 win over Detroit yesterday to win their semi-final series 3 games to one. The victory lifts the Packers to their first trip to the Challenge Cup finals since 1931 where they will take on the defending Cup champion Boston Bees, who swept the New York Shamrocks three straight in the other semi-final. After winning games one and two in the Windy City by identical 3-0 scores it looked like the Packers were going to sweep the series with Detroit as Chicago built up a 3-0 lead on the Motors when Tommy Burns scored his second goal of the series just over 5 minutes into the third period. The spirited but short-staffed Motors then came to life before the home crowd at Thompson Palladium, ending a more than 168-minute scoring drought when rookie Bobo Davis finally beat Packers netminder Norm Hanson. Less than 4 minutes later goals from Mike Narand and Arnold Singleton had tied the contest and just over 2 minutes into overtime Morris Wright -who had been pressed into action because of multiple injuries on the Detroit defense- scored the overtime winner to equal his regular season output of 1 goal this season. Any hopes Detroit had of a comeback ended two nights later when Vezina and Burns led the Packers to a series clinching 4-1 victory. David Rankin and Marsh Mansfield also scored for Chicago giving the Packers their first playoff series victory of the modern era. The other semi-final had ended two nights early when Boston completed a 3-game sweep of the New York Shamrocks with a 2-0 victory at Bigsby Garden. The game was scoreless through two periods until Craig Simpson broke the gooese eggs with his second of the series from Harry Neighbor and Viv Napier just under 4 minutes into the third. Daniel Fortin would add an insurance marker with help from George Anderson 7 minutes later and Boston netminder Pierre Melancon took care of the rest, stopping all 27 shots the Shamrocks fired at him in the game. The Bees are no stranger to Challenge Cup finals, having played in 8 of the last ten of them and were victorious in five. In all, the Boston squad has won the Challenge Cup a total of six times including last year's six game triumph over the Montreal Valiants. The Packers, on the other hand, have only played in the finals once befre and that was back in 1930-31 when they lost to the Shamrocks. The regular season series between the Bees and Packers was dead even with each club winning 3 imes and the other two games ending in ties. Boston won three of the first four meetings between the pair while the Packers won three of the final four including back to back wins in early March. BOSTON VS CHICAGO 1946-47 REGULAR SEASON Nov 12 Boston 4 Chicago 2 Nov 21 Boston 4 Chicago 2 Dec 8 tied 3-3 Jan 5 Boston 5 Chicago 4 Jan 19 Chicago 3 Boston 2 Jan 28 tied 3-3 Mar 2 Chicago 4 Boston 3 Mar 4 Chicago 4 Boston 2  TOUGH TEST FOR SHORT-STAFFED PACKERS Courtesy of the Chicago Daily News A huge loss for the Packers as Marty Mahoney (15, 33) will miss the Challenge Cup against the Boston Bees. Mahoney finished the season 2nd in assists with 33 and recorded 48 points in 48 games as a member of the Packers star-studded first line. All-world center Tommy Burns (30, 37) is the only one that remains, as brother Wes (19, 19) is dealing with a fractured jaw, and has been moved down to the third line to limit his minutes. Tommy will now play between rookie Dave Rankin (11, 16) and veteran Bernie Ferrar (9, 20) as the Packers try to capture their first ever title.  OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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06-01-2023, 11:20 AM
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#29 |
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All Star Reserve
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April 7, 1947 - Challenge Cup Finals Games 1 and 2
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
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06-02-2023, 12:57 PM
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#30 |
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April 14, 1947
APRIL 14, 1947 CHALLENGE CUP NOW A BEST OF THREE Bees, Packers Split in Windy City, Tied at 2 Two completely different games as the Challenge Cup finals continued in Chicago but when the dust settled the series was deadlocked at 2 wins each as the Boston Bees and Chicago Packers did that same thing they did in Boston to start the series - split games three and four. The best-of-seven Cup final is now even at 2 victories apiece. Game Three was all Boston as the Bees put a quick end to any worries that their offense was in a slump after scoring just twice in the first two games by exploding for four goals in the first period alone in game three and ended up crushing Chicago 10-2. Jim Morey led the way with 3 goals and an assist while Tommy Hart had a five point night and both Viv Napier and Waldemar Rupp contributed 3 points. The 10 Boston goals came on just 21 shots as the Bees chased Packers starting goaltender Norm Hanson less than a dozen minutes into the game after Hanson -who had shutout the Bees in game three- surrendered 4 goals on 7 shots. Unlike game three in which the outcome seemed decided very early, the fourth game went late into the night before it determined a winner. The Packers blew a two-goal lead entering the third period but Moose Vezina would be the hero for the hometown club when he scored the game winner 47 seconds into the second overtime period to lift Chicago to a 5-4 victory and even the series once more. Tommy Burns, who has been unusually quiet in the final, scored twice for Chicago with Ed Delarue and Matt Jewitt also solving Boston goaltender Pierre Melancon, who faced 53 shots in the game. Waldemar Rupp, Tommy Hart, Fred Yeadon and Willis Beane were the Boston marksmen. The series now shifts to Boston for game five with the Bees looking for their second straight Cup win and 5th in the past 7 years while the Packers continue their quest for the first title in franchise history.  AROUND THE LEAGUE CHANDLER TO MISS GAME FIVE by Finn LeBec, Boston Globe Wilbur Chandler looks like he will miss Game 5, so 22-year-old Craig Simpson will jump into the cockpit as first-line center. Chandler has a bruised toe and is expected to be back for Game 6 in this air-tight series that is tied at two games apiece. Boston's offense exploded for ten goals in a Game 3 offensive performance that came out of nowhere. Joe Morey had a hat trick and Tommy Hart anchored the first line with a goal and four assists in the 10-2 win. Chicago goalie Norm Hanson was pulled after allowing four first-period goals in the first 12 minutes of the game. The win gave Boston back home ice, but Chicago held the fort in Game 4 with a thrilling double-overtime victory. Moose Vézina scored 47 seconds into the fifth period of play. Boston forced free hockey with two goals in the third, as two defensemen - Fred Yeadon and Willis Beane - scored to tie the contest. ROVERS CLAIM HAA CROWN The Pittsburgh Rovers were crowned champions of the minor league Hockey Association of America after the Steel City club swept Syracuse three-straight in their best of five championship series. The Rovers, who have a working agreement and are supplied some of their players from the Chicago Packers, finsihed with the best regular season record in the 7-team loop at 27-15-6, good for 60 points and a 2-point cushion on the second place Syracuse Lancers. Pittsburgh won the series opener on home ice by a 5-3 score as Chris Rissling and Alfie Dennis each scored twice for the Rovers. In game two it was Ollie Beauregard with a 2-goal effort to pace the Rovers to a 3-1 win over the Lancers. The final game was held in Syracuse and the Lancers made it a battle, with Ernest Shaefer scoring with just 1:34 remaining in regulation to tie the game at two but 8 minutes into overtime the Rovers Larry Prance scored the series winner to complete the sweep for Pittsburgh with a 3-2 victory. Prance is a 22-year-old center drafted by the Chicago Packers in the 6th round in 1943, who finally was signed by the club last July and assigned to Pittsburgh, for whom he scored 11 goals and added 21 assists in his first year of HAA action after 3 seasons with Portland of the coast loop.  OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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06-05-2023, 12:48 PM
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#31 |
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April 15, 1947 Bees claim record 7th Challenge Cup.
APRIL 15, 1947 BEES WIN ANOTHER CHALLENGE CUP The Challenge Cup is looking like it may well apply for permanent residence at Denny Arena in Boston as the Bees once more prevailed as North American Hockey Confederation champions. Boston eliminated the Chicago Packers in 6 games in the best-of-seven final to win their second consecutive cup and 5th in the past seven years. Only twice in the past eleven years has the Challenge Cup final not included the Boston Bees and their 7 cup wins all-time is tops in the NAHC, one more than the Toronto Dukes have won. The Chicago Packers remain the only active NAHC franchise never to hoist the cup. The Packers, who's only previous trip to the finals was in 1931, made a strong run against the Bees despite nursing a number of key injuries, but fell just short. The clubs had split the first four games of the series inlcuding the Packers dramatic 5-4 win on home ice in game four thanks to Moose Vezina's goal in double overtime. The crucial fifth game was staged at Boston's Denny Arena and was tied at one through two periods before the Bees broke it open with three unswered markers in the third period including a pair from Joe Morey, who would end up with 8 goals in 9 playoff goes, tying him for the lead in that department with teammate Wilbur Chandler. The series would end two nights later in Chicago as the Bees claimed the cup with a 4-3 victory. Chicago had taken a 2-0 first period lead on goals from Pete Moreau and Rocky Messer but Morey got one back for Boston late in the stanza. Tommy Hart scored early in the second period to tie the game and then assisted on Benton Watson's go-ahead goal to put the visitors up 3-2. Watson would add another goal just over 7 minutes into the third period but a little over 4 minutes later Matt Jewitt got that one back for Chicago but that was a close as the Packers would get and Boston, behind 35 saves from netminder Pierre Melancon, would hang on for a cup-clinching 4-3 victory. CHALLENGE CUP FINALS GAME SCORES Game 1 Boston 2 Chicago 1 Game 2 Chicago 2 Boston 0 Game 3 Boston 10 Chicago 2 Game 4 Chicago 5 Boston 4 (2 OT) Game 5 Boston 4 Chicago 1 Game 6 Boston 4 Chicago 3  ROOKIE HELPS BEES CLAIM CUP By Finn LeBec, Boston Globe Rookie David Scarpone was called up to make his NAHC debut in Game 5 after Fred Yeadon was day-to-day with a sore knee and was not available for Game 5. He scored the first goal in Game 5 and stuck in the lineup to chip in an assist in Game 6. Wilbur Chandler was also banged up and out for Game 5 and he missed Game 6 as well. Game 5 finally saw Boston shoot the lights out, as the Bees put 42 shots on Norm Hanson and came away with a 4-1 win to break the 2-2 deadlock in the series. Joe Morey had two more goals to give him seven in eight playoff games. In Game 6, it was two big second-period goals to tie the game at 2-2 and go ahead for good. Tommy Hart figured in both goals, his scored the goal to knot the game, his fifth of the playoffs, and earned the secondary assist, his 10th helper. Depth forward Benton Walston scored the game winner in the second and cashed in an insurance marker the Bees would need in a 4-3 triumph. The Bees capture the first Challenge Cup of the Human GM Era, their second straight Cup, and fifth in the seven-year "Modern Era". This was a special one-day advancement in the rest of the Figment world as we prepare for tomorrow's opening day in the baseball portion of the Figment online world. A full preview and plenty of predictions on the '47 diamond season can be found here. Hockey coverage will now slow up as we continue the one week advancement every day (Monday thru Friday) as the Figment baseball season takes center stage but there will still be plenty of off-season coverage from hockey over the next few weeks. By the way if you want on the waiting list for the hockey or baseball leagues - or the soon to be starting basketball online league (football is still about 3 sim years away due to lack of a suitable game engine that allows two-way players) send me a message and I will pass your contact info on to our commissioner.
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06-06-2023, 12:00 PM
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Hall Of Famer
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April 21, 1947
APRIL 21, 1947 NAHC TEAM RECAPS: BOSTON BEES With the NAHC season over, let's spend the next seven weeks looking back at the successes and failures for each of the seven big league clubs. To start things off here is a recap of the Boston Bees campaign. It would be hard to ask for a season to go much better than the 1946-47 campaign went for the Boston Bees. The defending Challenge Cup champions got off to a strong start, winning six straight in November after dropping the season opener to Montreal. The continued along at a solid pace until a 3-3 tie with Chicago on January 28 started a 12-game unbeaten streak in which the Bees elevated to another level and managed to pull ahead of a pesky Chicago Packers club to take control of first place. MONTHLY RECORD NOV: 6-2-0 12 points DEC: 5-4-3 13 points JAN: 6-3-1 13 points FEB: 7-0-3 17 points MAR: 4-3-1 9 points OVERAL 28-12-8 64 points 3 ahead of second place Chicago The showing marked the 5th time in the past 7 years the Bees finished with the best regular seaon record in the NAHC but their 64 points was the lowest total of any first place finisher over that stretch. Bees captain Wilbur Chandler finished second to long-time linemate Tommy Hart in team scoring but Chandler, healthy after missing much of last year with an injury, was named as one of three finalists along with Tommy Burns of Chicago and Toronto's Bobbie Sauer for the McDaniels Trophy, presented to the league's Most Valuable Player. Chandler already owns a pair of them, having won in 1942-43 and 1944-45. The third member of the big Boston line -Waldemar Rupp- finished third in the team scoring parade.  PLAYOFFS The first place Bees drew the New York Shamrocks in the opening round of the playoffs. The Shamrocks return to post-season play after a 4-year absence to face a battle-tessted Bees club that had won 4 Challenge Cups in the previous six years. Boston made a statement with a 6-1 pasting of the Shamrocks in the series opener behind a 4-goal, 1 assist effort from Wilbur Chandler and a 32 save performance by Bees netminder Pierre Melancon. The New Yorkers would put up a fight in game two, taking the Bees to overtime before Joe Morey's second goal of the game secured a 5-4 Bees victory. Two nights later the sweep of the best-of-five series would be complete as Melancon stopped all 27 shots he faced in a 2-0 Boston win. Next up for the Bees was a meeting with the high scoring Chicago Packers, who had disposed of Detroit in 4 games. Like the Bees trio of Chandler, Hart and Rupp the Packers had a dominant first line as well. The problem for Chicago was that top line was beat up as Wes Burns was playing but with a broken jaw while right winger Marty Mahoney was hurt in the Detroit series and would miss the finals. That left just Tommy Burns, Wes's younger brother and the league's top scorer, at full effectiveness. The series opened in Boston with the Packers in the finals for the first time since 1931. The clubs split a pair of low scoring games to start the season with the Bees taking the opener 2-1 behind a pair of goals from Chandler while Norm Hanson's 20 save shutout evened the series with a 2-0 Chicago victory in game two. The third game was the only blowout of the series as Joe Morey socred 3 times while Tommy Hart had a 5-point night as Boston thumped the Packers 10-2 at Chicago's Lakeside Arena. The Packers rebounded once more, but needed a second overtime period before Moose Vezina beat Melancon with the game winning goal in a 5-4 Packers win. Tied 2-2 the series returned to Denny Arena for the fifth game and Boston once more received a strong showing from Morey, as the 30 year old scored two more goals in a 4-1 Boston win that saw the Bees outshoot Chicago 42-19. The Packers would put up a fight in game six, not wanting to see Boston parade around the Lakeside Arena with the Cup, but the Bees were just too much for the Packers. Despite Chicago taking a quick 2-0 lead just over 3 minutes into the game, the Bees would win 4-3 behind a pair of Benton Walston goals and claim their second straight Cup. It was also the 7th Cup win in franchise history for the Bees, more than any other team.  OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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06-07-2023, 01:09 PM
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Hall Of Famer
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April 28, 1947
APRIL 28, 1947 HICKEY CONTINUES TO TWIST IN WIND The worst kept secret in hockey is the plans the Toronto Dukes have of naming former Dukes star and ex-Detroit coach Jack Barrell as their new head coach. It seemed a done deal late in the season when Barrell left a championship quality team out west in the Tacoma Lions to take over a struggling Cleveland Eries club in the Hockey Assocation of America. It made sense only when it was quickly realized the Eries are the farm club of the Toronto Dukes and the feeling was that Barrell would replace Norb Hickey behind the Dukes bench after Hickey guided the Toronto side to a historically bad season. That was in mid-February and here we are well over a month and a half since the Dukes dismal season ended and Norb Hickey remains the Dukes coach, on paper at least. His contract, due to expire June 30th has not been exteneded and there is absolutely no indication from Toronto owner David Welcombe that an extension will happen. Quite the opposite in fact as Welcombe and his management team have promised big changes after the club slid from the best record in the regular season a year ago to one of its worst campaign's ever recorded. This season aside, Hickey has a pretty impressive track record in his seven seasons behind the bench at Dominion Arena. His coaching record with the Dukes sits at 183-97-56 and he guided the club to back to back Challenge Cup titles. However, being swept by fourth place Montreal in the semi-finals last season after posting a league best 70 points created some issues for Hickey and the terrible 13-26-9 season this year appears to have sealed his fate. The only question remains is not "if" Hickey will be let go, but rather "when" he will be replaced by Barrell.  NAHC TEAM RECAPS: BROOKLYN EAGLES Despite the fact that the Brooklyn Eagles missed the playoffs for the 9th consecutive season there was plenty of optimism around Prescott Arena as the Eagles 15 wins this season is nearly double what the won the three previous years combined. Following a dreadful 2-41-5 campaign a year ago, very little was expected of the Eagles when the puck dropped last November. In fact, rumours of the club folding at the end of this season were more common than Brooklyn wins over the past decade. Six months later, attendance remains a concern and there is still the fear that owner Edward Faberge may yet decide he has lost enough money on the club and fold up shop, but on the ice there was plenty to cheer about, even if there were not a lot of fans in the building to make noise. The Eagles improved by 29 points -by far the biggest growth shhown by any team in the league- and threatened to sneak into the final playoff spot until a March swoon left them six points short of the New York Shamrocks. The turnaround can be attributed directly to the role played by 4 newcomers, including three from the west coast. 24 year old center Quinton Pollack was the top scorer in the Great Western Hockey League a year ago and he followed that up with an outstanding freshman campaign in the NAHL, tying for the league lead with 30 goals and has to be considered the favourite to win the McLeod Trophy, presented annually to the loop's top rookie. Pollack, who starred for Tacoma a year ago, was joined by a pair of players from the Vancouver franchise in 26 year old Sam Coates and 22 year old Hank Walsh. Add in 23 year old Ian Doyle, who was unfortunately injured halfway through the season, and the Eagles finally had some offense. The blueline was also bolstered with addition of first round draft pick Robert Sharpley, who did not look out of place despite his tender age of 20, and third year rearguard Alexandre Viens, who spent the previous two seasons with Detroit. With some support finally in front of him, 31 year old Tom Brockers looked like he did in his prime with Boston when he was winning Cups and Juneau Awards for the Bees. Brockers earned a nomination for the Juneau -awarded to the top netminder- as he looks to add to the four he claimed while with the Bees. There is still a lot of work needed to add depth, in particular secondary scoring, but the Eagles are finally flying in the right direction. MONTHLY RECORD NOV: 3-5-2 8 points DEC: 5-6-1 11 points JAN: 2-4-3 7 points FEB: 4-5-1 9 points MAR: 1-5-1 3 points OVERAL 15-25-8 38 points  OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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06-08-2023, 01:01 PM
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#34 |
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May 5, 1947
MAY 5, 1947 NAHC TEAM RECAPS: CHICAGO PACKERS 26-13-9, 61 pts: 2nd place - Lost in Cup final to Boston The Packers have a long history dating back to their entry in the USHA in 1925-26 but in all of that time they have never finished in first place during the regular season. In fact, most of the Packers 22 years of existance have been spent on the outside watching the action when they playoffs begin. They are also the only active NAHC franchise never to win the Challenge Cup.The came very close to changing all of that this past season. Perhaps only a broken jaw suffered by Wes Burns in early February -costing the Packers captain a month of the season and greatly reducing his effectiveness in the playoffs- stopped the Packers from a first place finsh and a Cup win this time around. The Boston Bees one-upped the Packers in both the regular season and in the Challenge Cup finals but there is plenty to like about the future of the Windy City club. Let's start with Tommy Burns, who ran away with the NAHC scoring race in finishing with 67 points- a high water mark not reached in 17 years- while also tying for the league goal scoring lead with 30. Had his linemate and big brother West stayed healthy it is no doubt Tommy's numbers would have been evern more impressive. Regardless, Burns seems almost assured of winning his second straight McDaniels Trophy as the league MVP when the award is announced in the summer. Wes missed 10 games but still managed to finish with 38 points while the third member of the Packers big line, 25-year old Marty Mahoney netted a personal best 48 points in 48 games to finish fourth overall in the league scoring parade. The scary thing for Packers foes is the club has plenty of secondary scoring as well from the likes of Ed Delarue, Marsh Mansfield, Moose Vezina and a 25 year old newcomer from the coast league named Jarrett McGlynn who had 15 goals and 33 points in 43 contests as a rookie. Offense was not the concern entering the season, with the worry focused squarely on performance in their own zone. Norm Hanson, in his first full season in Chicago after being tossed aside in Brooklyn following the acquisition of Tom Brockers, had a strong season in net and was very impressive, although occasionally inconsistent in the playoffs as well. The defense was much better than expected thanks in no small part to a strong season from Pete Moreau and steady play from the dependable Jerry Finch. A streak from mid-January to early February that saw the Packers go 9-1-1 over an 11 game stretch had the club in first place but they stumbled just enough down the stretch to let the Boston Bees overtake them for first place, despite the fact the Packers beat the Bees in a home and home set to start the season's final month. MONTHLY RECORD NOV: 4-3-2 10 points DEC: 4-4-3 11 points JAN: 8-2-1 17 points FEB: 7-3-1 15 points MAR: 3-1-2 8 points OVERAL 15-25-8 38 points  PLAYOFFS The Packers made the playoffs for the third straight season, finishing in second place and getting home ice advantage in the opening round for the first time since the league went to a single division in 1938. Two years ago Toronto disposed of Chicago in the opening round before going on to win the Cup. A year ago it was the Boston Bees who swept the Packers in the semi-finals before they also won the Cup. This time Detroit was the opponent for the opening round and with the friendly backdrop of Lakeside Arena for the first two games of the series the Packers took full advantage of home ice. Norm Hanson was outstanding, stopping all 56 shots he saw in the two games as the Packers won each by an identical 3-0 score. Tommy Burns was in on 3 of the 6 goals while Marsh Mansfield scored once in each game. Detroit would finally solve Hanson in the third game with the Motors staying alive thanks to a 4-3 overtime win at the Thompson Palladium. The loss proved extra costly for the Packers as Marty Mahoney suffered an injury that would end his season. Despite Mahoney's absence and the reduced effectiveness of Wes Burns due to his broken jaw the Packers rallied for a 4-1 victory in game four to secure a trip to the finals. Faced with new linemates because of Mahoney's absence and Wes Burns limited playing time, Tommy Burns once more came up big with assists on the first two Chicago goals. Playoff test Boston, bidding for its fifth Cup in the past seven years, would be tough under the best of circumstances but the Packers were beat up and felt like they were playing with one hand tied behind their backs. Boston had some injuries as well, but nothing like the Packers with Mahoney out of the lineup and Wes Burns in and out depending upon how he felt on any particular day. Despite that the Packers had the series deadlocked at 2 wins each after Moose Vezina scored a dramatic goal in the second overtime to make the final now a best of three. Heading back to Boston the Packers likely felt they had momentum on their side but the Bees had a completely different idea. Boston bombarded the Chicago net with 42 shots while allowing the Packers just 19 in a 4-1 victory at Denny Arena to put the Packers on the brink of elimination. The dream of the franchises' first Cup ended two nights later on home ice when the Packers, despite taking a quick 2-0 lead, ended up falling 4-3 to Boston and lost the series in six games. Despite the obvious disappointment, many positives can be taken from the series, although Packers fans can't help but wonder if the outcome would have been different with a healthy Mahoney and Wes Burns in the lineup.  OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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06-09-2023, 12:33 PM
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#35 |
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May 12, 1947
MAY 12, 1947 DUKES MAKE IT OFFICIAL. JACK BARRELL IS NEW COACH Jack Barrell is officially back with the Toronto Dukes. The long-awaited news and worst kept secret in the NAHC was finally confirmed when the Dukes formally introduced the 49-year-old as their head coach, replacing Norb Hickey after the latter guided the Dukes to their lowest point total since 1925026 and first losing season in 15 years. Barrell is stranger to Toronto or the NAHC. The hockey star of the famous sporting family from Georgia, Jack grew up with his grandmother in Montreal and quickly took to the sport of hockey. He debuted with the Dukes in 1917-18 and would spend 8 years with the Toronto club before moving on to Chicago, Quebec and the New York Eagles before finishing his career as a player-coach in Toronto. New York sportswriter John Brinker tells the story of Barrell's often tumultous relationships this way. " Jack Barrell was brought "home" by David Welcombe when the Toronto-based distiller bought the Dukes from Bert Thomas in 1930. He installed him as a coach, told him he could play too if he wished (Jack, with knees beat up by having played both QB in the AFA and winger in the NAHC, mostly declined to play only suiting up when necessary due to injury). Welcombe hired another former player named Charles Tattler as the club's GM in 1931. Tattler & Jack didn't get along all that well, but Tattler made some good moves and this, coupled with Jack's coaching, led to back-to-back Cup wins in 1934 & 35. But the friction with Tattler, who wanted to get behind the bench himself was getting to Jack. When his good friend John Connally Jr. purchased the Detroit club (then called the Olympians) and offered Jack a job as GM and coach, Jack couldn't pass it up. He had a good relationship with Welcombe, but told the owner that he couldn't co-exist with Tattler any longer and they parted on decent terms. Barrell's time in Detroit went pretty well by most standards, though Junior Connally began channeling his father - a man who was largely despised by the owners and executives of the NAHC - and interfering in Jack's duties as General Manager, while blaming any shortcomings by the renamed Motors on Jack's coaching skills. This ultimately led to his firing as detailed in the Barrell Brothers story. After stops in Tacoma and Cleveland, Jack is going back to where it really started: Toronto. After leaving Detroit, Barrell was signed by the Tacoma Lions of the Great Western Hockey League and immediately led the club to a league championship. Among his players on the Lions club a year ago was a young center by the name of Quinton Pollack who had scored an impressive 49 points the season before Jack arrived. Under Barrell's guidance, Pollack exploded for a league-leading 71 points last season and was signed by the NAHC's Brooklyn Eagles. Now 24 years old and coming off a rookie NAHC season that saw him tie for the league lead with 30 goals, Pollack credits the year with Barrell as instrumental in his development as a player. Barrell had the Lions on a record-setting pace this past season with 33 wins and 4 ties in their first 40 games before he left in late February when the Dukes asked him to finish out the year in Cleveland before returning to the big club. The Lions club Barrell left behind once again won the GWHL title. Barrell lifted the Challenge Cup just once as a player -with the Dukes in 1920-21- but he has won it three more times as a coach. Twice in Toronto and most recently in 1939 when he guided the Detroit Motors to their only Challenge Cup title in club history. Dukes fans are hoping for a quick turnaround under Barrell next season.  NAHC TEAM RECAPS: DETROIT MOTORS 22-16-20, 54 pts: 3rd place - Lost in Semi-Finals to Chicago The Motors certainly had high hopes for a long run as a cup contender after winning the title in 1939 and reaching the finals two of the next three years. Unfortunately, they have not been to the finals since and suffered the heartache of missing the playoffs by a single point in back-to-back seasons heading into the start of the 46-47 campaign. Second year coach Mark Moore preaches defense first and the Motors brass appeased him with the addition of blueliners Bryant Williams and Joe Todd from Toronto last off-season. Those two combined with dependable veteran Shel Herron and a rising young goaltender by the name of Henri Chasse to end the two year post-season drought with a solid third place finish. There is still much work to be done for Detroit to contend for a title, and their disappointing showing against Chicago in a 3 games to one semi-final loss certainly illustrates the Motors shortcomings. Injuries depleted the blueline in the playoffs but it is clear the club needs more scoring with veteran Garrett Ferrar and second year man Graham Comeau -each with 20 goals- the only Detroit marksmen to score more than 13 goals on the year. There is hope that last season's first round draft pick Bobo Davis (4-14-18) can develop into the high scoring forward the club desperately needs but Davis looked overwhelmed at times and also had an issue fitting in with the team. The answer might be 22 year old Moe Treadwell, a 1944 first rounder who scored 42 points for Rochester of the HAA this season, or Adam Vanderbilt -the Motors third round selection in '44 who led the HAA in scoring this season with 63 points for Syracuse- but the club will need to convince the pair to report to Detroit when their minor league contracts expire on June 30. MONTHLY RECORD NOV: 4-3-2 10 points DEC: 7-2-2 16 points JAN: 4-7-1 9 points FEB: 3-3-3 9 points MAR: 4-1-2 10 points OVERAL 22-16-10 54 points  DETROIT MOTORS PLAYOFFS It had to be disappointing to finally reach the playoffs after two near misses only to see four of Detroit's top six defensemen missing between two and 4 games each in the semi-final loss to Chicago. It is hard to use the injuries as an excuse however, as the Packers will also missing some key players. Detroit's lack of offensive finish was exposed right away as the Packers Norm Hanson shut out the Motors in each of the first two games - both resulting in 3-0 Chicago victories. The Motors do deserve credit for at least winning one game on home ice -a thrilling rally from a 3-0 deficit midway through the third period to eventually get the winner in overtime from Morris Wright to claim a 4-3 victory. The excitement was short-lived as the Packers completed the series victory with a convincing 4-1 win in game four. If there is a positive to take from the series it is the fact that rookie Bobo Davis led the club in playoff scoring, although he did only manage 3 points.  OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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06-12-2023, 12:38 PM
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#36 |
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May 19, 1947
MAY 19, 1947 NAHC TEAM RECAPS: MONTREAL VALIANTS 18-26-4 40 pts: 5th place - Missed Playoffs Big things were expected from the Montreal Valiants this past season. Perhaps unfairly as the Valiants had barely snuck into the playoffs a year ago, qualifying for the fourth year in a row but second straight season that they barely nosed out the Detroit Motors for the fourth and final playoff berth. However, they parlayed that into a 3 game sweep of first place Toronto -a team that finished 19 points ahead of them during the regular season- and then took Boston to six games before ultimately falling short in a bid for their first Challenge Cup title since 1928. Nevertheless, expectations were high for the Vals 46-47 season but things went wrong almost from the start. First goaltender Millard Touhey, who had an outstanding playoff run a year ago with a .950 save percentage, showed up to camp out of shape. Touhey was very inconsistent early and there were some calls to replace him with backup Andy Backlund but Touhey did just enough to keep his job despite some terrible struggles on the road all season. All the blame does not fall on Touhey as the Valiants struggled to score all season with only Claude Skinner (18-17-35) and Glen Whitley (17-15-32) topping the 30 point plateau. The season was clearly lost by a dismal stretch that began in mid-January and had the Vals playoff hopes disappear when they lost 13 out of 15 games -dropping them from comfortably in a playoff spot nestled in third place to outside of the playoffs with old a late charge in March lifting them ahead of the Brooklyn Eagles and into fifth place. There is some talent for the Valiants to build around, most notably pivots Skinner and Whitley as well as 23-year-old second year winger Brett Lanceleve and rookie defenseman John McDonald but the club seems to lack an identity. It does not have the offense to match with the high-flying Chicago Packers, the defensive depth of a team like Detroit or the gritty determination of the championship Boston Bees. Valiants head coach Danny McLachlan has had 7 years to bring Montreal a Cup, and he has guided the club to the finals twice in that span, but the heat is on him to get more from the club next season. It just feels like Montreal -while not quite at the level of Boston or Chicago- did not perform as well as the pieces would indicate the club could. Finding a combination that can carry the club as a number one line -likely with Skinner and Lanceleve as two of the pieces- is one priority. The other one will be for McLachlan, and club management, to decide if they are willing to pin their playoff hopes on Millard Touhey being 100% committed to the sport. MONTHLY RECORD NOV: 5-3-2 12 points DEC: 4-4-1 9 points JAN: 3-8-0 6 points FEB: 3-9-0 6 points MAR: 3-2-1 7 points OVERAL 18-26-4 40 points   The Packers extended the contract of defenseman Mo Masters, who was a 26-year-old rookie with the Packers this past season after spending the previous six years in the minors with Cleveland. With Chicago Masters had 4 goals and 13 points in 34 games this season but did not appear in the playoffs due to a knee strain. Meanwhile the Packers have released forwards Red Briggs and Joe Samuels. Briggs, 32, played just 1 game for Chicago this season, spending the rest of the year in Pittsburgh. The 36-year old Samuels was Brooklyn's captain for half a decade before joining the Packers prior to the 45-46 campaign. He spent last season with the Pittsburgh Rovers of the HAA, notching 26 points in 46 games to help the Rovers win the HAA championships. The New York Shamrocks will have the services of defenseman Anthony Lehman for two more years after agreeing to a deal with the 23 year old third year player. Lehman had a career best 16 points in 34 games on the Shamrocks blueline this season. Elsewhere, yhe Boston Bees recently signed 23-year-old defenseman Connor Mikaelsen to a 3-year extension. The Toronto native recently completed his second season with the Bees, notching 2 goals and 14 points in 39 games during the regular season before adding 4 more points in the Bees run to a second consecutive Challenge Cup. Finally, the Detroit Motors re-upped 27 year old rearguard Curt Gaston inking a 2-year deal. Gaston had 6 points in 5 games with the Motors this season but spent most of his time with Buffalo. BEES NAPIER, DETROIT D PAIR MAY BE ON MOVE Number of NAHC Veterans With Expiring Contracts 32-year-old right winger Viv Napier, who won 4 Challenge Cups with the Boston Bees, highlights the list of players who may be free to sign with other NAHC clubs when their contracts expire on June 30. Napier missed over half the season due to an injury and scored just 2 goals along with 11 assists in 20 games -numbers that appear to have the Boston Bees convinced his usefulness to the club has been outlived. Napier had a career best 17 goals in 1943-44 and has 30 points in 57 playoff games this decade including a goal and 4 assists in the Bees Cup run last month. He was paid a reported $12,000 by the Boston club this past season and it appears the team feels that money is better spent elsewhere. A pair of veteran Detroit defenseman have refused to resign with the Motors and are also expected to be available to the highest bidder on July 1. 36-year-old Bernie Dunton had a career low 10 points this past season while 32-year-old Phil Denman scored 4 times and added 8 assists but often voiced his displeasure with a lack of ice-time in his first full season in the Motor City after beginning his career in Toronto. Others who are presently unsigned and may be available July 1 include 22-year-old New York Shamrocks defenseman Derek Hansen and a large group of Brooklyn Eagles including defensemen Ryan Kennedy, Chad Roy and Pat Green as well as Montreal forwards Reed Hathaway and Tony Narand and veteran Toronto Dukes forwards Dick Klein, Rosie McInnis and Sam Koger.  AROUND THE LEAGUE  Makes you question if LeClerc is asleep at the switch. Denny McLachlan has never won a title in his 7 seasons at the helm of the Valiants. He has never guided the club to a regular season finish higher than third and now our 4 year streak of playoff appearances has come to an end. In the same number of games behind the bench (336), Norb Hickey won nearly 50 more contests in Toronto than McLachlan won here in Montreal. Hickey - a Montreal native by the way- also has 2 Challenge Cups, a bauble this city has not greeted since 1937 -and that was for the old Nationals. The Vals have not had a Cup parade since 1928 and are 0-4 in the finals over that stretch, including losses under McLachlan in the the '44 Cup -to Hickey's Dukes- and to Boston a year ago. Yet Hickey -with his hand adorned with a pair of Cup rings- is now looking for work and sure to find it with his impressive resume. Meanwhile, McLachlan appears to be secure in his post and ready to guide to Vals to another year of mediocrity. Perhaps it is time for that to change. Wouldn't it be something if one of Montreal's most successful sons were to return home and lead the Vals out of the wilderness of mediocrity that they have been lost in for two decades?  Mail & Empire: Welcome back to Toronto in probably what was the worst kept secret in the NAHC. Barrell: Thank you. I am glad to be back in Toronto where hockey is king although the Wolves are trying to usurp that position especially after the last hockey season. I am looking forward to the challenge of returning the Dukes to their rightful position as the most feared team in the NAHC. Mail & Empire: What is the first thing you would like to tell the Dukes fans. Barrell: The first thing I would ask of the fans is patience. Last year was a disaster brought about by some questionable player moves made by the previous management team. The nucleus of good team is here although it may take a few seasons to put all the pieces in place along with a new system. One thing I will guarantee is that the faithful will be seeing a team that will play hard as a unit. Seventh place with only 35 points is not what these fans deserve, it is my job to give them a better team. Mail & Empire: What were the questionable moves of the last regime? Barrell: That is history that cannot be changed, no sense looking back, it is time to move forward with the Dukes. My meetings with the new GM have been fruitful, we are the same page on how this team has to play to move ahead in the NAHC. I am still trying to get my feet on the ground here, my initial review of what is here, what is in the system has given me, along with the GM, the basis of a plan for 1947-48 season. Mail & Empire: Would you care to share any of that plan? Barrell: The plan is still in its infancy. it needs to be fleshed out over the summer. It will be built around Gordie Broadway, arguably the best goaltender in the league, last season was not normal, Gordie did not forget how to tend goal, having his goals against average jump by almost 2 per game goes to the entire team: forwards, defensemen, goaltending. The Dukes hung the goaltender out to dry many games, Broadway faced 10 more shots per game last season. The first order of business is install a new defensive system. The current Dukes do not have the personnel to play a firewagon brand of hockey, so expect to see a lot of 2-1, 3-2 games this year. The first priority will be keeping the puck out of our net. We will be a tight checking and hard nosed, but not dirty, unit smothering and frustrating other teams forcing them to give up the puck. One thing I will demand is that all players finish their checks. It is surprising that even at the NAHC level the number of players that will cough up the puck, rather than take a hit to make a play. The Dukes will be known as team that finishes every single check, also a team that will take a hit to make a play. It will be a hard-hitting entertaining brand of hockey although not high scoring. Mail & Empire: Sounds interesting, any other nuggets to share? Barrell: Funny you use the word nuggets. The GM and I are putting together a plan I have been discussing with the players as I contact them to discuss the future. I have told them all to be prepared to gather in Toronto before the middle of September then head north on the train for an extended training camp in the Porcupine area, a gold-mining hotbed. The McIntyre Arena, which is a scale model of Dominion Gardens, has year round ice. I plan to start camp there along with playing a few exhibition games against teams in the Porcupine Mines League - a Northern Ontario Sr. A loop. I have been told that the league plays a style I want to instill in the Dukes, fast paced, tight checking, hard hitting. Who knows we may find a few players that deserve a chance in the Dukes system? We should come out of camp in shape with our system in place for exhibition games with NAHC opponents. Mail & Empire: Sounds like the plan is already coming together, can we contact you over the summer? Barrell: Please do, I will keep you update with the plans, your paper should send a reporter north with the team. OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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06-13-2023, 01:59 PM
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#37 |
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Hall Of Famer
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May 26, 1947
MAY 26, 1947 NAHC TEAM RECAPS: NEW YORK SHAMROCKS 19-23-6 44 pts: 4th place - Lost to Boston in Semi-finals The New York Shamrocks can take some positives to build on after their performance in the 1946-47 campaign. Starting with the fact that the club ended a 4 year postseason drought by nosing out the Montreal Valiants and Brooklyn Eagles for the fourth and final playoff berth. The Shamrocks also laid the groundwork for some solid offensive depth with the debut of several youngsters led by 22-year-old Gil Corbeil (7-21-28) and 20-year-old Joe Martin (7-9-16). Unfortunately, Martin -the club's first round pick in the draft- missed half the season with injuries but the young winger from Montreal projects to have a bright future. The Shamrocks had struggled early with a clear turning point being a mid-December deal that brought talented, but reportedly troublesome, center Laurel Albers from the Toronto Dukes. Cast out of Toronto after being in the center of dressing room troubles with the struggling Dukes, Albers would be a model citizen in New York. He would also prove to be a key contributor to the offense, averaging nearly a point a game for the Shamrocks after the trade and gave the club a solid second-line center to lessen the load on veteran Orval Cabbell. Prior to the aquisition of Albers the Shamrocks were 5-9-1 but once he arrived the club was over .500, posting a 15-13-6 record after the December 16th transaction. MONTHLY RECORD NOV: 3-5-0 6 points DEC: 4-7-1 9 points JAN: 6-4-1 11 points FEB: 5-5-2 12 points MAR: 1-2-2 5 points OVERAL 189-23-6 44 points  PLAYOFFS A terrible late season swoon by Brooklyn helped pave the way to the playoffs for the Shamrocks, ending a 4 year post-season drought. Unfortunately, the post-seasons stay was short-lived as the eventual Cup champion Boston Bees proved to be far too much for the Shamrocks and swept their semi-final series by winning 3 straight games. The Shamrocks previous two playoff appearances were also semi-final losses to the Bees leaving New York without a playoff series win since 1938-39 when they won a quarterfinal matchup with Brooklyn under the old format where six of the league's seven clubs qualified for the playoffs. March's matchup with Boston was farily one-sided. The Bees were swarming in the opener and blasted the Shamrocks 6-1 despite the fact the New Yorkers outshot Boston 33-25. It was a rough introduction to the playoffs for the Shamrocks 25 year old goaltender Etienne Tremblay who surrendered 6 goals from the first 19 shots he ever faced in NAHC post-season play. New York's best effort came in game two when the Shamrocks peppered Boston netminder Pierre Melancon with 50 shots. Tremblay was solid as well, coming up with 30 saves as the game, tied 4-4 at the end of regulation thanks to a late goal from the Shamrocks Orval Cabbell, needed overtime to determine a winner. That winner would come from Boston just under 11 minutes into the extra frame. The backdrop of Bigsby Garden -the most famous arena in sports- hosting its first NAHC playoff game since 1942 was not enough to inspire the Shamrocks to victory. Melancon in the Boston cage was once more the foil, recording a 27 save shutout as Boston, on the strength of two third period goals completed the sweep with a 2-0 victory.  OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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06-14-2023, 01:13 PM
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#38 |
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June 2, 1947
JUNE 2, 1947 NAHC TEAM RECAPS: TORONTO DUKES 13-26-9 35 pts: 7th place - Missed Playoffs It is hard to imagine a team in any professional sports league ever having a worse one-year drop off than what the Toronto Dukes endured last season. After leading the NAHC with 70 points in a season that saw them win 31 games a year ago, the Dukes point total cut in half in 1946-47, as the club finished dead last with just 35 points and won only 13 of its 48 games. The collapse has already cost long-time Dukes head coach Norb Hickey his job as he was replaced by former Detroit coach and Dukes skating star of the early twenties Jack Barrell in an announcement made official last month. It looks like wholesale changes may be coming on the ice as well with possibly only their captain and top scorer, 32-year-old center Bobbie Sauer, immune from trade speculation. Toronto made just one move during the season -sending disgruntled veteran center Laurel Albers to New York in December for rookie defenseman Philippe Dubois in a move designed to end the infighting in the locker room as much as it was to try and upgrade what had suddenly become the most porous defense in the game. It only half succeeded as the players did bond as a team without the disruptive force that is Albers, but their work in the own zone never did improve with Toronto surrendering a league high 175 goals against. Those defensive numbers have led to some speculation that the Dukes might be willing to part with one of the best goaltenders the league has ever seen in Gordie Broadway. Broadway was celebrating a Juneau Trophy win about this time last year, but he quickly went from the best goaltender in the league to the one with the worst goals against average. Broadway should not shoulder all the blame, as it became clear very quickly the Dukes had made a serious miscue in allowing their top two defensemen in Bryant Williams and Joe Todd to leave for Detroit over the summer. They did bring in J.C. Martel from Montreal and he was arguably Toronto's best rearguard this past season but did not fill the skates of either of the departees to Detroit. A lack of offensive production also hurt as Toronto struggled to find production beyond that of Sauer (24-22-46). The cause can be traced to the departure of Albers and reduced scoring compared to a year ago from many Dukes with Les Carlson, Dick Klein and Syl Beam having the most dramatic drop-offs. Perhaps the writing was on the wall when the Dukes were unceremoniously swept in the semi-finals last season by the 4th place Montreal Valiants. Even with that wake-up call, the nightmare season that followed for the Dukes was a shock in its sudden arrival after 2 Challenge Cup titles and 3 straight seasons of finishing either first or second in the regular season. The debacle of a season ended a stretch that had seen the Dukes make the playoffs for 8 straight years and is likely the dawn of a new era in Dukes hockey as owner David Welcombe has promised changes will come. It is an interesting time in Toronto sports as the Dukes, just like baseball's Toronto Wolves, have endured an awful campaign at a most unexpected time and it appears for both changes are needed. The Wolves made some moves during their off-season and hope they are heading back in the right direction. Now it is up to Welcombe and his staff to chart the future course for the Dukes. MONTHLY RECORD NOV: 2-6-2 6 points DEC: 4-6-1 9 points JAN: 4-5-1 9 points FEB: 2-6-2 6 points MAR: 1-3-3 5 points OVERAL 13-26-9 35 points  OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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06-15-2023, 12:50 PM
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#39 |
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Hall Of Famer
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June 9, 1947
JUNE 9, 1947 VALIANTS MAKE COACHING CHANGE Former Dukes Boss Hickey Replaces McLachlan The Montreal Valiants have become the second NAHC club to make a coaching change this season after naming former Toronto Dukes bench boss Norb Hickey to replace Danny McLachlan. Hickey, who guided the Dukes to a pair of Challenge Cup titles, was the first coach to be fired when the Dukes dropped him at the end of the season and opted for former Detroit Motors coach Jack Barrell to take the reigns in Toronto. Hickey, who spent 7 years in Toronto and led the Dukes to a 183-97-56 record, was let go after a terrible season that saw the Dukes go from first place the previous year to last this time around and miss the playoffs for the first time in his tenure. Hickey is a Montreal native and local media had been calling for a change after the Valiants missed the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. Hickey makes defense a piority and will be counted on to help improve the Vals in that facet of the game after the club surrendered 160 goals a year ago -second highest in the seven team loop. His biggest challenge may well be to decide between veteran Millard Touhey and young Andy Backlund in net. The 31-year-old Touhey has held the starting job for 4 seasons and can be outstanding at times -such as his terrific performance in the 1946 semi-finals when he led the Vals to a sweep of Hickey's Dukes- but was out of shape last season and endured the worst campaign of his career. The 24-year-old Backlund has been Montreal's back-up for 3 seasons, playing in a career high 10 games this past year and by many accounts outplayed Touhey. Hickey, with his local roots, will be welcomed by the rabid Valiant supporters, but they will likely be quick to turn on him as they did McLachlan this year, should a playoff beth be in doubt. The 54-year-old McLachlan had spent the past 7 years at the helm in Montreal, leading the Valiants to a 136-149-51 record and 4 playoff appearances including two trips to the Challenge Cup Finals, but they came up short on both occasions.  AROUND THE LEAGUE The Toronto Dukes signed 24-year-old minor league winger Chris Mueller to a 2-year contract extension. A fourth round pick of the Dukes in the 1942 draft, Mueller won a Great Western League championship with the Vancouver Bears a few years ago and has spent the past two seasons with the Cleveland Eries of the Hockey Association of America. He had two goals and two assists in 33 games with the Eries in 1945-46 but spent all of last season on their reserve roster. Meanwhile the Montreal Valiants put pen to paper with their fourth round pick from last year. Robert Stevens, a 20-year-old winger from British Columbia agreed to a 3 year deal worth $1,400 per season. OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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06-16-2023, 01:30 PM
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#40 |
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June 16, 1947
JUNE 16, 1947 PACKERS LEAD WAY ON NAHC ALL-STAR LIST The Chicago Packers may have come up just short in their bid for a first-ever Challenge Cup for the franchise but that did not stop the Packers from claiming three of the six slots on the inaugural NAHC all-star team as named by TWIFB. The Packers, who finished second in the league three points back of Boston, pushed the defending champion Bees to six games before eventually falling short in the Challenge Cup finals. Tommy Burns, who led the NAHC in scoring and seems a likely bet to win his second straight McDaniels Trophy as the NAHC's most valuable player, heads the list of three Packers on the all-league team. Joining Burns is his right winger Marty Mahoney, who finished 4th in league scoring with 48 points, and shutdown defenseman Jerry Finch, who had 25 points and was a pillar on the Packers blueline. The champion Boston Bees placed two members on team in left winder Tommy Hart, who tied with Burns for the goal scoring lead with 30 while finishing second to the Packers pivot in points, as well as goaltender Pierre Melancon. Rounding out the team is 31-year-old Detroit defenseman Shel Herron, who led all rearguards in points with 30 as well as average game rating.  OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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