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Chicago Black Hawks trivia

The price of the new equipment during the NHL’s first major expansion of 1926-27 was very cheap by today’s standards. Major Frederic McLaughlin brought the NHL to Chicago with a price tag of $ 200,000. On the advice of the Patrick brothers, the Major purchased WHL Portland Rosebuds and was renamed “Black Hawks”. The Hawks were named after their team from the famed US Army Black Hawk Regiment Major McLaughlin commanded the Regiment during World War I. On November 17, 1926, the Black Hawks made their NHL debut. The first game was played at the Chicago Coliseum. 9,000 fans cheered for the Hawks in a 4-1 victory over the Toronto St. Pats. The Chicago Stadium was built for $ 7 million. The first home game was held on December 16, 1929. The Hawks defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1. Arthur Wirtz and James Norris bought Chicago Stadium in 1936. The same year the partnership started the Hollywood Ice. Revue starring Sonja Henie. Looking for new ways to invest their money, they formed the International Boxing Club in 1949. Going their separate ways, Wirtz bought a majority stake in the Black Hawks in 1952.

HAWKS FOUNDATION – MAX and DOUG BENTLEY: Max and Doug Bentley were the first brother teammates to lead the NHL in scoring. Doug led the NHL with 73 points in 1942-43. Max Bentley’s career in the NHL was interrupted by World War II in 1943. He again led the NHL in scoring for the 1945-46 season with 31 goals, 30 assists, 61 points. Max was the first Chicago Black Hawk to receive the Hart Trophy. Max and Doug Bentley played together on the famous “Pony Line”. Bill Mosienko was the third member. Reunited by the Black Hawks in 1946-1947, they received the name “Pony” for their obvious speed. All 3 are in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Doug Bentley was the first player to score 200 goals in his career as a member of the Black Hawks. February 23, 1950 – Doug scored in a losing cause and the Rangers won 7 – 3. In 1950, Doug was named the best player in Hawks history … defeating his brother Max, Mush March and Dick Irvin.

BILL MOSIENKO: Bill Mosienko began his career as a goal scorer in the NHL with a flurry. February 9, 1942 – Goal # 1 came against Jim Henry of the Rangers. “Wee Willie” scored his second NHL goal 21 seconds later. March 23, 1952 – An NHL scoring record was set. The Rangers led 6-2 in the third period. 21 seconds later, the Hawks had cut the score to 6 – 5. Bill scored the treble! Mosienko was the first Black Hawks player to score 250 career goals. November 25, 1954 – “Wee Willy” scored when Chicago lost to Montreal 3-2.

REALITY OR FICTION? The Black Hawks hold the NHL record for consecutive years without finishing in first place during the regular season. As an “Original Six” team, the Hawks entered the NHL in 1926-27. In its 41st year of existence, Chicago finally finished first in 1966-67. Superstition claimed that the Hawks’ head coach, Pete Muldoon, cursed them to “first place failure” after his first year of layoff. Chicago holds the record for being shut out in 8 consecutive games … an NHL record that will likely never be equaled. Chicago not only went through the 8 winless games, but failed to score a goal. John Ross Roach completed the record when the Rangers and Hawks battled to a 0-0 tie.

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