21st National Hockey League All-Star Game
Encyclopedia
The 21st National Hockey League
National Hockey League All-Star Game
was played in Maple Leaf Gardens
on January 16, 1968, where the host Toronto Maple Leafs
battled a team of all-star
s from the remaining NHL teams. It was the last time that Maple Leaf Gardens would host the game.
, a player for the Minnesota North Stars
, was hit by two Oakland Seals players on the ice, causing him to lose his balance and hit his head on the ice. Masterton was pronounced dead the next day.
The death of Masterton raised an issue about the use of helmets in hockey - whether they should be mandatory, and whether they affect a player's abilities. Response was mixed in the helmet debate even in the days following Masterton's death: Gordie Howe
claimed that he would not, but nevertheless encouraged the next generation of players to do so, while Bobby Hull
claimed that he was in serious consideration. At one extreme, Stafford Smythe
claimed that helmets should be made mandatory.
As for the game itself, only two players would wear helmets: J. C. Tremblay, who had worn a helmet all season, and Brian Conacher
, as a result of Masterton's death.
On the day of the all-star game
, the National Hockey League Writers' Association proposed that a trophy should be presented in Masterton's honor, and by the end of the season, the league made it a reality. The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
is awarded to each year to the player who best exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
As an aside, despite the somber mood, Toronto coach Punch Imlach
celebrated their silver wedding anniversary
the night of the All-Star Game.
was injured and could not play, he was replaced with Al Smith
, their starting minor league goaltender, becoming the first player to play in the all-star game despite having not played with the Leafs the previous year.
As it turned out, this year would be the last in which the defending champions faced off against a team consisting of the "best of the rest" - NHL president
Clarence Campbell
hinted that the following year would be the first in which there would be an East-versus-West battle, citing that the game could be easily moved to different cities. The 21st classic would also be the last in which the teams were determined based on the previous season's First and Second All-Star Teams, a move supported by the absence of then-rookie Bobby Orr
in the last year's game
and the fact that the game had moved to mid-season.
Orr was injured in the third period by Pete Stemkowski
, breaking his collarbone.
Source: Podnieks
Note: G = Goalkeeper, D = Defence, C = Centre, LW = Left Wing, RW = Right Wing
Source: Podnieks
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
National Hockey League All-Star Game
National Hockey League All-Star Game
The National Hockey League All-Star Game is an exhibition ice hockey game that is traditionally held at the midway point of the regular season of the National Hockey League , with many of the league's star players playing against each other...
was played in Maple Leaf Gardens
Maple Leaf Gardens
Maple Leaf Gardens is an indoor arena that was converted into a Loblawssupermarket and Ryerson University athletic centre in Toronto, on the northwest corner of Carlton Street and Church Street in Toronto's Garden District.One of the temples of hockey, it was home to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the...
on January 16, 1968, where the host Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
battled a team of all-star
All-star
All-star is a term designating an individual as having a high level of performance in their field. Originating in sports, it has since drifted into vernacular and been borrowed heavily by the entertainment industry...
s from the remaining NHL teams. It was the last time that Maple Leaf Gardens would host the game.
Death of Bill Masterton
The game, compared to other years, was in a somber mood: two days before, Bill MastertonBill Masterton
William J. Masterton was a Canadian-American professional ice hockey centre who played one season in the National Hockey League for the Minnesota North Stars before succumbing to an injury he suffered during a game against the Oakland Seals in 1968...
, a player for the Minnesota North Stars
Minnesota North Stars
The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, and the team's colors for most of its history were green, yellow, gold and white...
, was hit by two Oakland Seals players on the ice, causing him to lose his balance and hit his head on the ice. Masterton was pronounced dead the next day.
The death of Masterton raised an issue about the use of helmets in hockey - whether they should be mandatory, and whether they affect a player's abilities. Response was mixed in the helmet debate even in the days following Masterton's death: Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe
Gordon "Gordie" Howe, OC is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Whalers of the National Hockey League , and the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers in the World Hockey Association . Howe is often referred to as Mr...
claimed that he would not, but nevertheless encouraged the next generation of players to do so, while Bobby Hull
Bobby Hull
Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull, OC is a former Canadian ice hockey player. He is regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time and perhaps the greatest left winger to ever play the game. Hull was famous for his blonde hair, blinding skating speed, and having the hardest shot, earning...
claimed that he was in serious consideration. At one extreme, Stafford Smythe
Stafford Smythe
Conn Stafford Smythe was the son of Conn Smythe and president of Maple Leaf Gardens Ltd. and the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team from 1961–1969 and from 1970 until his death.-Early years:...
claimed that helmets should be made mandatory.
As for the game itself, only two players would wear helmets: J. C. Tremblay, who had worn a helmet all season, and Brian Conacher
Brian Conacher
Brian Kennedy Conacher was a professional ice hockey player and hockey broadcaster, specializing in colour commentary. He is the son of the legendary Lionel Conacher, who was voted Canada's top athlete for the first half of the century...
, as a result of Masterton's death.
On the day of the all-star game
All-star game
An all-star game is an exhibition game played by the best players in their sports league, except in the circumstances of professional sports systems in which a democratic voting system is used...
, the National Hockey League Writers' Association proposed that a trophy should be presented in Masterton's honor, and by the end of the season, the league made it a reality. The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. The winner is selected by a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association after each team nominates one...
is awarded to each year to the player who best exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
As an aside, despite the somber mood, Toronto coach Punch Imlach
Punch Imlach
George "Punch" Imlach , was an NHL coach and general manager. He is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.-Early career:...
celebrated their silver wedding anniversary
Wedding anniversary
-Official recognition:In the Commonwealth realms, one can receive a message from the monarch for 60th, 65th, and 70th wedding anniversaries, and any wedding anniversary after that...
the night of the All-Star Game.
The game
The 1968 classic was also home to a notable first: because Toronto goaltender Johnny BowerJohnny Bower
John William Bower , nicknamed "The China Wall", is a Hockey Hall of Fame goalie.-Playing career:...
was injured and could not play, he was replaced with Al Smith
Al Smith (ice hockey)
Allan Robert Smith was a Canadian ice hockey goaltender. He died in 2002 as a result of pancreatic cancer.-Minor-pro career:Smith began junior hockey in 1961 with the Toronto Marlboros...
, their starting minor league goaltender, becoming the first player to play in the all-star game despite having not played with the Leafs the previous year.
As it turned out, this year would be the last in which the defending champions faced off against a team consisting of the "best of the rest" - NHL president
NHL Commissioner
The National Hockey League Commissioner is the highest-ranking executive officer in the National Hockey League . The position was created in 1993 with Gary Bettman as the first Commissioner...
Clarence Campbell
Clarence Campbell
Clarence Sutherland Campbell OBE, QC was the third president of the National Hockey League from 1946 to 1977.-Early life and career:...
hinted that the following year would be the first in which there would be an East-versus-West battle, citing that the game could be easily moved to different cities. The 21st classic would also be the last in which the teams were determined based on the previous season's First and Second All-Star Teams, a move supported by the absence of then-rookie Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr
Robert Gordon "Bobby" Orr, OC is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Orr played in the National Hockey League for his entire career, the first ten seasons with the Boston Bruins, joining the Chicago Black Hawks for two more. Orr is widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest...
in the last year's game
20th National Hockey League All-Star Game
The 20th National Hockey League National Hockey League All-Star Game was played in Montreal Forum on January 16, 1967, where the host Montreal Canadiens defeated a team of all-stars from the remaining NHL teams 3–0. It was the first time a shutout occurred in an All-Star Game. It was the first...
and the fact that the game had moved to mid-season.
Orr was injured in the third period by Pete Stemkowski
Pete Stemkowski
Peter David Stemkowski - is a former player in the National Hockey League. Over fifteen seasons, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Los Angeles Kings...
, breaking his collarbone.
Game summary
| # | | Score | Team | Goalscorer (Assist(s)) | Time | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First period | ||||||||||||||
| Toronto | Goaltender in: Gamble | 0:00 | ||||||||||||
| All-Stars | Goaltender in: Giacomin | 0:00 | ||||||||||||
| 1 | 0-1 | Toronto | Goal: Oliver (Mahovlich, Hillman) | |||||||||||
| 0–1 | Toronto | Penalty: Stemkowski | 14:10 | |||||||||||
| 0–1 | All-Stars | Penalty: Howell | 17:54 | |||||||||||
| 2 | 1-1 | All-Stars | Goal: Mikita (Hull, Tremblay) (SH) | 19:53 | ||||||||||
| Second period | ||||||||||||||
| 1–1 | All-Stars | Goaltender out: Giacomin Goaltender in: Sawchuk |
0:00 | |||||||||||
| 3 | 2–1 | All-Stars | Goal: Wharram (Mikita) | 0:35 | ||||||||||
| 2–1 | All-Stars | Penalty: Howe | 3:53 | |||||||||||
| 4 | 2–2 | Toronto | Goal: Stanley (Stemkowski, Carleton) | 7:56 | ||||||||||
| 5 | 2–3 | Toronto | Goal: Stemkowski (Carleton, Rupp) | 16:36 | ||||||||||
| Third period | ||||||||||||||
| 2–3 | Toronto | Goaltender out: Gamble Goaltender in: Smith |
0:00 | |||||||||||
| 2–3 | All-Stars | Goaltender out: Sawchuk Goaltender in: Hall |
0:00 | |||||||||||
| 6 | 2-4 | Toronto | Goal: Ellis (Mahovlich, Hillman) | 5:56 | ||||||||||
| 7 | 3-4 | All-Stars | Goal: Ullman (Howe, Orr) | 8:23 | ||||||||||
| 3–4 | Toronto | Penalty: Walton | 14:42 | |||||||||||
| 3–4 | All-Stars | Penalty: Howe | 14:42 | |||||||||||
| 3–4 | All-Stars | Goaltender out: Hall | 18:59 | |||||||||||
| Goaltenders | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
| Shots on goal | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
| Officials | ||||||||||||||
|
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- MVP: Bruce GambleBruce GambleBruce George Gamble was a professional ice hockey goaltender who played 10 seasons in the NHL between 1962 and 1972, with some years in the minor leagues in between...
, Toronto Maple LeafsToronto Maple LeafsThe Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... - Attendance: 15,753
Source: Podnieks
Rosters
| Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... | All-Stars | |
|---|---|---|
| Head coach | Punch Imlach Punch Imlach George "Punch" Imlach , was an NHL coach and general manager. He is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.-Early career:... |
Toe Blake Toe Blake Hector "Toe" Blake, CM was a Canadian ice hockey player and coach in the National Hockey League .-Nickname:His nickname came out of his childhood for his younger sister was unable to pronounce his name... (Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... ) |
| Lineup |
|
First All-Star Team:
New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... ) Pierre Pilote Joseph Albert Pierre Paul Pilote is a former professional ice hockey defenceman. After playing junior hockey for the St. Catharines Teepees in the Ontario Hockey Association, Pilote played minor professional hockey for the Buffalo Bisons in the American Hockey League. Pilote played 890 games in... (Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... ) New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... ) Bobby Hull Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull, OC is a former Canadian ice hockey player. He is regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time and perhaps the greatest left winger to ever play the game. Hull was famous for his blonde hair, blinding skating speed, and having the hardest shot, earning... (Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... ) Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... ) Stan Mikita Stanislav "Stan" Mikita , is a Slovak-born Canadian retired professional ice hockey player, generally regarded as the best centre of the 1960s. In 1961, he won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks, with whom he played his entire career.-Early life:Mikita was born in Sokolče, Slovak Republic... (Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... ) Second All-Star Team:
Other Players:
|
Note: G = Goalkeeper, D = Defence, C = Centre, LW = Left Wing, RW = Right Wing
Source: Podnieks