The
1944–45 Chicago Black Hawks
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
season was the team's
19th season
A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On Earth, seasons are the result of the axial parallelism of Earth's axial tilt, tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperat ...
in the
NHL
The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...
, and they were coming off an appearance in the 1944
Stanley Cup Finals
The Stanley Cup Finals in ice hockey (also known as the Stanley Cup Final among various media, ) is the annual championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL). The winner is awarded the Stanley Cup, North America's oldest professional spo ...
, losing to the
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
in 4 games.
The Black Hawks would lose their top scorer
Doug Bentley
Douglas Wagner Bentley (September 3, 1916 – November 24, 1972) was a Canadian ice hockey left winger who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Chicago Black Hawks and New York Rangers as part of a senior and professio ...
, who was given permission to stay home in
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is a Provinces and territories of Canada, province in Western Canada. It is bordered on the west by Alberta, on the north by the Northwest Territories, on the east by Manitoba, to the northeast by Nunavut, and to the south by the ...
and tend the family farm by the Canadian Armed Forces officials, while his brother
Max Bentley
Maxwell Herbert Lloyd Bentley (March 1, 1920 – January 18, 1984) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Chicago Black Hawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL) as part of a pr ...
would miss his 2nd season due to World War II. The club would name
Clint Smith
Clinton James "Snuffy" Smith (December 12, 1913 – May 19, 2009) was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and head coach best known for his time spent in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a player with the New York Rangers and the Chica ...
as team captain, and after the first game of the season, a loss of 11–5 against the
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, head coach
Paul Thompson Paul Thompson may refer to:
Education
*Paul Thompson (professor) (born 1951), British management professor at the University of Strathclyde
*Paul B. Thompson (philosopher) (born 1951), American philosopher at Michigan State University
*Paul H. Tho ...
was replaced by former Black Hawk captain
Johnny Gottselig
Johannes “Johnny” Gottselig () (June 24, 1905 – May 15, 1986) was a professional ice hockey left winger who played 16 seasons for the Chicago Black Hawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) between 1928 and 1945. He was the second player bo ...
.
The Hawks would struggle to score goals, scoring a league low 141, while allowing 194, which ranked them 4th. The team would finish the season with a 13–30–7 record, and their 33 points was their lowest point total since 1938–39. Chicago would fail to make the post-season, as they would finish 3 points behind the
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
for 4th place.
Midway through the season, the Black Hawks would be involved in a big trade with the
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, as Chicago would trade
Earl Seibert and
Fido Purpur to the Wings for
Butch McDonald,
Don Grosso
Donald Joseph Grosso (April 12, 1915 – May 14, 1985) was a Canadian ice hockey forward. He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
Grosso started his National Hockey League career with the Detroit Red Wings. He also played with the Boston Brui ...
, and
Cully Simon
John Cullen Simon (May 8, 1918 – August 2, 1980) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played 130 games in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Black Hawks between 1942 and 1945. He was born in Brockv ...
.
Offensively, the Hawks were led by
Bill Mosienko, who led the team with 28 goals,
Clint Smith
Clinton James "Snuffy" Smith (December 12, 1913 – May 19, 2009) was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and head coach best known for his time spent in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a player with the New York Rangers and the Chica ...
with his team high 31 assists, and the two of them would tie for the team lead in points at 54.
Pete Horeck would be the only other Black Hawk to score more than 10 goals, as he had 20.
Joe Cooper would lead the defense all season long, earning 21 points and a team high 50 penalty minutes.
In goal, the Hawks would bring back
Mike Karakas
Michael George Karakas (November 13, 1910 – May 2, 1992) was an Americans, American professional ice hockey goaltender in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was the league's first American-born and -trained goaltender. He played eight se ...
, and he would lead the team with 12 wins and a 3.90 GAA, and earn 4 shutouts.
Doug Stevenson would appear in a couple of games, getting a 1–1–0 record with a GAA of 3.50.
Season standings
Record vs. opponents
Schedule and results
, -
, 1 , , October 29 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 11–5 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 0–1–0 , , 0
, -
, -
, 2 , , November 1 , ,
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 3–8 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 1–1–0 , , 2
, -
, 3 , , November 5 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 6–3 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 1–2–0 , , 2
, -
, 4 , , November 9 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 2–9 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 1–3–0 , , 2
, -
, 5 , , November 12 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 4–2 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 1–4–0 , , 2
, -
, 6 , , November 14 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 5–7 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 1–5–0 , , 2
, -
, 7 , , November 18 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 4–5 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 1–6–0 , , 2
, -
, 8 , , November 19 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 4–3 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 1–7–0 , , 2
, -
, 9 , , November 23 , ,
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 4–4 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 1–7–1 , , 3
, -
, 10 , , November 25 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 4–7 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 1–8–1 , , 3
, -
, 11 , , November 26 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 5–6 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 2–8–1 , , 5
, -
, 12 , , November 30 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 7–2 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 2–9–1 , , 5
, -
, -
, 13 , , December 3 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 2–1 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 2–10–1 , , 5
, -
, 14 , , December 10 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 1–1 , ,
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 2–10–2 , , 6
, -
, 15 , , December 17 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 1–2 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 3–10–2 , , 8
, -
, 16 , , December 20 , ,
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 3–1 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 3–11–2 , , 8
, -
, 17 , , December 23 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 1–2 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 3–12–2 , , 8
, -
, 18 , , December 24 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 3–3 , ,
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 3–12–3 , , 9
, -
, 19 , , December 28 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 1–2 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 3–13–3 , , 9
, -
, 20 , , December 30 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 0–4 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 3–14–3 , , 9
, -
, 21 , , December 31 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 2–6 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 3–15–3 , , 9
, -
, -
, 22 , , January 1 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 4–2 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 3–16–3 , , 9
, -
, 23 , , January 6 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 1–10 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 3–17–3 , , 9
, -
, 24 , , January 7 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 0–0 , ,
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 3–17–4 , , 10
, -
, 25 , , January 14 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 1–4 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 4–17–4 , , 12
, -
, 26 , , January 17 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 4–2 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 4–18–4 , , 12
, -
, 27 , , January 20 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 4–8 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 4–19–4 , , 12
, -
, 28 , , January 21 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 0–4 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 5–19–4 , , 14
, -
, 29 , , January 24 , ,
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 4–3 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 5–20–4 , , 14
, -
, 30 , , January 27 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 1–5 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 5–21–4 , , 14
, -
, 31 , , January 28 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 4–2 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 5–22–4 , , 14
, -
, 32 , , January 30 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 5–3 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 6–22–4 , , 16
, -
, -
, 33 , , February 1 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 1–1 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 6–22–5 , , 17
, -
, 34 , , February 4 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 4–3 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 6–23–5 , , 17
, -
, 35 , , February 10 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 2–1 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 7–23–5 , , 19
, -
, 36 , , February 11 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 1–2 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 8–23–5 , , 21
, -
, 37 , , February 13 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 2–3 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 8–24–5 , , 21
, -
, 38 , , February 15 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 2–6 , ,
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 8–25–5 , , 21
, -
, 39 , , February 18 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 0–0 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 8–25–6 , , 22
, -
, 40 , , February 21 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 0–5 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 9–25–6 , , 24
, -
, 41 , , February 24 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 2–4 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 9–26–6 , , 24
, -
, 42 , , February 25 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 3–1 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 9–27–6 , , 24
, -
, 43 , , February 27 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 3–3 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 9–27–7 , , 25
, -
, -
, 44 , , March 1 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 5–3 , ,
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 10–27–7 , , 27
, -
, 45 , , March 4 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 4–6 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 11–27–7 , , 29
, -
, 46 , , March 7 , ,
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 3–6 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 12–27–7 , , 31
, -
, 47 , , March 11 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 2–7 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 12–28–7 , , 31
, -
, 48 , , March 15 , ,
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 5–3 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 12–29–7 , , 31
, -
, 49 , , March 17 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 3–4 , ,
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 12–30–7 , , 31
, -
, 50 , , March 18 , , Chicago Black Hawks , , 5–3 , ,
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 13–30–7 , , 33
, -
, -
,
''Legend'':
Season stats
Scoring leaders
Goaltending
References
SHRP SportsThe Internet Hockey Database
*National Hockey League Guide & Record Book 2007
;Notes
{{DEFAULTSORT:1944-45 Chicago Black Hawks season
Chicago Blackhawks seasons
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...