The price of new equipment during the NHL’s first major expansion of 1926-27 was very low by today’s standards. Major Frederic McLaughlin brought the NHL to Chicago at a price of $200,000. On the advice of the Patrick brothers, Major purchased the WHL Portland Rosebuds and were renamed the “Black Hawks”. The Hawks were named after their team after the famous Black Hawk Regiment of the US Army. Major McLaughlin commanded the Regiment during World War I. On November 17, 1926, the Black Hawks made their NHL debut. Game #1 was played at the Chicago Coliseum. 9,000 fans cheered the Hawks in a 4-1 win over the Toronto St. Pats. 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 purchased the stadium from Chicago in 1936. The same year, the partnership started Hollywood Ice Revue, starring Sonja Henie. Looking for new ways to invest their $$$, they formed the International Boxing Club in 1949. Going their separate ways, Wirtz purchased a controlling interest in the Black Hawks in 1952.
HAWKS FOUNDATION – MAX and DOUG BENTLEY: Max and Doug Bentley were the first sibling teammates to lead the NHL in scoring. Doug led the NHL with 73 points in 1942-43.Max Bentley’s NHL career was interrupted by World War II in 1943. He led the NHL in scoring again in 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. Assembled by the Black Hawks in 1946-47, they were given 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. Feb. 23, 1950: Doug scored in a losing effort and the Rangers won 7-3. In 1950, Doug was named the greatest player in Hawks history … beating his brother Max, Mush March and Dick Irvin.
BILL MOSIENKO: Bill Mosienko started his NHL scoring career with a flurry. February 9, 1942 – Goal No. 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 cut the score to 6 – 5. Bill hit the hat-trick! Mosienko was the first Black Hawks player to score 250 career goals from him. Nov. 25, 1954 – “Wee Willy” scored as 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. cursed “first place”. flop” after his first year of layoff. Chicago holds the record for 8 consecutive shutout games…an NHL record that will likely never be equaled. Chicago not only went all 8 games without a win, they failed to score a goal. John Ross Roach completed the record as the Rangers and Hawks battled to a 0-0 tie.