What Is 19th NHL All Star Game

Overview

The 19th NHL All-Star Game, held on January 21, 1966, marked a pivotal moment in mid-century hockey history, showcasing elite talent from across the league. Hosted at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, the game featured a unique format where the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Montreal Canadiens, faced a roster of All-Star players selected from the remaining five NHL teams.

This midseason exhibition highlighted the league’s growing popularity and served as both entertainment and a showcase for individual skill. The event drew a crowd of 15,076 fans, underscoring hockey’s rising appeal in the 1960s, especially in Canada’s hockey-centric culture.

• January 21, 1966 was the official date of the 19th NHL All-Star Game, placing it in the heart of the 1965–66 season.
• The game was hosted at Maple Leaf Gardens, the historic home of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a frequent venue for major hockey events.
• Unlike modern formats, the 1966 game pitted the Montreal Canadiens—the 1965 Stanley Cup winners—against a team of All-Stars from other franchises.
• The All-Stars won 3–2, with goals from Bobby Hull, Frank Mahovlich, and Dave Keon, marking a rare victory for the All-Star squad.
• Bobby Hull of the Chicago Black Hawks scored one of the All-Star goals, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s premier scorers.

Game Format and Structure

The 1966 All-Star Game followed a long-standing tradition from 1947 to 1968, where the previous season’s Stanley Cup champions played against a collection of stars from the other teams. This format emphasized team pride while allowing fans to see the best players compete outside regular-season rivalries.

• Format: From 1947 to 1968, the NHL used a champion vs. All-Stars model, making the 1966 edition part of this two-decade tradition.
• Roster Selection: The All-Star team was composed of players voted in by fans, media, and coaches from the Boston Bruins, Chicago Black Hawks, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
• Montreal’s Role: As 1965 Stanley Cup champions, the Canadiens automatically qualified to represent themselves, a rule in place since the format’s inception.
• Coaching: The All-Star team was coached by Tom Johnson of the Boston Bruins, while the Canadiens were led by Tiny Thompson, though he was more of a symbolic figure.
• Gameplay: The game was played in three 20-minute periods, following standard NHL rules, with full officiating and intermissions.
• Scoring Summary: The final score was 3–2, with the All-Stars scoring all three goals in the second period to secure the win.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1966 All-Star Game with other editions from the era reveals key differences in format, attendance, and performance:

The 1966 game stood out as the only All-Star victory between 1962 and 1968, breaking a streak of dominance by the Canadiens. This win was especially significant given the All-Stars’ previous struggles against the defending champions, making it a memorable upset in NHL All-Star history.

Why It Matters

The 19th NHL All-Star Game is notable not just for its outcome, but for its role in shaping how fans viewed star players and team legacies. At a time when league expansion was imminent, the game highlighted the competitive balance and star power outside Montreal.

• The victory demonstrated that talent was spreading beyond the Canadiens, foreshadowing the 1967 expansion that doubled the league’s size.
• Bobby Hull’s participation drew national attention, boosting his profile and that of the Chicago Black Hawks.
• The game was broadcast nationally, increasing television exposure for the NHL and helping grow the sport’s fanbase.
• Maple Leaf Gardens’ consistent role as a host venue emphasized Toronto’s centrality in Canadian hockey culture.
• With 15,076 in attendance, the event proved hockey’s commercial viability during mid-season breaks.
• The All-Star format used until 1968 was eventually retired, making the 1966 game one of the last of its kind, adding historical significance.

Ultimately, the 1966 NHL All-Star Game was more than an exhibition—it was a turning point that signaled the league’s evolution toward greater parity and star-driven appeal, setting the stage for the modern era of professional hockey.