Highest Scoring Hockey Game Of All Time
As hockey fans, we all love high-scoring games, and there have been some pretty impressive displays of offensive prowess over the years. However, there is one game that stands out above all the others, a game that holds the record for the highest-scoring game in hockey history.
The Record-Breaking Game
The game in question took place on January 23, 1944, during World War II, in which the Portage la Prairie Millionaires took on the Winnipeg Falcons in a Manitoba Senior Hockey League match-up. The game ended in a jaw-dropping final score of 18-1 in favor of the Millionaires.
This game was not only notable for its high-scoring nature but also for the fact that it featured several future Hockey Hall of Fame inductees, including the legendary goalie Glen Hall and winger Johnny Bower. But despite the high level of talent on the ice, the Falcons were completely overwhelmed by the Millionaires' offensive onslaught.
The game was played in front of a crowd of around 3,000 spectators, many of whom were Canadian soldiers stationed in the area during the war. The crowd was treated to a remarkable display of goal-scoring, as the Millionaires set a record that still stands to this day.
The Millionaires' Dominant Performance
The Millionaires were led by right winger Billy Taylor, who scored an incredible seven goals in the game - a feat that has only been matched by a handful of players in the history of the sport. Taylor was not the only player to have a big night, as his linemates Art Chapman and George "Red" Beattie each scored five goals of their own.
The Falcons, on the other hand, struggled to keep up with the Millionaires' relentless attack. They managed just one goal in the game, scored by forward Ray Manson in the second period. Despite their struggles, the Falcons were able to keep their spirits high and even managed to joke about their lopsided defeat.
After the game, Falcons captain Ed Staniowski reportedly said, "Well, we got the one goal anyway." His teammate, goalie Paul Goodman, added, "We had them all the way - up to the first goal."
The Legacy Of The Game
The Portage la Prairie Millionaires' 18-1 victory over the Winnipeg Falcons remains the highest-scoring game in hockey history to this day. The game is still remembered as a remarkable display of offensive firepower and a testament to the skill of the Millionaires' players.
While the game may have been a blowout, it is important to remember that it was played during a time of great upheaval and uncertainty. World War II was raging, and many of the players on the ice would go on to serve their country in the armed forces. The game served as a reminder that even in difficult times, sports could bring people together and provide a sense of normalcy and joy.
The legacy of the game lives on, and it continues to be remembered as a remarkable moment in hockey history. While we may never see another game quite like it, the memory of the Millionaires' dominant performance will always be a source of inspiration for hockey players and fans around the world.
