By: Camryn Meece | Follow me on Twitter / X @MeeceCamryn
The Boston Bruins have had plenty of unusual games throughout their history, but few were as strange as their matchup with the Chicago Black Hawks on March 14, 1933. What started as a close game turned into an odd night for both teams, resulting in the first forfeited game in National Hockey League (NHL) history.
The Bruins entered the game with Tiny Thompson in net and Eddie Shore on defense, two of the team’s biggest names at the time. Chicago was looking for a win of its own, and for most of the night, the game played out like a normal matchup between the two teams. The Bruins trailed 2-1 late in the third period and needed a goal to tie it. Art Ross pulled Tiny Thompson from the net, giving Boston an extra attacker. With only seconds left on the clock, Eddie Shore came through for the Bruins, tying the game with just two seconds remaining and sending it into overtime.
Boston did not have to wait long to take the lead. Marty Barry scored in overtime to put the Bruins ahead, but Chicago immediately challenged the goal. The Black Hawks were not going to let the overtime goal go without a fight. Chicago coach and general manager Tommy Gorman confronted referee Bill Stewart over the call. Gorman argued that the puck had been frozen during the scramble in front of the net and that the goal should not have counted. Gorman kept arguing with Stewart, and the situation quickly turned physical. Black Hawks defenseman Art Coulter was sent to the penalty box after poking the goal judge with his stick, and Gorman then punched Stewart. Stewart fought back before Gorman was removed from the bench.
After Gorman was removed from the bench, the Black Hawks decided they would not continue without their coach. The Chicago team left the ice, and Stewart declared the game a forfeit, awarding the Bruins the victory. The abrupt ending also created some confusion over how the game was recorded. Boston recorded the game as a 3-2 victory, while the Blackhawks’ records list it as a 1-0 forfeit victory for Boston.
The controversy did not end when Chicago left the ice. NHL president Frank Calder questioned Gorman and Black Hawks defenseman Art Coulter on March 20 about what had happened in Boston. Gorman was facing possible disciplinary action for his confrontation with Stewart and for leading his team off the ice, which could have resulted in a fine of up to $1,000. Calder said he was not ready to decide until he had also spoken with the Bruins and Stewart. By March 24, no fines or suspensions had been handed down, although Stewart had not officiated another NHL game since the incident.
For the Bruins, it still counted as a win, but it certainly wasn’t a normal one. The March 14, 1933, game became the first forfeited game in NHL history and, according to the Bruins, remains the only forfeited game in modern NHL history.
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