Detroit’s Only Hat Trick Of 1962-63 Belonged To Norm Ullman

The 1962-63 Detroit Red Wings were a powerhouse. They reached the Stanley Cup Final, featured three top-ten goal scorers, and were led offensively by the NHL’s top sniper, Gordie Howe. Yet remarkably, across 70 regular season games and 11 playoff contests, Detroit recorded just one hat trick all year. That lone three-goal performance belonged to Norm Ullman.

On March 14, 1963, at historic Detroit Olympia, the Red Wings hosted the New York Rangers in what would become a wide-open offensive showcase. Ullman opened his account at 12:23 of the first period, beating goaltender Gump Worsley to give Detroit a 2-0 lead. The goal was set up by Bill Gadsby and Floyd Smith.

The second period exploded for six combined goals, and by the time the horn sounded, Detroit held a 5-3 advantage.

Ullman wasted no time adding to his total. Just 28 seconds into the third period, he buried his 22nd goal of the season, assisted by Vic Stasiuk and Floyd Smith. After Andre Pronovost stretched the lead to 7-3, Ullman completed his hat trick at 11:59 of the frame, finishing off a setup from Stasiuk and Pete Goegan.

The teams traded goals down the stretch, but the final score settled at 9-4 for the Red Wings and Detroit’s only hat trick of the entire 1962-63 campaign was in the books.

Ullman finished the regular season with 26 goals and 30 assists for 56 points, good for 10th in NHL goal scoring, just one behind Johnny Bucyk and 12 back of Howe. When the playoffs arrived, Ullman elevated his game further. Though Detroit ultimately fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup Final, Ullman and Howe shared the postseason scoring lead with 16 points apiece over 11 games.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

Dive into unforgettable tales from NHL history — the biggest moments, legendary players, and classic rivalries.

Buy on Amazon

Eddie Shack’s First Hat Trick Powers Leafs Past Blackhawks in 1963

On January 6, 1963, the Toronto Maple Leafs walked into the Chicago Stadium and skated out with two points, courtesy of a convincing 5-1 victory over the powerful Chicago Blackhawks. The night belonged to Eddie Shack and Red Kelly, who combined for eight points, with Shack recording the first hat trick of his NHL career.

Toronto opened the scoring early when Dave Keon beat Glenn Hall just 4:05 into the first period. Keon’s goal, set up by George Armstrong, gave the Leafs immediate momentum in a hostile building. Later in the opening frame, Eddie Shack struck for his ninth goal of the 1962-63 season, finishing a play started by Red Kelly and Tim Horton. That goal would stand as the game-winner.

The Leafs extended their lead late in the second period when Red Kelly scored his eighth of the season, with assists going to Shack and Frank Mahovlich. By that point, Toronto was firmly in control.

The third period turned into the Eddie Shack show. Known affectionately as “Eddie the Entertainer,” Shack scored twice more to complete his hat trick and push the Leafs ahead 5-0. Red Kelly assisted on both goals, giving him four points on the night. Pierre Pilote finally spoiled the shutout by scoring Chicago’s lone goal late in the game, capping the scoring.

What made the performance even more impressive was the efficiency. Kelly scored on his only shot of the game, while Shack scored three times on four shots. For two players who typically hovered around a 10 percent shooting rate, it was a remarkably clinical night and a memorable one in Maple Leafs history.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

Dive into unforgettable tales from NHL history — the biggest moments, legendary players, and classic rivalries.

Buy on Amazon

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!