Charlie Hodge Makes Early Seals History With First Franchise Shutout

The Oakland Seals’ debut season couldn’t have started on a more optimistic note. Fresh off their 1967 expansion debut, the Seals grabbed wins in each of their first two games, an early spark for a brand-new franchise. And in just the second outing of the 1967-68 campaign, fans were treated to a milestone moment: the first shutout in team history.

Charlie Hodge, the Seals’ marquee pickup at the 1967 NHL Expansion Draft, brought both pedigree and poise to the crease. Selected sixth overall out of Montreal, the two-time Vezina Trophy winner proved he still had game. On October 14, 1967, inside the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Hodge stopped all 20 shots he faced against the Minnesota North Stars, recording his 22nd career shutout and his first in Seals colors. He’d add two more that season before finishing his NHL career with 24.

Oakland wasn’t just airtight defensively, they overwhelmed Minnesota at the other end. Cesare Maniago faced a barrage of 38 shots, allowing six goals in a decisive 6-0 Seals victory. Gerry Ehman opened the scoring on a first-period power play, with Bill Hicke supplying the first of his four assists on the night. Kent Douglas added a standout performance of his own with a goal and two helpers.

Though the Seals’ early-season success didn’t last, they went winless in their next 14 games, this shutout remains a bright, defining moment from the franchise’s earliest days.

About Charlie Hodge

Charlie Hodge played 358 regular season and 16 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1954-55 and 1970-71 with the Montreal Canadiens, Oakland Seals and Vancouver Canucks. He was the sixth player selected overall at the 1967 NHL Expansion Draft by the Seals and the 39th overall at the 1970 NHL Expansion Draft by the Canucks.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Charlie Hodge

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Which NHL team did Charlie Hodge win multiple Vezina Trophies with?

Boston Bruins
Oakland Seals
Montreal Canadiens
Minnesota North Stars

2. How many career shutouts did Charlie Hodge finish with?

12
18
24
31

3. In which season did Charlie Hodge appear in 58 games for the Oakland Seals?

1967–68
1968–69
1965–66
1969–70

4. Before joining the Seals, Charlie Hodge primarily backed up which legendary Canadiens goalie?

Lorne Worsley
Jacques Plante
Ken Dryden
Rogie Vachon

5. How many Stanley Cups did Charlie Hodge win with the Montreal Canadiens?

Two
Three
Four
Six

Bill Hicke and Charlie Hodge Star for Oakland Seals in an October 11, 1967 “Game of Firsts”

It was the beginning of a new era in the NHL. On October 11, 1967, the expansion Philadelphia Flyers traveled west to face the Oakland Seals in the first NHL game for both teams.

The Seals gave the home fans plenty to cheer about with a 5-1 victory. Goaltender Charlie Hodge was sharp, stopping 24 of 25 shots, while forward Bill Hicke led the way offensively with two goals and an assist. Kent Douglas and Gerry Ehman also had three-point nights in what turned out to be a confident debut for the Bay Area franchise.

Douglas made history early, scoring the first goal in Oakland Seals history just 3:23 into the game. The goal came against Bernie Parent and was assisted by Charlie Burns and George Swarbrick.

The Flyers also notched a first of their own. Bill Sutherland scored the franchise’s inaugural goal at 10:07 of the second period, converting on a powerplay with assists from Leon Rochefort and John Miszuk. It stood as Philadelphia’s first powerplay marker in NHL history.

Ron Harris scored the Seals’ first game-winning goal less than two minutes after Sutherland’s tally, and Bill Hicke added Oakland’s first powerplay goal early in the third.

There were also early signs of animosity. Just 22 seconds after the opening faceoff, each team took its first penalty. Lou Angotti of the Flyers was called for interference, while Larry Cahan of the Seals went off for slashing.

Philadelphia’s tough California debut continued a few days later, dropping a 4-2 decision to the Los Angeles Kings on October 14. That game featured Brian Kilrea scoring the first goal in Kings history and Gord Labossiere notching the winner. Wayne Rutledge made 14 saves in net for the Kings, who limited the Flyers to just 16 shots.

1967 Oakland Seals vs. Philadelphia Flyers – Trivia Quiz

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1. Who scored the first goal in Oakland Seals history?
   Bill Hicke
   Kent Douglas
   Gerry Ehman
   Ron Harris
2. Which goaltender made 24 saves for Oakland in the team's first game?
   Wayne Rutledge
   Charlie Hodge
   Bernie Parent
   Doug Favell
3. Who scored the first goal in Philadelphia Flyers history?
   Leon Rochefort
   Bill Sutherland
   Joe Watson
   Gary Dornhoefer
4. What was the final score of the Seals vs. Flyers inaugural game?
   4-2
   3-1
   5-1
   6-2
5. How many penalties were called just 22 seconds into the game?
   One
   Two
   Three
   None