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
