A Rare Gordie Howe Hat Trick from Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky’s legacy is filled with scoring records, championships, and unmatched vision on the ice but on one rare night in 1982, he paid homage to his idol, Gordie Howe, in the most unexpected way. Despite winning the Lady Byng Trophy five times and never topping 59 penalty minutes in any season, it was that very 59-PIM year, 1982-83, when Gretzky recorded his only Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

The date was December 22, 1982. The Edmonton Oilers hosted the Minnesota North Stars at Northlands Coliseum in a matchup of two of the NHL’s top teams. Despite Minnesota holding a slight edge in the standings, the Oilers erupted for an 8-2 victory and Gretzky was in the middle of everything.

In the first period, “The Great One” dropped the gloves with Neal Broten, drawing an extra roughing minor. Minutes later, Gretzky set up Glenn Anderson for Edmonton’s third goal of the game. The scoring touch continued early in the second period as Gretzky buried his 27th goal of the season past Don Beaupre, officially completing the Gordie Howe Hat Trick just 2:27 into the frame. He later added another assist on Mark Messier’s 22nd of the year, finishing the night with a three-point performance.

Across his brilliant career, Gretzky totaled only 577 penalty minutes in 1,487 regular-season games, astonishing for a player logging that much ice time and attention. His five Lady Byng Trophy wins rank second all-time, behind only Frank Boucher. But on that December night in 1982, Gretzky showed he could honour Howe’s toughness and spirit while still being the NHL’s most dazzling playmaker.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: History of the Gordie Howe Hat Trick

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

1. What three elements make up a Gordie Howe Hat Trick?

Two goals, one assist, and a fight
One goal, one assist, and a fight
Three assists and a penalty
Goal, fight, and game-winning goal

2. Despite the name, how many career Gordie Howe Hat Tricks is Gordie Howe widely credited with?

15
25
2
7

3. Which player is often cited as having the most Gordie Howe Hat Tricks in NHL history?

Rick Tocchet
Cam Neely
Jarome Iginla
Brendan Shanahan

4. Which era saw the Gordie Howe Hat Trick become especially common due to the mix of scoring and physical play?

1950s
1980s–1990s
Early 2000s
Post-2010 era

5. The Gordie Howe Hat Trick is often viewed as a symbol of what traditional hockey quality?

Toughness and all-around play
Defensive responsibility
Goaltending excellence
Special-teams dominance

Gerry Cheevers’ 40-Save Shutout And Wild Brawl Highlight Boston's 10-0 Playoff Win

On April 2, 1969, the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs opened their playoff series with one of the wildest games in Stanley Cup history. The Bruins dominated from start to finish, crushing Toronto 10-0, but the storyline was far more than just the score.

Goaltender Gerry Cheevers stood tall in net, stopping all 40 shots sent his way. While it might seem like a goalie in a 10-0 win would have little to do, Cheevers was busy all night and even got into a fight with Toronto’s Forbes Kennedy late in the game.

Key Highlights From Game 1

• The 10-0 victory remains the second-highest scoring shutout in Stanley Cup playoff history, behind Montreal’s 11-0 win over Toronto in 1944.

• Phil Esposito had a monster night, scoring four goals and adding two assists for six points. His four-goal game still ties him for sixth on the all-time playoff list.

• Toronto’s Forbes Kennedy racked up 38 penalty minutes, the sixth most ever in a single NHL playoff game.

• Pat Quinn delivered a brutal hit that knocked young Bobby Orr out of the game.

• Including the regular season finale, Toronto suffered three straight shutouts, with Boston taking Game 2 by a 7-0 score.

The Chaos Unfolds

The mayhem peaked at 16:14 of the third period after a whistle in the Boston zone. Kennedy tried to take on nearly the entire Bruins roster, including Cheevers. Things crossed the line when he punched linesman George Ashley and then attacked John “Pie” McKenzie, who held his own in the scrap. That game turned out to be Kennedy’s last in the NHL.

Meanwhile, Esposito fired 13 of Boston’s 51 shots at Toronto’s goaltending duo of Bruce Gamble and Johnny Bower, who were left shell-shocked. Esposito continued his hot streak with three more points in Game 2 and scored again in Game 4 as Boston swept the Maple Leafs out of the postseason.

About Gerry Cheevers

Between 1961-62 and 1979-80, Gerry Cheevers played 418 regular season and 88 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. He also appeared in 191 regular season and 19 playoff games in the WHA with the Cleveland Crusaders between 1972-73 and 1975-76. The two-time Stanley Cup champion was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Gerry Cheevers

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

1. With which NHL team did Gerry Cheevers win two Stanley Cups?
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Boston Bruins
   Cleveland Barons
   
2. Cheevers was famous for his goalie mask, decorated with what design?
   Flames
   Stitches
   Shamrocks
   
3. Gerry Cheevers also played in the WHA. Which team did he join?
   Cleveland Crusaders
   Winnipeg Jets
   Quebec Nordiques
   
4. In what year was Gerry Cheevers inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
   1985
   1990
   2001
   
5. Which unique distinction did Cheevers’ Bruins hold in the early 1970s?
   Highest-scoring team in NHL history
   Longest unbeaten streak ever
   Most consecutive shutouts