1963-64 in the National Hockey League brought about one of
those unique occurrences worthy of bar room discussion. Stan Mikita of the
Chicago Black Hawks led the NHL with 89 points, earning the Art Ross Trophy for
the first of four times during his career. Mikita, who would go on to win the
Lady Byng Trophy twice later in his career, finished third in the NHL for
penalty minutes, just a fighting major behind the leader.
Vic Hadfield – New York Rangers
VicHadfield of the New York Rangers led the NHL with 151 PIM. 1963-64 was
Hadfield’s third year in the NHL but his first full season. Later in his
career, Hadfield proved he could put up big offensive numbers, as well. In
1971-72, he scored 50 goals for the Rangers and totalled 106 points in 78
games. He placed second in the NHL for goals and fourth for points.
Vic played just over 1,000 regular season games in the NHL
between 1961-62 and 1976-77 with the Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins. In that
time, he sat 1,154 minutes in the penalty box.
Terry Harper – Montreal Canadiens
Terry Harper, a rookie with the Montreal Canadiens, finished
second, just a minor penalty behind Hadfield. Although technically a rookie,
Terry had appeard in 14 games with the Habs in the previous season. Never an
offensive threat, the big defenseman scored just 35 goals over 1,066 regular
season games while accumulating 1,362 minutes in penalties. Between 1962-63 and
1980-81, Terry played for the Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings,
St. Louis Blues and Colorado Rockies.
Stan Mikita – Chicago Black Hawks
Then came Mikita. With 146 PIM, Stan finished third in the
NHL. Often referred to as one of the greatest turnabouts in pro sports history,
within three years, Stan was being awarded consecutive Lady Byng Trophies.
After another rough and tumble season in 1964-65, which saw Mikita sit 154
minutes, his box time dropped to just 12 minutes in 1966-67 and 14 the
following season.
Mikita played 1,394 regular season games in the NHL from
1958-59 to 1979-80, all with the Chicago Black Hawks. He accumulated 1,270 PIM
over that time but it’s his offensive numbers that put him in the Hockey Hall
of Fame. He finished his NHL career with 541 goals and 1,467 points. He is the
only player to win the Art Ross
Trophy, Hart Trophy and Lady Byng Trophy in consecutive seasons.
Ted Green – Boston Bruins
Tough Boston Bruins defenseman Ted Green finished one minute
behind Mikita. 1963-64 was Green’s third season with the Bruins, the only team
he would play for during his NHL career. Ted played 620 regular season games
with the Bruins between 1961-62 and 1971-72, sitting 1,029 minutes. He jumped
to the World Hockey Association for the rebel league’s inaugural season,
1972-73, and remained until the league’s demise after the 1978-79 season.
Reg Fleming – Chicago Black Hawks
Another Chicago player placed fifth with 140 PIM. Reg
Fleming was a serious tough guy during his days in the NHL. Fleming played 749
regular season NHL games between 1959-60 and 1970-71 and sat a whopping 1,468
minutes. After just 3 games with the Montreal Canadiens in 1959-60, he went on
to play for the Black Hawks, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo
Sabres before two years in the WHA with the Chicago Cougars.
