The Chicago Black Hawks opened their 1964-65 season at home last night with a convincing 3-0 shutout over the hapless Boston Bruins. Chicago goaltender Glenn Hall recorded his 59th career whitewash, making 32 saves in the process.
Rookie John Brenneman, Phil Esposito and Johnny McKenzie scored the Chicago goals, one in each period. Esposito’s goal was the prettiest of the night. It came off an end to end rush by the big centre, who finished off the play with a backhander from about 15 feet to beat Bruins netminder Eddie Johnston. The Black Hawks outshot Boston 38-32.
Campbell hands out fines
NHL President Clarence Campbell handed out fines to six players today for their participation in a brawl that marred an October 4 exhibition game between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers. Reg Fleming, Ted Green and Forbes Kennedy were the Bruins assessed $50, while from the Rangers it was Rod Seiling, Dave Richardson and Earl Ingarfield.
In addition, Green and Fleming were tagged with an additional $100 by Campbell for keeping the mayhem going.
Lindsay returns
As we reported earlier, Terrible Ted Lindsay makes his return to the National Hockey League tonight when the Detroit Red Wings host the Toronto Maple Leafs in the opening game for both clubs. After four seasons away from the game, Lindsay felt he wanted to return to the league as a player and Detroit general manager-coach Sid Abel was only too willing to bring him on board.
Known as one of the toughest individuals ever to play the game, Lindsay will bring an element of truculence that the Wings have lacked the past few years. He is expected to play the left side on a line with Normie Ullman and Floyd Smith.
Rookie Roger Crozier will get the call in goal for the Red Wings tonight, opposed by Toronto’s Johnny Bower.
Ciesla signs
Hank Ciesla, the reluctant centre who couldn’t come to terms with the Pittsburgh Hornets of the American Hockey League, today agreed to a contract with the Buffalo Bisons. Ciesla was recently traded to Buffalo, a Chicago farm team, by Pittsburgh’s parent club, the Detroit Red Wings, in exchange for veteran forward Jerry Toppazzini. Toppazzini, who had previously announced his retirement, has agreed to report to Detroit.
Ciesla is originally a product of the Chicago system and has seen NHL time with the Black Hawks and the New York Rangers. Last season he had 18 goals and 38 assists with Pittsburgh. He became embroiled in a contract dispute with the Hornets and was subsequently dealt to the Bisons.
Ciesla is a St. Catharines native and was married three weeks ago. He plans on commuting to Buffalo from St. Catharines, along with fellow Garden City residents Ian Cushenan and Ray Cullen.