Blackhawks Goalies: The Post War Years

1946-57: Hard Times in the Windy City

The years following the Second World War weren't kind to the Chicago Black Hawks. In a span of twelve years from 1946 to 1958 they would make the playoffs only once. During this time, several goaltenders would suit up for the Hawks. Some of the more notable ones were Emile "The Cat" Francis, "Sugar Jim" Henry, Frank "Mr. Zero" Brimsek, Harry "Apple Cheeks" Lumley and Elwin Ira "Al" Rollins (above).

Francis played parts of two seasons in Chicago before being dealt to the New York Rangers for Sugar Jim Henry who had bounced back and forth between the NHL and the minors. He played just one year in Chicago and was part of a package of players sent to Detroit for Harry Lumley.

Lumley, who installed pockets on his goal pads in order to prevent rebounds, would have his best years in Toronto. After two terms with the Hawks he was traded to the Maple Leafs on September 11, 1952 for a package of players including Al Rollins. He would go on to win the Vezina in 1954.

Before the swap to Chicago, Toronto boss Conn Smythe had brought Rollins in to push incumbent Turk Broda whose game was suffering after packing on a few pounds. The thinking being that with Rollins looking over his shoulder, Broda would be forced to lose weight.

Rollins backstopped the Hawks to their first playoff appearance in 1953, finishing a close second to "Mr. Hockey" Gordie Howe in the race for the Hart trophy. The following year he claimed the Hart for himself. By 1957, he was at odds with Hawks GM Tommy Ivan and was promptly shipped to the Calgary Stampeders of the WHL.