The Weirdest NHL All-Star Game You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Back on January 18, 1967, the Montreal Canadiens hosted the NHL All-Star Game at the Forum as defending Stanley Cup champions. What was supposed to be a fun mid-season exhibition turned into something straight out of the Twilight Zone. It became the only shutout in All-Star Game history. Montreal blanked the All-Stars 3–0 in a game that was far more intense (and strange) than anyone expected.
Five Weird Things That Happened During This Game.
Here are five things that stand out as strange about this game:
1. The Game Created an All-Star Format Change That Stuck.
It was the first mid-season All-Star Game ever. Before this, the game was always played right before the regular season started. Moving it to January changed everything — and we’ve stuck with the mid-season format ever since.
Related: Throwaway Trade Made Kiprusoff the Best Goalie in Flames History.
2. The Canadiens John Ferguson Was Just John Ferguson.
John Ferguson scored two goals… and got into a fight. The Habs’ tough guy lit the lamp twice and still found time to punch Norm Ullman in the face (gloved, of course), earning one of only three minor penalties called all night. It was classic Ferguson.
3. Two Habs Goalies Set an All-Star Record That Still Stands.
Two goalies combined for the shutout. Charlie Hodge played the first and third periods, while Gary Bauman handled the second. Together, they stopped everything the All-Stars threw at them. That record still stands nearly 60 years later.
4. Henri Richard Was the Quiet MVP in a Very Loud Lineup.
Henri Richard was the MVP with a goal and an assist. The Pocket Rocket scored the game-winner and set up the insurance marker. Meanwhile, the All-Stars roster was stacked with future Hall of Famers like Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull, yet they couldn’t solve Montreal’s netminde
5. The All-Star Game Had a Strange Lack of Energy.
The game was weirdly quiet. Only three penalties total, low energy according to writers at the time, and the home crowd got to watch their champions dominate. Attendance was a healthy 14,284, but it felt more like a statement win than a flashy showcase.
Fun Facts About This Strange All-Star Game.
This game sits in the shadow of All-Star history because everything changed right after. The NHL expanded from six to 12 teams the next season, switched to East vs. West formats, and the old “Champions vs. The Rest” tradition disappeared. Modern All-Star Games are now skills competitions, 3-on-3, and highlight-reel showcases.
Back then, the All-Star game was still about pride, home-ice dominance, and the occasional punch to the head. A true piece of old-school hockey weirdness.