A National Obsession (1945-1960)

Television meets hockey and a Saturday night tradition is born. In Quebec, everyone's watching Maurice Richard. In addition, to scoring goals, he is a fearsome player who fights as hard as he plays. When he is suspended by NHL President Clarence Campbell for hitting a referee, riots break out in Montreal. English Canadian fans are watching the exploits of a tough-as-nails kid from Saskatchewan, Gordie Howe. Playing for the Detroit Red Wings, Howe almost dies in 1951 following an on-ice collision with Teeter Kennedy. He recovers and goes on to enjoy the longest career in professional hockey.