The 1955–56 National Hockey League (NHL) season marked a significant turning point in the league's history, witnessing the end of one dominant era and the beginning of another. The Detroit Red Wings' impressive streak of seven consecutive seasons at the top of the NHL standings concluded, as the Montreal Canadiens ascended to the forefront. This season was characterized by notable individual achievements, rule discussions, and the foundational steps
of what would become a legendary dynasty for the Canadiens.
Montreal's Rise to Prominence
The Montreal Canadiens, under their new coach Hector "Toe" Blake, a former All-Star left-winger, demonstrated remarkable strength throughout the 1955–56 season. They set a new league record for wins in a single season, achieving an impressive 45 victories. This strong performance culminated in a Stanley Cup championship, which was just the beginning of an unprecedented streak of five consecutive Stanley Cup victories for the team.
Key players contributed significantly to Montreal's success. Rookie Henri Richard, known as the "Pocket Rocket," made an immediate impact, scoring two goals in a 6–0 shutout victory against the Chicago Black Hawks on October 22. Jean Beliveau also had a standout season, setting a new record for goals by a center with his 45th goal scored on March 15. Maurice Richard, a pivotal figure for the Canadiens, led the team to their championship, fulfilling a promise he had made to fans after a previous incident. Despite being injured in a game on March 15 when he fell over a Black Hawks defenseman and went headlong into the goal, requiring stitches and X-rays, he returned to the lineup quickly, even scoring a hat trick in a 7–2 rout of the Rangers on St. Patrick's Day.
League Business and Notable Figures
The season also saw discussions and changes regarding league rules and personnel. NHL President Clarence Campbell proposed a revision to the penalty rule, suggesting that a penalized player on a minor penalty should return to the ice when a power play goal is scored. The Montreal Canadiens were the only club to vote against this new legislation, highlighting their unique position and influence within the league.
Another significant change involved officials' uniforms. During a governors' meeting in December, concerns were raised that the existing orange and black uniforms were confusing for players and fans, especially when teams wore red uniforms. It was also noted that these uniforms appeared black on television. Consequently, it was unanimously agreed that officials' uniforms should be changed to black and white vertical stripes, a design first worn on December 29, 1955.
Individual Milestones and Coaching Changes
Beyond the Canadiens' dominance, other teams and players made their mark. Dick Irvin, formerly the coach in Montreal, took over as coach for the Chicago Black Hawks. Although he couldn't lift them out of the cellar, the team did show improvement. His return to Chicago was a homecoming, as he had started his coaching career there in 1930. On October 22, when the Black Hawks visited the Montreal Forum, Irvin was honored with a set of silver flatware presented by William Northey, representing the Canadian Arena Company.
In Detroit, rookie goaltender Glenn Hall had an impressive season for the Red Wings, recording 12 shutouts and maintaining a 2.11 goals-against average. His strong performance earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy, an award for the league's best rookie, over Henri Richard. The season also saw John Utendale become the first Black player to sign a contract directly with an NHL team, the Red Wings. While Utendale practiced with the Red Wings, he never played in an NHL game, instead playing with their minor league affiliate, the Edmonton Flyers. This season, therefore, was not just about on-ice action but also about the evolving dynamics of the league and its personnel.
