PASSING THE PUCK

DETROIT—Bob Goldham, one of the real veterans of hockey sounded the key-note in the Red Wings dressing room immediately following their 3-1, opening game triumph against Canadiens. “The spirit on this club is unbeatable. I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said. Detroit’s Big Three, Howe, Lindsay and Kelly are setting the pace with three goals apiece. Incidentally, Lindsay’s goal—the first of the game, was his 25th in playoff competition… Watching the series was King Clancy, Hap Day, Freddie Hunt, Frankie Eddolls and Lou Jankowski… Maurice (Rocket) Richard was having trouble getting untracked. An oddity for the Rocket who usually rises to his greatest heights in the playoffs. Still looking for his first point… When Dutch Reibel popped home the winner it was his first goal since February 8… Bernie (Boom-Boom) Geoffrion…

Royals Oust Sherbrooke As QHL Cracks Down On Saints

MONTREAL, Que.— The Quebec Hockey League playoff picture, expected to be a comparatively mild affair until the final round, exploded abruptly in the first round when Royals vigorously protested the use of two defensemen by the Sherbrooke Saints. The case went to a special meeting that turned out to be the finest in the league’s history. The decision was final, and League President George Slater, in a voice quaking with emotion, told the delegrates that his decision, to take a game way from the Saints, was “one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. “And,” he added, “It’s the first time I’ve been forced to do something against my will.” Armed with a committeeroom verdict, the Royals went out and wrapped up the series the following night by walloping the discouraged…

Edmonton Oil Kings Could End Supremacy Of Eastern Juniors

EDMONTON, Alta.— Edmonton’s vaunted Oil Kings continue to roll merrily on their way and appear a sure bet to represent Western Canada in the annual Memorial Cup final. It could be that they will end the east’s five-year domination of the junior hockey field. Not since 1948, when the Port Arthur Bruins turned the trick, has a western team captured junior hockey’s highest award. At this writing, coach Ken McAuley’s Kings have compiled an amazing mark of 32 straight victories in league and playoff competition. They have registered 12 straight wins since they started out on the playoff trail. No Losses They swept through two best-of-nine playoffs in their own league against Calgary Buffaloes and Regina Pats without loss of a game. The Kings followed up with two easy 7-0 and 8-2 verdicts over…

“Captain Morgan’s in town”