Andy O’Brien Says …

(As Seen in the Montreal Star) FAN at the Blake Bistro while Canadians were in the throes A of a four-game losing streak: “Tell me, Toe, the Canadiens in recent years have shown themselves good at winning. Are they also good losers?” Coach Toe Blake (snorting): “Good? They’re getting perfect.” “Pocket Rocket” Key To Everything ? ON all sides these days we guys who are supposed to be experts on such things are being asked: “What’s the matter with Canadiens?” Frankly it’s flattery — but one has to make up some answer beyond reciting the injury bogey that’s haunting Canadien organization all the way down the line. Fellows like Ken Reardon claims he’s never seen anything like it — “my team at Shawinigan has lost six of seven games and now has five players on…

Okanagan Sr Standing

‘Pocket Rocket” Supplies Spark As Canadiens Snap Four-Game Losing Streak

MONTREAL, Que.— Managing director Frank J. Seike of the Canadiens has described Henri Richard, his shifty young centre, as “the answer to a manager’s dream.” “The Pocket Rocket may not be able to do everything that Maurice Richard can,” he said. “He hasn’t the same explosive qualities. There are things that Jean Beliveau can do better. And I’m not taking anything away from great players like Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay of Detroit. “But none of them can do as many things as well as young Richard. He comes close to being the perfect hockey player.” It was Henri Richard, justifying Seike’s remarks, who lifted Canadiens out of a four-game losing streak, along with Bernie Geoffrion and Jean Beliveau. They were the architects of victory in a 4-3 decision in Montreal, following losses at…

Hockey X-Word Puzzle

(SOLUTION NEZT WEEK) ACROSS 1—Boston player. 6—First name of WHL’s referee-in-chief 8—Compared with other clubs, Detroit start training 11—Number of goals Billy Harris scored last season. 12—Ken Reardon can do this. 13—Initials of a Leaf scoring star. 14—Railway (abbr.) 15—Cal Gardner was born in this month (abbr.) 17—Initials of Albright, ex-New York player. 18—The present time. 19—Eddie Kachur’s native province (abbr.) 21—”Pat” Egan’s initials. 22—Jean Beliveau’s is 24. 23—Battalion (abbr.) 24—Pocket Rocket’s position. 27—Initials of Trigg, former AHL star. 28—”Rip” Riopelle’s initials. 29—Denotes George Armstrong’s number. 31—An NHL linesman. 35—Name given an NHL netminder. 36—Number of goals Pronovost picked up in 1955-56. DOWN 1—Outstanding rookie of the AHL in 1955-56. 2—WHL player with the most assists in 1955-56. 3—Doug Harvey injured one while fishing. 4—Metro Crystal’s birthplace. 5—Vic Stasiuk was born in his month. 7—Top condition. 9—Initials of a new member of the Bruins. 10—Former Detroit player, called Carl. 14—Henri Richard scored his first NHL goal against this club. 16—Number of goals Dave…