1944–45 Chicago Black Hawks season



The 1944–45 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 19th season in the NHL. The Hawks finished in 5th place and did not qualify for the playoffs.

Regular Season
The Black Hawks would lose their top scorer Doug Bentley, who was given permission to stay home in Saskatchewan and tend the family farm by the Canadian Armed Forces officials, while his brother Max Bentley would miss his 2nd season due to World War II. The club would name Clint Smith as team captain, and after the first game of the season, a loss of 11–5 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, head coach Paul Thompson was replaced by former Black Hawk captain Johnny Gottselig.

The Hawks would struggle to score goals, scoring a league low 141, while allowing 194, which ranked them 4th. The team would finish the season with a 13–30–7 record, and their 33 points was their lowest point total since the 1938-39 season. Chicago would fail to make the post-season, as they would finish 3 points behind the 4th place Boston Bruins.

Midway through the season, the Black Hawks would be involved in a big trade with the Detroit Red Wings, as Chicago would trade Earl Siebert and Fido Purpur to the Wings for Butch McDonald, Don Grosso and Cully Simon.

Offensively, the Hawks were led by Bill Mosienko and his 28 goals, Clint Smith with his team high 31 assists, and the two of them would tie for the team lead in points at 54. Mosienko won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy and was a Second Team All-Star. Pete Horeck would be the only other Black Hawk to score more than 10 goals, as he had 20. Joe Cooper would lead the defense all season long, earning 21 points and a team high 50 penalty minutes.

In goal, the Hawks would bring back Mike Karakas, he would lead the team with 12 wins, a 3.90 GAA, 4 shutouts and was a Second Team All-Star. Doug Stevenson would appear in a couple of games, getting a 1–1–0 record with a GAA of 3.50.

Playoffs

 * The Black Hawks did not qualify for the post season.

Awards and Records

 * Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Bill Mosienko
 * Bill Mosienko, Right Wing, NHL Second Team All-Star
 * Mike Karakas, Goalie, NHL Second Team All-Star