1974–75 Minnesota North Stars season



The 1974–75 Minnesota North Stars season was the team's 8th season in the National Hockey League (NHL). The North Stars finished 4th in the Smythe Division and did not qualify for the playoffs.

Pre-season
On October 6, 1974, the North Stars won an exhibition game 5-3 against the Toronto Toros.

Regular Season
At 8:22 of the first period of the Boston-Minnesota game on January 4, 1975, Dave Forbes checked Henry Boucha into the boards in the North Stars corner. Boucha took exception and sucker-punched Forbes. A melee ensued which quickly died down. Terry O'Reilly was deemed to be the third man in and was given a game misconduct. Boucha and Forbes were each given seven penalty minutes and both went to the box without any overt animosity. However, as soon as their penalties expired and they took to the ice, Forbes butt-ended Boucha in the face, fracturing his eye socket. Another melee ensued but quickly ended as the extent of Boucha's injury was realized. Bleeding profusely, Boucha was stretchered off. When the dust settled, Boston was short handed for ten minutes, which they killed off. The Bruins went on to win 8-0, scoring a short-handed goal and seven power plays goals, an NHL record. Forbes was given a ten-game suspension and charged with aggravated assault. His trial ended in a hung jury. Forbes and the Bruins settled a civil case by paying Boucha in excess of one million dollars. Boucha made a comeback, playing the next season for the Kansas City Scouts and the Minnesota Fighting Saints of the WHA but with his vision permanently affected, he retired from pro hockey.

Playoffs

 * The North Stars did not qualify for the playoffs.

Awards and Records

 * The North Stars did not win any awards this season.

Video
Two videos of the two fights between Dave Forbes and Henry Boucha which led to Boucha's eye injury on January 4, 1975.