Chicago Blackhawks Memorial Day Remberence: World War II Veterans

Today is Memorial Day in the United States, a date when we honor and mourn all the U.S. military personnel who died while serving the country. The holiday started as Decoration Day on May 30, 1868, as a national day to remember all the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. While the holiday has become a day of BBQs and the first official day of summer, it is still important to remember why it is needed.

Today felt like a good day to remember five members of the Chicago Blackhawks organization who paused their NHL careers to serve during World War II. Not all these players were with the Blackhawks at the time of their service, and they all returned home from war, something over 80 million others did not do during the global conflict.

When World War II broke out in 1939, only four nations were represented in the NHL. Canada made up 92.5% of the league, with the United States, Soviet Union, and United Kingdom providing the other 7.5% of the players. Eighty NHL players conscripted or volunteered for military service during the war, and at least two players were killed in battle-Dudley «Red» Garrett of the New York Rangers and Joe Turner of the Detroit Red Wings.

Max Bentley was the best player in Chicago at the time who hung up his skates for a military uniform. Along with his brothers Reg and Doug, the trio became the first siblings to record a point on the same goal against the Rangers on Jan. 3, 1943.