WBKB Channel 7 - Midwest Sports Special - "Inside the World of Hockey with the Chicago Blackhawks" (Part 2, 1964)

Here's Part 2 of Midwest Sports Special - "Inside the World of Hockey with the Chicago Blackhawks," hosted by Frank Sweeney, as aired on WBKB (now WLS) Channel 7. This was transferred from the original film, and thus has no commercials. Featured in this part are general manager Tommy Ivan, coach Billy Reay, and (demonstrating their skills on the ice) players Phil Esposito, Chico Maki, John McKenzie, Eric Nesterenko, Fred Stanfield, Stan Mikita, Bill Hay, Al MacNeil, Pierre Pilote and Bobby Hull. Includes:

Opening shot of team practice (under coach Billy Reay), with Frank skating towards the camera to explain what exactly is going on. There, he introduces an interview with Tommy Ivan who, as general manager, is responsible for assembling the necessary parts to make a major-league team. Mr. Ivan speaks of how he's not only responsible for the Blackhawks' personnel, but also those of its 12-club farm system (with 482 players); and also exactly what he and his scouts look for in a major-league hockey player (only a small percentage of whom actually make the big leagues).

Next, we see some shots of skaters' speeding and skidding on the ice, which leads into an interview with veteran player and coach Billy Reay who is the only person in said capacity (unlike in, say, football or basketball). Mr. Reay emphasizes his importance in skating and skating fast, plus the ability to stop and start, and his asserting that there's something wrong with a player who's "a good loser." This is all accompanied by more shots of the team practicing on the ice. The coach also explains what an offside play is, while previewing a demonstration by Phil Esposito (#7), Chico Maki (#16) and John McKenzie (#18). Then we see a faceoff, with Eric Nesterenko (#15) dropping the puck and Esposito facing off with Fred Stanfield (#6). Coach Reay then introduces a stick handling demonstration with Stan Mikita (#21), Nesterenko, Bill Hay (#11), Al MacNeil (19) and captain Pierre Pilote (#3); plus an example of "stick-handling finesse" from Bobby Hull (#9), whose demonstration is followed by the camera.

This part ends with the "Inside the World of Hockey" bumper.

This aired on local Chicago TV on Saturday, December 19, 1964 (and repeated on Saturday, March 20th 1965) during the 5:30pm to 6:30pm timeframe.

Add To

You must login to add videos to your playlists.