1944-45

Standings:

1. Boston

2. Chicago

3. Montreal

4. Detroit

5. New York

6. Toronto

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7. Hamilton

8. Philadelphia

Season Summary:

1944-45 begins with a league-wide dispersal draft for the now-defunct Windsor Wings. New York gets the first pick and selects star forward George Allen. Allen does not suit up for the Civics, however, as he is still at war. Despite this, the Civics return to the post-season on a 40-goal effort from Skippy Cleveland. A young Philadelphia club finishes last place with only 7 wins all season, while a demoralized Hamilton squad drops out of the playoffs after the devestating news the their star defenseman, Ben Ridley, had been killed in the war. In the playoffs, the format is changed to the same 6-team format used through the late 1930s. Boston and Chicago earn a first round bye and both take advantage as they meet in the finals. Boston defeats the Shamrocks in overtime of game 5, becoming the first team in league history to win three consecutive Lewis Cups.