Marquette Pirates
The first outdoor hockey game involving a professional team took place in 1954, believe it or not, on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, at a prison.
On February 2, 1954, Detroit faced the Marquette Pirates – dubbed Emery's Boys – a prison team named after the prison's warden. According to history, Jack Adams and Ted Lindsay paid a visit to the jail as a goodwill gesture and were invited to return later to play a game. It seemed impossible at the time since the jail lacked a skating rink. However, the prison's athletics director built a rink and welcomed the team back to play a few months later. Detroit accepted the challenge and they did play a game! Hall of Famers such as Gordie Howe, Lindsay, Terry Sawchuk, and Sid Abel battled the Marquette Pirates prisoners. The inmates were defeated 18-0 in the opening period. Following that, the sides swapped players and did not keep score. The game finished without incident and is an incredible piece of hockey history.
On February 2, 1954, Detroit faced the Marquette Pirates – dubbed Emery's Boys – a prison team named after the prison's warden. According to history, Jack Adams and Ted Lindsay paid a visit to the jail as a goodwill gesture and were invited to return later to play a game. It seemed impossible at the time since the jail lacked a skating rink. However, the prison's athletics director built a rink and welcomed the team back to play a few months later. Detroit accepted the challenge and they did play a game! Hall of Famers such as Gordie Howe, Lindsay, Terry Sawchuk, and Sid Abel battled the Marquette Pirates prisoners. The inmates were defeated 18-0 in the opening period. Following that, the sides swapped players and did not keep score. The game finished without incident and is an incredible piece of hockey history.
