Bill Mosienko
Fastest hat trick in NHL history: three goals in 21 seconds against the New York Rangers (March 23, 1952).
William Mosienko (1921–1994) was a Canadian right winger who played 14 seasons for the Chicago Black Hawks from 1942 to 1955. Best known for recording the fastest hat trick in NHL history, he scored three goals in just 21 seconds against the New York Rangers on March 23, 1952. His career was marked by exceptional gentlemanly conduct, earning him the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 1945 and two second-team All-Star selections. Despite his small stature, which often made him a target for larger opponents, Mosienko accumulated only 121 penalty minutes over his entire NHL tenure and fought just once.
- Position
- Right Wing
- Primary Team
- Chicago Black Hawks
- League
- National Hockey League (NHL)
- Historic Feat
- Fastest Hat Trick (21 Seconds)
- Active Era
- 1942 to 1955
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Mosienko's journey to Chicago began when Joe Cooper discovered him playing on outdoor rinks in Winnipeg. Although the New York Rangers had also signed him, Chicago secured his rights first. After a brief stint in the minors with the Providence Reds and Kansas City Americans, he was recalled by the Black Hawks in 1942 due to World War II departures. His first two NHL goals came just 21 seconds apart on February 9, 1942. By 1943–44, Mosienko established himself as a regular, scoring a career-high 70 points alongside linemates Clint Smith and Doug Bentley, forming a trio that set an NHL record with 219 combined points. The following year, he won the Lady Byng Trophy without recording a single penalty minute.
In Their Own Story
The defining moment of Mosienko's career occurred on March 23, 1952, during the final night of the regular season against the New York Rangers. In the third period, Mosienko scored three goals in a span of 21 seconds, all assisted by linemate Gus Bodnar. This feat set a new record for the fastest hat trick by one player in NHL history. The sequence was so rapid that Mosienko nearly scored a fourth goal just 45 seconds later on a shot that deflected off the goalpost. Despite facing frequent physical abuse from larger opponents throughout his career, he refused to retaliate, maintaining a reputation as one of the league's most gentlemanly players.
Reader's Guide
Mosienko retired from the NHL in 1955 after feeling underpaid by the Black Hawks, though he had agreed to return for one final season (1954–55) which saw him play 64 games and score 27 points. He immediately returned to his hometown of Winnipeg to help launch professional hockey there with the newly founded Winnipeg Warriors of the Western Hockey League. In the team's first year, he led them to the President's Cup championship in 1955–56 and helped defeat the Montreal Royals for Canada's minor professional championship. Mosienko was named a WHL All-Star three times (1957, 1958, 1959) before retiring after 18 seasons of professional hockey. He later coached the Warriors for one season in 1959–60.
Did You Know?
- Mosienko scored his first two NHL goals just 21 seconds apart on February 9, 1942.
- He played only one fight in his entire 14-season NHL career and accumulated exactly 121 penalty minutes.
- His famous hat trick was set against the New York Rangers with all three assists coming from Gus Bodnar.
- Mosienko won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 1945 without recording a single penalty minute that season.
- After retiring from hockey, he and his family owned and operated bowling alleys in Winnipeg until 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bill Mosienko?
Mosienko was a Canadian right winger who dedicated his entire fourteen-year NHL tenure to the Chicago Black Hawks between 1942 and 1955. He is remembered as one of the team's most distinguished historical players.
What is Bill Mosienko best known for?
His greatest achievement occurred on March 23, 1952, when he netted three goals against the New York Rangers within a span of only 21 seconds. This performance established an NHL record for speed that has never been surpassed.
Why did Bill Mosienko win the Lady Byng Trophy?
In 1945, he was honored with the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for combining skilled play with outstanding sportsmanship. This recognition highlighted his reputation as a clean player who avoided unnecessary penalties.
How did Bill Mosienko handle physical play?
Even though his smaller build attracted aggressive attention from opposing teams, Mosienko maintained a clean disciplinary record throughout his time in the league. Over fourteen years, he took only 121 penalty minutes and participated in a single fight.
When did Bill Mosienko's career end?
His professional playing career concluded with the Chicago Black Hawks after the 1954-1955 season. He passed away in 1994, leaving behind a legacy defined by speed and sportsmanship.
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