Stan Fischler, a prominent hockey reporter, shares weekly insights on NHL.com, humorously reflecting on the sport’s history. In this edition of “Strange but True,” he recounts an incident from November 21, 1965, involving the New York Rangers and their coach/general manager, Emile “The Cat” Francis.
On that Sunday night at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers held a 2-1 lead against the Detroit Red Wings. Goal judge Arthur Reichert was intently watching the play when Detroit’s Floyd Smith attempted to score. The puck eluded Rangers goalie Ed Giacomin and bounced back, prompting Reichert to light up the red goal light.
Seeing the goal light, Francis, seated nearby, instinctively rushed toward Reichert and exclaimed, “That puck never crossed the red line!” However, Reichert defended his call, stating he had two witnesses. One fan shouted back at Francis, leading to an altercation where Francis punched the fan. This quick escalation saw several Rangers players, including Vic Hadfield and Arnie Brown, rush to defend their coach.
Within moments, ten Rangers players had scaled the protective glass barrier to reach Francis, who was being restrained. After security intervened, the aftermath revealed Francis with a black eye and a torn suit, while Reichert managed to avoid injury by relocating.
Although the game ended in a 3-3 tie, the repercussions continued. Rangers president Bill Jennings announced Reichert would be banned from future Garden games, but NHL president Clarence Campbell supported Reichert’s decision and mandated his return.
In later years, Francis expressed regret over the incident and acknowledged Reichert’s competence while emphasizing he was merely defending his team. Reflecting on the chaotic scene, Francis characterized it as “organized confusion.” Ultimately, the controversy resolved in favor of Reichert’s call, which was later validated by game films from that era.
As a result of the incident, protective booths for goal judges were established, ensuring they would not face physical confrontations again — not even from the Rangers.