This Day in Hockey History – December 30, 1978 – To Be Frank
Twelve years after he last officiated a game, Frank Udvari skated out in borrowed skates and striped shirt. Nearly 55, he became the oldest NHL referee when he finished out the game between the New York Islanders and Atlanta Flames on December 30, 1978.
Born January 2, 1924, Udvari began officiating in the NHL during the 1951-52 season, and he soon became a regular. The biggest event of his referee career took place in 1955, when his call against Maurice “Rocket” Richard of the Montreal Canadiens led to the “Richard Riot.” At one point he said, “It doesn’t bother me when the crowd gets on my back because once the game starts, a referee devotes his entire attention to the play.” When he retired in 1966, he had officiated in 718 regular-season and 70 postseason NHL games (including 11 consecutive Stanley Cup Finals).
For Udvari’s follow-up career in the NHL, he became the supervisor of officials. He held that position from 1966 into 1983. During that time, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1973.
Udvari’s lone return to the ice as a referee took place at Nassau Coliseum in front of a sellout crowd of 14,995. Just two days before, the Islanders had played the Flames down in Atlanta and had embarrassed them with a score of 10-4. It was the first time the Flames had ever given up double-digit goals. In this re-match, the Flames did a much better job at holding back the Islanders’ scoring, only losing 4-2.
About a minute and a half before the first period ended, Referee Dave Newell was hit in the face by a puck shot by Atlanta’s Bill Clement. Thanks to one of the Islanders’ trainers, Newell was able to get to his feet and made it to the dressing room. Announcing that Newell seemed to have a broken jaw, he was sent to Nassau County Medical Center for treatment. The period ended early, and the remaining time was added to the second period.
Udvari happened to be present since he was monitoring the game in his capacity as supervisor of officials. He stepped in to substitute for Newell, wearing his own gray pants and having borrowed Newell’s shirt and the skates of Islanders’ star Bryan Trottier. The loan of the skates did not stop Udvari from waving off a potential goal by Trottier later in the game.
According to the New York Daily News, “Although there could be little doubt of his familiarity with the rules, Udvari looked as if he could barely skate. He moved slowly and awkwardly, staying close to the boards.” The New York Times reported, “It was clear Udvari was uncomfortable in the role. He skated uncertainly, nearly falling as he warmed up. On the first play he bumped into the sideboards. But as the period progressed he regained poise and, though he skated slowly, he was in command. He called seven penalties in the second period.”
As the Islanders went on to win the game, they set a franchise record. With their sixth consecutive win, they had not lost any of their 18 home games. Trottier himself had a 16-game scoring streak, while goalie Chico Resch had a 19-game unbeaten streak in progress.
Additional Sources:
- John S. Radosta, “18th Home Game Without Loss,” New York Times, 31 Dec. 1978, p. S1.
- Lawrie Mifflin, “Bossy, Trots lift Islanders, 4-2,” New York Daily News, 31 Dec. 1978, sports, p. 4.
- Alan Truex, “Flames Discover A Backup Goalie But Lose Anyway,” Atlanta Constitution, 31 Dec. 1978, pp. 1C and 5C.
- https://thepinkpuck.com/2019/03/17/this-day-in-hockey-history-march-17-1955-bombs-for-the-rocket/
