Bill Mosienko scored the fastest hat-trick in NHL history

On a recent walk through Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg, Manitoba, I discovered the grave of hockey legend Bill Mosienko, a proud son of the city and a Chicago Black Hawks icon.

Born in Winnipeg to Ukrainian immigrant parents, Bill grew up in the city’s north end, a neighbourhood known for its tough spirit and grit. It was also home to another hockey great, Terry Sawchuk.

At just 18, a scout from Chicago spotted Bill playing on an outdoor rink and quickly signed him to a contract, launching his NHL career.

In his rookie season with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1943-44, Mosienko dazzled with an incredible 70 points, setting a team rookie record that stood strong for 37 years until Denis Savard surpassed it.

Bill’s most famous moment came on March 23, 1952, during the final game of the regular season against the New York Rangers. In the third period, the diminutive right winger scored a hat-trick in just 21 seconds—a record that remains unbroken to this day and is widely regarded as one of hockey’s most astounding feats.

Bill Mosienko receiving a free hat from Toronto based, Sammy Taft (hatter to the stars) after the most famous hat trick of all time.

The Hockey Hall of Fame inductee and owner of a successful bowling alley in Winnipeg, William Mosienko died on July 9, 1994. He was 72.

1921-1994