Any very serious fan who followed the NHL during the Original Six Era had to study Manhattan hotels if one wanted to get visitors' autographs
As it happened each of the five out of town teams had its favorite hotel and one had everybody's favorite bar. With that in mind let's start with the one next to old Madison Square Garden.
BELVEDERE HOTEL: Located on 49th street, off Eighth, shoulder to shoulder with MSG, this hostelry featured a big, luscious bar fronting the street. At game's end, no visiting player would shlep to his Manhattan team hotel, he'd simply cross the street and – Bingo! – into the bar they go. For young fans like The Maven, standing on the sidewalk in front of the Belvedere meant that I could be good for at least a half-dozen autographs on any night. (Note: the Blueshirts and brass loved the B as well. (P.S. Falcons from the historic hit movie melodrama "The Maltese Falcon" were embedded in the Belvedere's facade.)
PICCADILY HOTEL: Closer to Times Square on West 45th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue, The Pic was the Montreal Canadiens' Big Apple home away from home. Its lobby was the scene of hockey history because of Habs hero Maurice (Rocket) Richard. On the previous night's game in Detroit Rocket was molested by the Red Wings' Sid Abel during a scoring attempt with no call by referee Hugh McLean. Prior to the Garden game, Richard noticed McLean in the Piccadily lobby, rushed over, grabbed the ref by the neck and – who knows what would have happened – and proceeded to wring McLean's neck when, fortunately, Canadiens publicist Camil Desroches was nearby and managed to pull Rocket off the ref. (It cost Richard $500.)
Ref Mac was heard to sing something like "Keep The Home Fires Burning" as Rocket was escorted to a cab, destination MSG.
Things I Miss About The Old Garden On Eighth Avenue
Things I Miss About The Old Garden On Eighth Avenue, Between 49th and 50th Street.
COMMODORE HOTEL: Sitting right over Grand Central Station, the Commodore was convenient for teams who trained via the New York Central line. It was the Leafs' favorite during the early 1960's when I interviewed Hall of Famer Frank (Big M) Mahovlich at breakfast in the Commodore dining room. I had a marvelous time with a marvelous fellow; except for one thing. When I dug into my grapefruit, a large drop of fruit hit Big M directly in the left eye. (He carefully wiped it off and replied with a large – very appreciative (to me) laugh. Frank scored 48 goals that season, just missing the then coveted 50-goal mark.
(A very scary Lincoln Hotel story tomorrow.)