Gordie Howe Hat Trick Explained

During the same game, a player must score a goal, assist on a goal and get a 5 minute fighting penalty. A Hockey Trifecta.

Gordie Howe himself only accomplished the feat twice in his five-decade career, and they both were in the same season. His 1st came on October 11, 1953 vs Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Olympia in a 4-0 Detroit win. Howe did it all in the 1st period, assisted on Red Kelly's opening goal, scored his goal on the PP, then 31 seconds later got 5 minute fighting penalty vs Fern Flaman.

On the last game of regular season on March 31, 1954 vs Toronto Maple Leafs again at the Detroit Olympia, Howe got his only other Gordie Howe Hat Trick. He scored in the 1st period, assisted on last goal of the game in the 3rd period, then 37 seconds later got a 5 minute fighting penalty vs Ted Kennedy as the Red Wings won 6-1.

The Gordie Howe Hat Trick was born after this season.

Harry Cameron of the Toronto Arenas had the 1st Gordie Howe Hat Trick on December 26, 1917 vs Montreal Canadiens at Arena Gardens. Cameron scored a goal in the 1st period, assisted on a goal in the 3rd period and a 5 minute major penalty fighting Newsy Lalonde.
Cameron had 4 goals in the game, as Toronto won 7-5. Cameron also became the 1st Player to score a Double Hat Trick (Double Hatty) in the same game, including his Gordie Howe Hat Trick and his 4 goal game.

Rick Tocchet has the most with 18 Gordie Howe Hat Tricks.

NOTE
According to Official Guide to the Players of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and quoted by many other Hockey writers and publications, Harry Cameron of the Toronto St. Pats achieved the first known Gordie Howe Hat Trick on December 22, 1920. during a 6 to 3 loss vs the Ottawa Senators, but that information is wrong, as Cameron did not have a assist in the game, and it was 3 years after Cameron set the record in 1917.