Back years, years ago, B-movie actor Dick Purcell played in quite a variety of lower-budgeted pictures for Warner Brothers. He also happened to be the first Captain America. Here in a pre-Captain role, Purcell shows off his skills on the ice, as he stars in a hockey film--something VERY unique since hockey was far from a popular sport back in the day. However, instead of the original six NHL teams (Rangers, Blackhawks, Bruins, Canadians, Maple Leafs and Red Wings), this one features teams from the same cities but with names like 'the Violets'!!
When the film begins, Gabby Dugan (Purcell) is a college hockey star who gains the attention of the New York Violets' manager. Soon, he's playing for the Violets and is a star. But in addition to focusing all his attention on the game, he also spends a lot of his energy focusing on a pretty young lady, Kathleen (Anne Nagel).
Now here is where the plot gets pretty stupid. Dugan manages to convince Kathleen to come to the games and he gets her seats next to the penalty box. Then, he deliberately commits fouls in order to be sent to the box--where he makes time with her. Now his roommate, Jumbo (Wayne Morris) thinks that Dugan is deliberately getting sent to the penalty box because he's taking money from gamblers. What's worse is that he suffers a concussion and it affects his vision...and now his coach thinks he's on the take as well!
As a hockey fan, I enjoyed seeing the film because it showed how insanely rugged the game was back in the day. No Plexiglas to protect the audience, no helmets and, worst of all, no face protection for the goalies! But, as a movie fan, I couldn't help but think the plot was kinda dopey...rather second-rate. After all, it just didn't make sense. Why wouldn't Dugan tell Jumbo and the team that he suffered vision problems as a result of the blow? And, going to the penalty box just so you can make time with your girl?! Huh?! The bottom line is that if you are hockey fan it's worth seeing...otherwise, it's just a cheap B-movie.
NOTE: Apparently Purcell played hockey for Fordham, so this would explain how he was so nimble on those skates!
