In 1926-27, Pete Palangio was an offensive standout with the North Bay Trappers of the NOHA. After he led all players in the playoffs with 12 points in four games, he went straight to Montreal to join the Habs for the tail end of their season and a run in the playoffs. It was an enriching experience for the youngster although he failed to hit pay dirt on the scoreboard.
The following season, it became apparent that the star of North Bay would only make it as a journeyman in the NHL. He picked up 14 games and his first three big-league goals with the Detroit Cougars. He then went to the minors where, save two games with the Habs in 1928, he remained for the nine seasons that followed.
During that time, he put in stints with the Kitchener Dutchmen, London Panthers, Syracuse Stars, and, his longest outing, the St. Louis Flyers of the AHA.
In 1936-37, however, Palangio became NHL bound once again. He joined the Chicago Blackhawks who were fast assembling a Stanley Cup contender. The sturdy left winger fit in well, netting a career-best 17 points in 30 games. The following season, he saw lighter duty but chipped in during the playoffs as the Hawks won only their second-ever league championship.
But after the beer froth and confetti had settled, Palangio realized he had appeared in his final NHL contest. From then on, he embarked on a lengthy minor-league career with such teams as the St. Louis Flyers, Tulsa Oilers, Dallas Texans, Sudbury Open Pit Miners, and North Bay Merchants. He retired in 1945.
