The13th National Hockey League All-Star Game took place at theMontreal Forum on October 3, 1959, which saw the hometownMontreal Canadiens defeat the NHLall-stars 6–1.
A few of the game's top stars were absent from the game, due to a new NHL ruling that players be signed under contract in order to play in the all-star game. The intention of this clause was to intimidate players who were holding out from their team, a tactic that worked forDickie Moore,Frank Mahovlich andGeorge Armstrong, yet failed for others, resulting in All-Star coachPunch Imlach being unable to choose six of the best players (Tim Horton,Dick Duff,Bobby Hull,Tod Sloan,Pierre Pilote andBob Pulford). Combined with sixMontreal Canadiens being named to the First and Second team All-Stars, this meant that coach Imlach had to fill the voids with inferior players.
The subsequent snubbing of these players also went into the pre-game festivities, as they were also denied the multitude of gifts that traditionally was given to players in the game - including those already with their names engraved on it.
It wasMaurice Richard's 13th consecutive appearance, making him the only player to that date who had appeared in all of the all-star games. He would retire after winning theStanley Cup later that season. Montreal goaltenderJacques Plante appeared in the game without a mask, despite his intention of wearing one throughout the season.
