The 1940s

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World War II brought some lean years for owner Lou Pieri as talented players and loyal fans disappeared.

The Reds suffered through two more bad seasons following the war before Pieri swung a trade with St. Louis for Carl Liscombe, Harvey Fraser and Rossie Rossignoli that changed their fortunes dramatically.

Player-coach Terry Reardon made the deal pay off in 1948-49 as the Reds won their third Calder Cup, defeating Hershey in a great final series after having lost three of the first four games.

Some of the members of that team, ranked by many as the Reds' greatest, were Ray LaPlante, Jackie Hamilton, Jack McGill, Art Michaluk, Allen Stanley, Chuck Scherza, Chad and goalie Harvey Bennett. The team also produced one of the greatest lines in team history: Carl Liscombe, Harvey Fraser and Roger Bedard.

Liscombe won the AHL scoring title with 50 goals, 68 assists and 118 points. And for the second straight year was voted the league's MVP. 

Next: The 1950s >>

The 1948-49 team, third Calder Cup..