 He played two years of senior hockey in Drumheller , and one more with the Saskatoon Quakers in the Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League ( SSHL ) before playing his first professional games with the Providence Reds of the American Hockey League ( AHL ) in 1940 – 41 . He caught the attention of the Chicago Black Hawks , and while the team was impressed with his play , they wanted him to start with their American Hockey Association ( AHA ) affiliate in Kansas City . Bentley initially refused , and considered retiring . He was convinced to report by Kansas City 's coach , Johnny Gottselig , and played only five games before injuries in Chicago led the Black Hawks to request a call @-@ up . Gottselig sent Bentley up , reuniting him with brother Doug who had joined Chicago in 1939 . Max played his first NHL game on November 21 , 1940 , against the Bruins . He scored his first goal on December 1 against the New York Rangers . 
