Geoffrion Scores!

In the rich history of the Montreal Canadiens, certain names immediately register with any hockey fan who follows or reads about the game.

One such name is Bernard (Bernie) "Boom-Boom" Geoffrion. His last season in Montreal came in 1963-64. His son, Danny Geoffrion, played in 32 games with the Canadiens in 1979-80. During his time in Montreal, Danny failed to score a goal.

Bernie Geoffrion was called-up by the Canadiens in December 1950. At the time of his promotion, Geoffrion was playing for the Montreal Nationale in the OHA. In addition to Geoffrion, Montreal managing director Frank Selke summoned Jean Beliveau, Dick Gamble and Tom Manastersky. With his club in the midst of a slump, Selke looked to the new faces to supply some life to his hockey club.

On December 16, 1950, Bernie Geoffrion played in his first regular season contest with the Montreal Canadiens. Their opponent for the match were the New York Rangers. At 4:51 of the second period, Geoffrion scored his first National Hockey League goal when he beat Rangers goalie Chuck Rayner. He played on a line with centre Elmer Lach and left winger Dick Gamble.

The Gazette provided this description of Geoffrion's goal.

"Doug Harvey had just returned from serving a holding penalty when Canadiens scored the opening goal in the second session. Tom Johnson fed Boom Boom Geoffrion a long pass and the latter shot from deep in the Rangers defence zone. The puck caromed in off Frankie Eddolls, who was standing in front of the nets. Billy Reay was also credited with an assist."

The Hockey Hall of Fame member recalled his first tally in his biography - "Boom-Boom The Life and Times of Bernard Geoffrion."

"I skated over to the net and grabbed the puck and as I skated back to our bench all the guys were slapping my back and congratulating me. My first NHL goal wasn't the game winner; New York scored six minutes later and we ended tied 1-1. For one game at least I proved I belonged."

Almost sixty-two year after his grandfather, Bernie, scored his first goal for Montreal, Blake Geoffrion became the next generation of Geoffrion's to score a goal for the historic franchise. He is the son of Danny Geoffrion.

Obtained on February 17, 2012 by Montreal from Nashville, Geoffrion scored his first goal in a Montreal uniform on March 10, 2012. The goal came at 18:43 of the middle frame in a game against Vancouver. The young Geoffrion beat goalie Roberto Luongo.

His acquisition by the Canadiens placed him in elite company when looking at family members who wore the red, whit and blue. It all started with Montreal icon Howie Morenz, who is Blake's great-grandfather.