DEAN PRENTICE: 1932-2019

On November 2, 2019, Dean Prentice passed away at the age of 87 in Cambridge, Ontario. He was born in  Schumacher, Ontario on October 5, 1932.

Dean Prentice played his junior A hockey with the Guelph Biltmores and the power-packed Biltmores with Prentice, Harry Howell, Louie Fontinato, and Andy Bathgate, were crowned Memorial Cup champions in 1952.

At the beginning of the 1952-53 NHL season, Prentice was summoned by the New York Rangers and made his NHL debut on October 22, 1952, at their home opener in Madison Square Garden.

A talented left winger, Prentice scored 20 or more goals for 5 different NHL teams - New York, Boston, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Minnesota. This was during an era when 20 goals was considered the benchmark for goal scorers. It reflects the consistency of his game.

His best NHL year was in 1960 with the Rangers. Prentice scored 32 goals and 34 assists for 66 points in 70 contests. He played in 5 All-Star Games and was selected to the Second All-Star Team in 1960.

Hockey was in the Prentice family blood, as his brother, Eric, skated for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1943-44.

Prentice remained in the NHL for 22 season, with his run coming to a close after the 1973-74 campaign.

"Today we mourn the passing of longtime Ranger Dean Prentice," wrote the New York Rangers in their Twitter account. "Dean will always remain in our hearts and will forever be a part of the Blueshirts family."

The NHL Alumni also posted a comment on Twitter. "We are saddened to announce the passing of NHL Alumni Dean Prentice. Prentice spent an illustrious 22 years in the NHL with the Rangers, Red Wings, Bruins, North Stars, and Penguins. We send or condolences to the entire Prentice family following their loss."