PHIL SAMIS: 1927-2022

 

On January 11, 2021, Dr. Phil Samis, the oldest living former Toronto Maple Leaf, passed away at the age of 94. He died at the John M. Parrott Centre located in Napanee, Ontario. Samis was born on December 28, 27 in Edmonton, Alberta.

At the 16, Samis travelled east to attend school and play junior hockey at St. Michael's College School in Toronto. At the high school, he captured a Memorial Cup championship in 1945. He closed out his time in the Ontario Hockey Association in 1947 with the Oshawa Generals. 

In the fall of 1947, Samis signed his first pro contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was assigned to their farm team, the Pittsburgh Hornets, of the American Hockey League (AHL). Though not a large man, his stout, but solid frame, enabled him to be a physical force on the Hornets defence.

Samis got his break in the NHL when the Leafs' post-season got underway in 1948. As a result, he became a Stanley Cup winner when the Leafs swept the Detroit Red Wings in the Cup final.  Samis is pictured above holding a photo of the 1948 Stanley Cup team.

The Maple Leafs of that era were well equipped on the blueline and although the team was satisfied with his performance in the playoffs, Samis was unable to gain a spot on the Leafs' roster. 

Dispatched back to the AHL, Samis remained with the Hornets until he was traded to the Cleveland Barons on April 6, 1950. On April 22, 1951, Samis and his Cleveland teammates, defeated the Hornets and were crowned champions of the AHL.

In 1953, Samis closed out his hockey career with the Montreal Royals of the Quebec Senior Hockey League. He left the game to concentrate on his studies to become a dentist. Samis had a thriving practice in Montreal for more than 40 years.

I wrote a detailed piece on Phil Samis on his birthday in 2020. Here is a link to the story...

A LOOK AT PHIL SAMIS

 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

click to enlarge

Left to Right

Seated: Ivan Irwin, Wally Stanowski, Jerry Junkin, Bert Conacher 

Second Row: Howie Menard, Ron Hurst, Howie Morenz, Jr., Santa Claus, Jim Morrison, Pete Conacher, Frank Mahovlich

Back Row: Gary Collins, Bob Nevin, Steve Vickers, Danny Lewicki, Ron Hoggarth, Bob Beckett, unknown, Ron Wicks, Bruce Hood

AL SHAW 1940-2021

 

As we gathered for the annual Original Six Alumni Christmas Lunch on December 5, 2021, one couldn't help but think of Al Shaw, who passed away on October 25, 2021.

Al was the heart and soul of our monthly lunch. He truly cared for those that mostly played for the love of the game. Al worked feverishly to make certain their stories and careers remained in the limelight. 

I remember thanking him for all he did, but Al wasn't having any of it. He told me, "It's not about me, it's about those guys that played the game." 

Each year, I updated a contact list that Al asked me to prepare. I suggested to Al, that in addition to adding new contact details, we delete those who died. Al looked at me and I could see the change in his expression. He just couldn't go along with the idea that the names of Wally Stanowski, Bob Beckett, and many, many more be permanently erased from list he looked at each month.

This shows how deeply Al cared about the Oldtimers, and even though they had passed, he liked to remember them as he made his monthly calls to advise of the date for the next lunch. I will miss that call from Al.

In addition to the lunch, Al planned our yearly visit to the Veterans Wing at Sunnybrook Hospital. He took great pride in this outing and made sure everything was just right. He had an amazing passion and dedication for this event. 

I will never forget the wide smiles when Johnny Bower or Dick Duff mingled through the jammed packed hall and stopped to chat, sign autographs, shake a hand or pose for a photo. Often, a veteran shared a memory of Bower and Duff to them, and it was time for the former Leafs to smile. All this was possible thanks to Al Shaw.

There was nothing more important to Al Shaw than his family. Al's daughter, Shelley, penned a heartfelt piece about her dad. Here are some excerpts:

"My dad was a kind and caring man. He extended his heart and wisdom to us and so many of our friends, neighbours and family ... He had lots of quotes that he left with the grandchildren to help them get through life, like 'stay well' and 'keep your stick on the ice' ... Our father was always a guiding hand and the memories of his love for us will be strong as we begin a new life without him. We have comfort knowing that he is watching over us and our special memories will always live on."

I last saw Al on October 16 at the celebration of life for his brother-in-law, Jim Anderson. We talked about the upcoming lunches and the continued impact of COVID. Al was determined to keep the ship on course and safely sail into the future.

Sadly, we have lost our skipper.

THE MAIN EVENT

 CONN SMYTHE  vs. MUHAMMAD ALI

Last month, PBS aired the documentary, Muhammad Ali. It is directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon.

Of particular interest is the second episode, Round Two: What's My Name? (1964-1970). It includes a segment on the heavyweight fight between Ali and George Chuvalo at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. Events leading up to the fight had a ripple affect that resulted in a Toronto hockey legend, Conn Smythe, taking a stand and not budging from same.

The "What's My Name?" in the title pertains to Ali changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. On March 6, 1964, the head of the Black Muslims, Elijah Muhammad, made the announcement that Cassius Clay would now be known as Muhammad Ali. Earlier, Clay, in accordance with his new faith, took the name Cassius X, but was thrilled with the change by Elijah Muhammad. "I am honored," said Ali upon hearing the news.

While Ali welcomed his new name, many inside and outside of the boxing world, refused to acknowledge or call him by his Muslim name. On every occasion when someone refused to address him as Ali, he would correct them and not let it slide. For opponents in the squared ring, who didn't call him Ali, they faced a ferocious physical assault and a fierce taunt from Ali asking them "What's my name?" 

Embroiled in hostilities with Vietnam, the war put Muhammad Ali and his religious convictions in conflict with the United States government. As a Muslim, he sought to have his draft status changed in March 1966, on the basis he was a conscientious objector. As Ali stated, "I got no quarrel with the Viet Congs. Why should I be drafted? These Viet Congs are fighting a very nasty war. There's a lot of people over there getting killed." 

With most Americans supporting the war, statements like this one made by Ali, didn't endure him with the public. And, it didn't sit well with various Athletic Commissioners across the States. A purposed March 29, 1966, tilt between Ali and heavyweight champion Ernie Terrell was rejected by a number of commissioners, including those in the boxing hotbeds of New York and Chicago. It was originally scheduled to be held in Chicago. Also, it was turned down by the city of Montreal.

On March 7, 1966, came the news the Ali-Terrell fight would take place at Maple Leaf Gardens. "The fight will take place in our building, unless there is disproval from the Ontario government," stated Maple Gardens vice-president Harold Ballard. "We're aware the fight is on the run, but by holding it here we've got a chance to replace Madison Square Garden as the site of big indoor bouts."

The next day, Leslie Rowntree, the labour minister for Ontario, sanctioned the fight. "This application is in order and complies with all the regulations of the Province which permit and control professional boxing," Rowntree told the press.

However, the heavyweight title bout was down for the count when Ernie Terrell pulled out because he didn't like his deal with Maple Leaf Gardens and Bob Arum of Main Bouts Inc. The current World Boxing Association champ was upset with changes related to the live gate guarantee, ancillary rights and expense money. "In the new contract, there is no guarantee," said Terrell. "I haven't received any expense money and Maple Leaf Gardens wants me to sign a contract whereby I would have to fight George Chuvalo two months later for Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto."

Just as quickly as Terrell dropped out, George Chuvalo signed a contract on March 11 to fight Ali at the Gardens. Chuvalo was represented by Irv Ungerman. "George has been training for three weeks, but not the way he would for a big fight," said Ungerman. "Now we have to get sparring partners and get to work in earnest by Monday."

What the Ken Burns documentary didn't mention was the huge impact the fight had on the inner workings of Maple Leaf Gardens Limited. Upon being advised of the Gardens' involvement, Conn Smythe put the wheels in motion to leave the company. 

Smythe and his associates purchased the Toronto St Patricks in February of 1927 and changed the team's name to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Their next order of business was to construct a new edifice for the Leafs to play in and host other sports and entertainment events.

Maple Leaf Gardens, often referred to as "The House Smythe Built," first opened its doors on November 12, 1931, when the Toronto Maple Leafs hosted the Chicago Black Hawks. Smythe and J.P. Bickell were the driving forces behind the construction of the hockey palace on Carlton Street in downtown Toronto. It was an amazing feat that the building was put up in five months during the harsh depression of the 1930s. 

Right from the start, Smythe and his hockey team thrived in their new home. On April 9, 1932, they captured their first Stanley Cup at the Gardens. Under Smythe's supervision, they went on to win six (1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949 & 1951) Stanley Cups.

Smythe's rein as the ultimate hockey boss of the Leafs ended in 1957, and a review of the minutes of a board of directors meeting provided the details on the new hockey department set-up. At a board meeting on May 9, 1957, Smythe presented the following resolution: "That the Board of Directors approve the appointment of a Hockey Committee to consist of Messrs. John Bassett, Ian S. Johnston, Stafford Smythe, G. Gardiner, W. Hatch, G. Mara and J. Amell, to operate the hockey part of the Maple Leaf Gardens' business with respect to personnel, organization, operation and policy, but that the financial end will be the direct responsibility of the Board of Directors."

In November 1961, Smythe put further distance between himself and Maple Leaf Gardens Limited, when he sold his shares in the company to his son, Stafford Smythe. In the minutes of the board meeting on November 23, 1961, it reveals that Smythe went a step further: "... He, therefore tendered his resignation as President and Managing Director and coupled it with the nomination of Mr. Stafford Smythe to succeed him ..."

This didn't spell the end of Conn Smythe's tenure with the Gardens. After informing the board of his stock dump and packing in his job as president and managing director, the board moved to keep Conn Smythe in the fold. The minutes from the November 23 document what was up next for the elder Smythe: "Mr. Stafford Smythe then stated that he and his associates Mr. Bassett and Mr. Ballard, would like to nominate Mr. Conn Smythe to be Chairman of the Board, and Col. MacBrien to be Honorary Chairman. Col. MacBrien resigned as Chairman of the Board and on motion, unanimously passed, Mr. Conn Smythe was elected to the office of Chairman of the Board and Col. MacBrien was appointed to the office of Honorary Chairman."

Perhaps more than hockey, Conn Smythe's love for his country is what drove him as a person. His life in the military began on October 19, 1915, when he signed his Attestation papers to participate in World War One. It contained the following oath: 

I, Conn Smythe, do make Oath, that I will be faithful and bear Allegiance to His Majesty King George the Fifth, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will as in duty bound honestly and faithfully defend His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, in Person, Crown and Dignity, against all enemies, and I will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, and all of the Generals and Officers set over me. So help me God.

During World War Two, Smythe encouraged everyone associated with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Maple Leaf Gardens to join a military outfit. He came to the realization that this included himself. Smythe explained his position in his 1981memoir, If You Can't Beat 'Em in the Alley:

For years I had been talking to hockey players in military terms - telling them what real soldiers were like, how much they would do for their team, how much they'd give, and how brave they had to be to survive, when war came I had to face that. Had I been talking fiction or fact? Was I a fraud or did I live up to my own principles? I had made myself out to be a warrior and tried to make my players be warriors too. I thought it was up to me to lead by example.

At the age of 46, Smythe formed a Sportsmen's Battery to take overseas. As the name indicates, it was composed mainly of people from the sports world. On September 5, 1941, with Conn Smythe as the commanding officer, the 30th Battery became active with the 7th Toronto Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery.

The 30th Battery, eventually made its way to Caen in France. On July 25, 1944, the unit came under attack and Smythe suffered a severe back injury when hit by piece of shrapnel. As Smythe put it, "The jagged piece of metal that apparently had done all the damage was still sticking quite a way out of my back." The pain remained with Smythe for the balance of his life.

With a past dedicated to service and principles based on the oath he took in 1915, Conn Smythe was livid when Harold Ballard and the Gardens agreed to be part of the boxing match that included Muhammad Ali.

The stark contrast between Smythe and Ali couldn't be any wider. These men were from very different generations; Smythe, though older than the normal age guideline, was part of the great generation that fought in World War Two; Ali was part of the silent generation, which incorporated the civil rights movement. Smythe's and Ali's deep rooted convictions were based on their social conditions, environment and faith. In the case of Ali, his Muslim faith played a huge part in his pursuit of an exemption from military service. 

Smythe was a decorated veteran, who fought in two World Wars, while Ali was trying to avoid the draft.

Under these circumstances, Conn Smythe, while on vacation in Florida, called John Bassett, who was now chairman of the board. As Bassett noted in a statement, "Col. Smythe phoned me on Monday morning (March 7) to say that if the fight went forward, he was so upset he would resign."

Smythe recalled his conversation with Bassett in his book. "This fight has been kicked out of every place in the U.S. because Clay is a draft dodger and a disgrace to his country. The Gardens was founded by men - sportsmen - who fought for their country. It is no place for those who want to evade conscription in their own country. The Gardens was built for many things, but not for picking up things that no one else wants."

The next day, Smythe sent a telegram to Bassett and repeated his intention to resign if the fight wasn't cancelled. Bassett took the position that Smythe only offered his resignation and at this point, the board wasn't accepting the offer. 

Another factor that bugged Smythe was the fact the content of the telegram was released. "I did not intend this wire to be made public because I didn't want to fight the case in the newspapers,"said Smythe. "I'd like to know how Mr. Bassett released it." The fact it was public knowledge left Smythe with limited options and he decided, as one expected, to voice his concerns through the media.

On March 8, 1966, Smythe took part in several interviews with the press. And he first addressed his offer to resign moving forward. "I intent to take proper steps to make it stand. I cannot go along with the policy of present management to put cash ahead of class. A fight that isn't good enough for Chicago or Montreal certainly isn't good enough for Maple Leaf Gardens." 

During another interview, Smythe continued his attack. "The Maple Leafs used to lead in class, but they have resorted to the slick and smart and the dollar conscious approach."

This reference to the almighty dollar approach mentioned by Smythe was a direct shot taken at Harold Ballard. At that time, Ballard was more involved in the business side of the Gardens than in the hockey operations. "If the commissioner considers it acceptable and it is approved by a minister of the crown, who are we to sit in judgement and say 'no,'" Ballard stated in defence of Maple Leaf Gardens. 

True to his word, Conn Smythe sent his letter of resignation on March 25, 1966, to John Bassett.

The covering letter reads as follows: "Enclosed find my formal letter of resignation from the Board of Maple Leaf Gardens, Limited, as requested by you on the 14 instant. I have decided to appear personally before the Board and will move myself that this resignation be accepted now, to take effect on April 2, 1966. Yours very truly, Conn Smythe." 

The official letter of resignation reads as follows: "I hereby tender my resignation to the Board of Directors of Maple Leaf Gardens, Limited, and request that this be accepted at the meeting of the Directors to be held on March 30, 1966, to take effect April 2. Yours truly, Conn Smythe.

Here are both letters. Click to enlarge.

A press report after the board meeting on March 30, 1966, confirmed that Smythe refused to reconsider his resignation. For good measure, he lofted one more grenade. "I can't condone anybody taking money out of Canada, when they don't show any patriotism to their own country."

As for the fight, Ali emerged with an unanimous decision over Chuvalo. Jack Silvers, the referee of the bout, was asked, "Did Clay throw his best punches?" He replied, "He threw his whole arsenal and Chuvalo took it."

The hardest punch of all landed on Conn Smythe, but it didn't drop him to the canvass. Smythe held his ground, but it came with a high cost. For the first time since 1927, he was no longer a part of the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

ROD GILBERT: 1941-2021 - MR. RANGER

On the morning of September 8, the Funeral Mass for former NewYork Ranger, Rod Gilbert, was held in Manhattan at St. Monica's Catholic Church. Gilbert passed away on August 19, 2021, in New York City, at the age of 80.

Born in Montreal on July 1, 1941, the hope was Gilbert would rise through the Montreal Canadiens system, and if his development proceeded as planned, he would eventually join the Habs. But with the Canadiens franchise so deep in talent throughout the organization, Gilbert, on the advice of New York Rangers' scout, Ivan Prudhomme, decided to look elsewhere when his Junior B team, St. Eusebe, closed up shop. The St. Eusebe Juniors were sponsored my Montreal and when they withdrew their support, Gilbert was free to examine his options. 

The elsewhere for Gilbert was the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) and the Junior A team in Guelph, Ontario. The move in 1957 gave Gilbert the chance to flourish and he took full advantage of the opportunity. He was 16 years old.

In 1959-60, Gilbert earned exposure beyond the OHA when the Trois-Rivieres Lions of the Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL) called him up. Against more talented players, Gilbert showed he belonged when he scored 4 goals and 6 assists in 3 regular season games. In the playoffs, he produced 5 points in 5 games. 

Eddie Bush, the Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters bench boss knew it was only a matter of time before Gilbert, who played right wing, made his way to the New York Rangers. "Gilbert is almost ready," Bush said in February 1960. "But another year will put the polish on him."

That another year came in 1960-61, when Gilbert played his final season of Junior hockey with the Guelph Royals. In what can only be called an amazing farewell, Gilbert went on a scoring rampage as he led the league in goals scored with 54 (winner of the Eddie Powers Trophy) and points with 103 in 47 games. As a result, Gilbert with 7 out of 8 first-place votes, was named the winner of the Albert (Red) Tilson Memorial Trophy as the OHA's Most Valuable Player.

A major milestone for Gilbert took place on November 27, 1960, when he was summoned by the Rangers to play in a contest at Chicago Stadium. His one-game promotion was necessary when Earl Ingarfield and Brian Cullen were sidelined due to injuries. In his NHL debut, Gilbert assisted on an early third period goal by Dean Prentice. The goal enabled the Rangers to depart Chicago with a 3-3 tie. A reporter wrote of Gilbert's performance that he "showed plenty of promise and handled himself like a pro after taking the pass from Andy Bathgate and placing it perfectly on Dean's stick."

Things turned sour for Gilbert during the 1961 OHA playoffs. In a home contest against the St. Mike's Majors on March 3, 1961, Gilbert collided into the boards and left the game with a back injury. He slipped on a piece of paper that was thrown onto the ice by spectator.  It was another blow to Gilbert, who suffered several injuries to his back throughout the season. The diagnosis and prognosis of his latest back problem remained a mystery as Gilbert remained in Guelph's line-up. 

Guelph advanced to the semi-final round where they faced the Niagara Falls Flyers. Gilbert's physical problems continued when he was speared in the chest on March 22 at Niagara Falls. The incident occurred during the opening frame. A bruise resulted in his early exit for the remainder of the tilt. After the first period of the game on March 24, Gilbert was rested and saw no further action.

This was the end of the line for Gilbert's post-season run. On Saturday, March 25, Gilbert travelled to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, to have his back examined. The results were disclosed by Guelph Royals coach Emile Francis.

"The doctors have notified the New York Rangers that the operation was a success and Gilbert will be ready to play in the fall," stated Francis on April 5. "There was considerable damage to the vertebrae and a bone fusion operation was necessary. Bone chips were grafted from his knee."

Post-surgery, Gilbert had a scary time when clotting almost resulted in the loss of his leg. The matter was resolved and he continued to recover.

On August 1, Gilbert, at the age of 20, signed his first professional contract with the New York Rangers. Emile Francis said of Rangers top prospect, "He can shoot, skate and he knows what to do with the puck." These skills, in particular his ability to put the puck into the net, remained with Gilbert as his career continued from amateur to professional hockey.

Gilbert's recuperation lasted until early February 1962, when he joined the Kitchener-Waterloo Beavers of the EPHL. This allowed Gilbert to work on his conditioning and regain his hockey instincts. 

Eager to see the progress Gilbert made in the minors, the Rangers brought him up for a game at the Olympia in Detroit on February 15. Gilbert saw limited ice time in the Red Wings 4-3 victory. After a workout in Detroit, the Rangers sent him back to Kitchener for additional work on his game. In 21games with Kitchener, Gilbert netted 12 goals and 11 helpers. 

In their 1962 quarter-final playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Rangers lost the first two contests in Toronto and hoped for better results on home ice. And to help their effort, Gilbert was put on the roster on an emergency basis due to injuries. On April 1, Gilbert skated alongside Dave Balon and Johnny Wilson. The trio combined for three goals, including the game-winner by Balon in New York's 5-4 win. Gilbert earned his first NHL playoff point as he assisted on Balon's goal.

At Madison Square Garden (MSG), one of hockey's biggest stages, Rod Gilbert put on a performance in game four that made everyone take notice. And it didn't take him long to work his magic. Forty-one seconds after the puck drop to start the game, Gilbert put his team on the scoreboard. In the Toronto zone, Gilbert intercepted Dave Keon's pass to Allan Stanley in the face-off circle and his shot got past Johnny Bower. It was his first National Hockey League goal. Then, at the 15:46 mark of the first period, Gilbert's backhander eluded Bower and the Rangers went into the intermission with a 2-0 lead.

Gilbert's two tallies left the Leafs to play catch up and they never recovered. The Rangers won game four by a score of 4-2 and evened the series at two games apiece. Once again, Dave Balon scored the winner with Gilbert and Doug Harvey getting credit for setting up the goal. 

"I've never been so thrilled in my life, especially when I got my first one," said a delighted Gilbert in his post-game comments. His 2 goals and 1 assist showed he could come through in the clutch and make a contribution.

The Rangers fell to Toronto in 6 games, but for Gilbert it was a defining moment. It proved he belonged in hockey's biggest show and his back withstood the physical punishment handed out by opponents.

Still, at training camp in the fall of 1962, Gilbert knew there was work to do and people to impress. "Those playoff games gave me a lot of confidence, but I can't take anything for granted," stated Gilbert. "I know I've got to make the team. I'm in the best shape I've been in since the operation. But I haven't made the club yet. I know I've got to work hard to make it." 

As expected, Gilbert was in the line-up when the Rangers opened up the 1962-63 schedule. In his rookie season, Gilbert recorded 31 points. In his sophomore campaign, Gilbert upped his numbers and posted 64 points. This included 24 goals, with 20 being the benchmark for goal scorers. 

More important for Gilbert and the Rangers was his ability to play in all 70 regular season dates in his first  three years in the NHL. Any issues with his back didn't prevent him from losing ice time. A back brace helped Gilbert cope with nagging pain and discomfort. 

That all changed on February 1, 1966, when Gilbert underwent a second fusion of the vertebra at St. Clare's Hospital in New York. It was determined the procedure at the Mayo Clinic in 1961, wasn't a complete success despite initial reports to the contrary. 

Even the second time around, there was an extremely serious problem after the operation. Emile Francis, now coach of the Rangers, and Bill Jennings, the president of the Rangers, were present when Gilbert suffered a convulsion in the hospital. The attending nurse failed to find a pulse, but the doctor's pulled Gilbert through the life or death medical emergency. 

"They said I was dead for 45 seconds," stated Gilbert in a 1982 interview. "I was there. I could hear everything. I was just too weak to give a darn. The nurse was saying, 'Get oxygen! Get everything!' But it was like you read about these people being outside their body for a moment."

With the appropriate clearance from his health care team, Gilbert hit the ice for the final season of the Original Six era in 1966-67. He returned to form and potted 28 goals, his best total since becoming a regular NHL'er.

The height of his success with the New York Rangers came when teamed with Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield. Together, they formed the GAG (Goal-a-Game) Line. In 1971-72, all three placed in the top five of the leading scorers. Gilbert recorded a career highs in goals and points. He rung up 43 goals and 97 points. He equalled the 97 point mark in 1974-75. Gilbert and his linemates led the Rangers to the Stanley Cup final against the Boston Bruins. It was Gilbert's lone appearance in a Cup final. The Bruins captured the Stanley Cup in six games with a 3-0 victory at MSG on May 11, 1972.

Based on his stellar work, Gilbert's summer in 1972 was cut short when he was invited to play for Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series against the USSR. In 6 games, Gilbert scored 1 goal and 3 assists. Also, Gilbert suited-up for Canada in the 1977 World Championships and posted 4 points in 10 outings.

After his brilliance in 1971-72, Gilbert continued to be a consistent scorer. Up to his final season in 1977-78 with the Rangers, Gilbert scored 25, 36, 36, 36 and 27 goals.

A bump in the road came as the Rangers training camp got underway in September 1977. A dispute developed between Gilbert and New York's general manager John Ferguson. While many thought the root of the problem was money, that wasn't Gilbert's perspective or line in the sand. "I've said all along it wasn't a contract dispute," said Gilbert after both sides talked the matter out and made up. "I just wanted to know that I'm considered part of the team and part of the future, and management has made it clear to me that I am."

Ferguson presented his side to the media and fans. "He saw a lot of young, new faces with us, and he saw as we moved a lot of players over the past two years. He felt that with this youth movement, he was being eased out, which was never the case."

The elephant in the room was the two option years in Gilbert's contract. The Rangers refusal to pick up the options left Gilbert puzzled and unsure how he fit into the team's future. It wasn't the dollar amount of the options, but the activation of same. Ferguson stood firm on his position throughout the negotiations when he stated, "I couldn't give him the final two (option) years on his contract until I saw his performance this season."  

Gilbert returned to the family fold on October 4, 1977.

Back in the saddle, Gilbert, having missed training camp, was slow to get out of the gate. In his first 19 games, he scored only 2 goal and 7 assist.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1977, the New York Rangers pulled the plug on Rod Gilbert's future  as an active player. He was 35 years old. On the financial side, they offered to pay the balance of his contract for 1977-78 and a five year deal to work for Madison Square Garden as a consultant. All of this was predicated on his instant retirement as a player.

When Gilbert met the press on December 6, to announce his decision on his future plans, emotions were high as he spoke. It was about how his success on the ice translated to giving back New York and its hockey community. "I found myself giving to different people some of the admiration I had for my heroes," said Gilbert. "It was then that I understood my position and felt the urge to express my profession at a high level. This way, I could encourage kids by my example, and entertain other perfectionist in other fields by my efforts in my art."

He scored his final National Hockey League goal in his last game as a Blueshirt. On November 23, at MSG, Gilbert hit the twine on the power play for New York's 6th goal in their 6-3 decision over the Colorado Rockies. 

In his 18 seasons with the Rangers, Gilbert holds the record for most goals with 406 and points with 1,021 (including 615 assists) in 1065 games. He was a First All-Star in 1972 and a Second All-Star in 1968. Gilbert skated in a total of 8 All-Star Games.

In hockey's second season, Gilbert appeared in 79 playoff contests and scored 34 goals and 33 assists for 67 points.

On the trophy front, Gilbert has two that clearly reflects his contributions to the game. In 1976, he was voted the winner of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance and sportsmanship. Given his ability to bounce back from two major spinal fusion operations, it isn't difficult to understand his winning the Masterton. In 1991, Gilbert was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy for his service to hockey in the United States. His promotion of hockey in New York spanned his entire playing career and beyond, and had a lasting impact on several generations.

Several other honours came Gilbert's way after his forced retirement. 

In a pregame ceremony on October 14, 1979, Gilbert's number 7 became the first number retired by the Rangers. "It looks awfully good up there," said Gilbert of his sweater hanging in the rafters at MSG.

Tuesday, June 8, 1982, wasn't just another day in the week for Gilbert. He received the telephone call that everyone in hockey dreams of taking. On the other end of the line was the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) telling him he was voted into the Hall as an Honoured Member. "There were many flashes from the past," said Gilbert after the news. "There were many road trips and a lot of pain, but it was worth it."

His longtime friend and former teammate, Jean Ratelle, spoke about what it takes to reach hockey's hallowed shrine. "To be a Hall of Famer, you can't have a weakness. You really have to have all the qualifications, and Rod has them." Gilbert and Ratelle met when they were in their teens and played hockey at Roussin College in Montreal. 

The induction ceremony for the class of 1982 - Gilbert, Yvan Cournoyer, Norm Ullman & Emile Francis (Builder) - occurred on September 8 at the HHOF in Toronto. Gilbert described the moment as being "unparalleled."

Beyond hockey, Gilbert was a force when it came to charity work and helping others. As an ambassador for the New York Rangers, he became known as Mr. Ranger, and was often scene at the Garden chatting with fans, signing autographs and taking pictures. No request was denied. The same happened at his New York restaurant, Rod Gilbert's Cafe des Sports located on Third Avenue. 

Chris Drury, the current Rangers' president and general manager, released the following statement: "Everyone in the Rangers organization mourns the loss of a true New York icon. Rod's remarkable talent and zest for life personified this city and endeared him to hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike. Growing up a young Ranger fan, one of the first names I ever heard was Rod Gilbert - he was synonymous with Rangers hockey. It was an incredible privilege to get to know Rod. His passion and dedication to the Rangers will forever be a source of inspiration to me."

The following story best captures Rod Gilbert. It was told by teammate Pat Hickey at the news conference on December 6, 1977, when Gilbert announced his departure as an active player.

"It was awfully sad when we heard, on Thanksgiving, but it inspired me, too," stated Hickey. "I never met anyone more concerned with individuals than Rod. On Thanksgiving, I went to his place, to try and make him feel better, and instead he was consoling me, talking about my future, things I had to do now with my career. That's the way he is."

'TONY O' 1943-2021

TONY ESPOSITO

With NHL news curtailed to mostly late off-season free agent signings, the hockey world learnt of the passing of former Chicago Blackhawks legend, Tony Esposito, earlier this month at the age of 78.

"To the Blackhawks and the National Hockey League, Tony Esposito was a Hall of Fame goalie," began a statement from the Esposito family. "To us, he was a hall of fame husband, father, and grandfather. Chicago felt like home from the time Tony first arrived in 1969, thanks to the Wirtz family and those 18,000 Blackhawks fans who treated him like family every night at the Stadium win or lose or tie. As we mourn Tony's passing, we cherish the memories and the affection, when he was a player and later an ambassador. We are forever grateful for your support, and we feel blessed now to have your prayers at a difficult time. Tony was a private person, but he felt your love and he loved you back."

Prior to going the Chicago Blackhawks, Tony Esposito began his NHL journey with the Montreal Canadiens. He was signed by Montreal (Cleveland-AHL) in 1967. His pathway to Montreal included stops at Michigan Tech (1964 to 1967) and one season in 1967-68 with the Vancouver Canucks of the Western Hockey League.

At the Canadiens' training camp in September 1968, Esposito impressed new coach Claude Ruel, who took over from Toe Blake, by recording two shutouts in the first four practice scrimmages. With veteran Gump Worsley and Rogatien Vachon clearly established as the tandem between the pipes, Esposito was dispatched to the Houston Apollos of the Central Hockey League. His partner in the cage at Houston  was another Montreal prospect, Phil Myre.

On November 27, 1968, with Gump Worsley unavailable due to his fear of flying, Esposito was on the bench when the Los Angeles Kings hosted the Canadiens. On the way to Los Angeles, and unable to continue on the flight westbound, Worsley departed the plane in Chicago and boarded a train destined back to Montreal.

Montreal continued their west coast trip with a game in Oakland against the Seals on November 29. This contest marked Esposito's first appearance in an NHL regular season game. When Rogatien Vachon was felled by a shot that bruised an area above his right eye, Esposito entered the game at the 14:13 mark of the second period. He gave up Oakland's final two goals in their 5-4 upset over Montreal. 

With Tony Esposito now in the NHL, eyes were on the NHL schedule to see when the Canadiens next faced the Bruins. The dream matchup would feature the younger Esposito against his brother, Phil, a sniper with the Boston Bruins. At the conclusion of the season in 1968-69, Phil Esposito had racked up 49 goals in 74 outings. 

The stars were aligned on December 5, when Montreal and Boston tangled at the Garden. This was no ordinary game. Where else on the calendar could you find a contest which pitted one brother, a prolific goal scorer, against his sibling, who was starting his career as an NHL goalie?

When the game came to a close, the crowd went home having witnessed both Tony and Phil at their best. In a 2-2 tie, Phil scored both Boston goals against his brother, and Tony kept his team in the contest with several key saves.

Asked if he was nervous going head-to-head with his brother, Tony stated, "I was just worked up. I have to be that way all the time or I'm useless." 

During their post-game talk, Tony asked Phil, "What's the big idea? It's bad enough that you got one goal, but two, that's ridiculous."

Esposito's first notch in the victory column came on December 7, 1968, at the Forum. Fuelled by Bobby Rousseau's two goals, Montreal defeated Chicago by a score of 6 to 3. 

On January 27, 1969, Esposito was sent back to the Houston Apollos when Gump Worsley returned to the line-up.

Come playoff time, the Canadiens recalled Esposito and Myre to be available should Worsley or Vachon not be ready for action. The Habs were prepared for another extended run as they were defending Stanley Cup champions. 

After eliminating the New York Rangers in the quarter-finals, Montreal faced Boston in the semi-finals. In game three at Boston Garden, Worsley suffered an injury to his left hand. Down a goalie, the Canadiens went with Esposito as Vachon's back-up. Montreal advanced to the Stanley Cup final after taking the Bruins in six games. In the final, they swept the St. Louis Blues and Tony Esposito won his lone Cup as a player.

At the NHL draft in June, the Canadiens, with a full stable of netminders-Worsley, Vachon, Esposito, Myre-decided to expose Esposito. As a result, he was picked by Chicago in the first round. This allowed Montreal to put Peter Mahovlich back on their protected list. To make room for Esposito, the Hawks made goalie Jack Norris available. The last move in this chess match between Montreal and Chicago saw the Canadiens purchase Norris for the draft price of $30,000.

I wrote about Tony Esposito's first season with Chicago in a previous story in Hockey Then & Now. Here is the text:

In what only can be described as a spectacular rookie campaign, Esposito left little doubt he was ready for a starting job in the NHL. In 63 contests, he led the league with 38 wins to go along with 17 losses and 8 ties.

But the stat that jumps out of the page is Esposito's 15 shutouts. This set the modern record for most shutouts by a rookie NHL goalie. 

Tony Esposito's moment to enter the record book came on March 29, 1970, at Chicago Stadium. The visitors that night were the Toronto Maple Leafs. He only faced 23 shots in Chicago's 4-0 win, but as one newspaper story noted, "Tony Esposito, the rookie goaltender, included fantastic saves in his repertoire, on the few occasions that the Leafs made it necessary."

After the game, Esposito talked about his record breaking performance.

"It was a team effort. We controlled the game from the opening faceoff. My shutout was not significant."

Esposito was asked to recall when he became aware he was on the verge of making history. "Not until late in the game," he told reporters. The result is the important thing, not the score."

When the regular season came to a conclusion, Esposito was rewarded for his accomplishments between the pipes. He was named the winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy as the top rookie, the Vezina Trophy for fewest goals against, and was named the goalie for the First All-Star Team. His brother, Phil Esposito of the Boston Bruins, joined him on the First Team at centre.

*  * *

Tony Esposito tended goal for 15 seasons with Chicago, before hanging up his pads at the age of 41. The Hawks decided to go in another direction and didn't invite him to training camp in September 1984.

His combined totals with Montreal and Chicago shows Esposito was in the crease for 886 games (52585-minutes) and he finished with 423-306-151 record. Esposito posted 76 regular season shutouts and 2.92 goals-against-average. 

A list of Esposito's achievements reveals how vital he was to the Hawks. After his brilliant rookie campaign, Esposito went on to capture two more Vezina Trophies, and was named to the First-All Star Team an additional two-times, and was a Second Team All-Star twice. He played in a total of six All-Star Games. He led all NHL goalies in wins in 1969-70 with 38, and in 1970-71 with 35. In the category of shutouts, he was tops in 1969-70 with 15, in 1971-72 with 9, and in 1979-80 with 6. Between 1969-70 and 1975-76, Esposito recorded 30 or more wins. In 1971-72, he led the NHL with a goals-against-average of 1.77 (GAA)

In the post-season, Esposito backstopped his team to two appearances (1971 & 1973) in the Stanley Cup final. On each occasion, the Hawks fell to the Montreal Canadiens. Looking back, he said, "I just wish we could have won it all for these fans." In 99 playoff games with Chicago, Esposito went 45-53 with 6 shutouts and a 3.07 GAA.

One of the greatest thrills any player can experience is being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. There was little chance Esposito would be kept out of the exclusive club. On June13, 1988, it was announced that Esposito was voted into the Hall as an Honoured Member along with Guy Lafleur, Buddy O'Connor, and Brad Park. 

His induction meant Tony and Phil would be in hockey's shrine. Phil Esposito was part of the class of 1984. "I admire Phil very much, so it's very special for me to be in the Hall of Fame with him," stated Esposito at the time. Tony's dry sense of humour came through as he continued. "There was never any doubt that Phil would make it. I wasn't so sure about myself. In order to get in, you have to do something beyond the call of duty." 

Later that year, the Hawks honoured Esposito when his number 35 was retired in a ceremony held at Chicago Stadium on November 20, 1988. The number 35 was unique given the fact most goalies wore number 1 or number 30. Also, Glenn Hall's number 1 was retired during the event.

On February 6, 2008, Esposito was welcomed back to the family fold when Chicago named him a team ambassador. "I'm very proud of having played for the Blackhawks and happy to be back involved in this capacity," stated Esposito. "To me it's a great honour to be involved with the Hawks."

The next tribute for Esposito took place on March 19, 2008, when Tony Esposito was celebrated at the Stadium. With brother Phil in attendance, Tony wore his Hawks jersey and donned his goalie mask as the crowd saluted him. Made of white fibreglass, with white wiring protecting the eye area, the mask was unique and clearly identifiable with Esposito.

Any talk relating to Tony Esposito, the goalie, must include his distinctive style of play. Esposito used the butterfly to fend off opponents. The creator of this technique was Chicago legend, Glenn Hall. In this position, Esposito had two options to stop a shot. First, his stick was situated to block shots and with his skates/pads in a "V" shape (the butterfly), they were extended towards the goalposts to provide better coverage.

Recently acquired Blackhawks' goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury, noted Esposito's butterfly style when he posted a statement on Twitter. "Tony had a huge impact on the National Hockey League and fans of the Chicago Blackhawks as a legend in net. He paved the way for the next generation of butterfly goalies with his style of play and success stopping pucks. I hope the Espositos know I'm proud to be following in his footsteps as a Blackhawk netminder."

When selected to play for Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series against the USSR, Esposito was solid in the four games coach Harry Sinden pencilled him in for action. After Team Canada's stunning 7-3 loss in game one at the Montreal Forum, Esposito got the call to replace Ken Dryden in game two. At Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Esposito out duelled fellow goalie Vladislav Tertiak and sparkled in Canada's 4-1 victory. His next appearance was in game three at Winnipeg that ended in a 4-4 draw. Esposito's only loss happened in game five at Moscow's Luzhniki Sports Palace. After the visitors built up a 3-0 lead in the first forty-minutes, the USSR outscored Canada 5-1 in the final frame and collected a 5-4 win. His final turn in the net was in game seven, which Canada won 4-3. Esposito was on the bench when Team Canada captured what many call the greatest series of hockey played in game eight.

After becoming a citizen of the United States, Esposito suited up for Team USA in the 1981 Canada Cup. In five games, he won two contests and lost 3. 

In the management side of the business, Esposito served as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins and as chief scout for the Tampa Lightning. In Tampa, Tony worked under Phil, who was the team's GM.

"I had played against Chicago and thought they had the makings of a real competitive team," said Esposito in 2008. "It seemed like a great opportunity, and it was." 

A great opportunity for Esposito and all those who followed our great game of hockey.

Tony Esposito was born on April 23, 1943, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. "I lost a very close friend today and one of the best goalies ever-Tony Esposito," wrote former Minnesota North Stars defenceman, Lou Nanne, on Twitter. Nanne and Esposito were part of a close-knit group of friends from the Soo that went on to play in the NHL. "Our condolences go out to Marilyn (Tony's wife) and family."

Tony Esposito died on August 10, 2021. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer.

DUNT-DA-DUNT-DA-DUNT

 The iconic theme song for the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast was a beacon that called hockey fans their television to watch the game on the CBC. The catchy tune was written by Dolores Claman, who passed away last month at the age of 94.

She composed the theme while employed by Maclaren Advertising in 1968.

In June 2008, the rights to the song were sold to CTV for their NHL games on TSN. This occurred when the Canadian Broadcasting Company and Claman failed to negotiate a deal for the licensing rights. 

A newspaper report noted, "She wanted her song to reflect the narrative arc of hockey itself: the arrival at the rink, the battle on the ice, then the trip home." To this description, Claman added, "Plus a cold beer."

Former Toronto Maple Leaf and Hockey Night in Canada analysts, Howie Meeker, spoke with Canwest News Service in 2008 about the shift from the CBC to CTV. "To half the Canadians 40 years and over, we grew up with that damned thing. That's part of our history, part of our life, part of the enthusiasm for the game. When you heard that you thought Canada; you thought hockey; you thought CBC."

HUGH COFLIN

ALTHOUGH HIS NAME IS ENGRAVED ON THE STANLEY CUP, HUGH COFLIN NEVER PLAYED IN A NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFF GAME. HERE IS HIS STORY.

Born in Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan on December 15, 1928, Hugh Jay Alexander Coflin died on April 30, 2021. He passed away in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, at the age of 92.

With the creation of the six team Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) on October 9, 1946, 17 year old Hugh Coflin became a member of the Humboldt Indians. Coflin was brought onboard to be part of the Humboldt's blueline. The Indians played in the Northern Division with the Prince Albert Black Hawks and the Saskatoon Junior Quakers. 

Humboldt got their season underway on November 30, 1946, when they faced the Black Hawks in Prince Albert. In a close contest, the Indians fell by a 2-1 score to the home team. On two occasions, the police had to intervene to keep peace. In the first circumstance, a fan attempted to engage two of the visitor's while they were in the penalty box. Then, late in the game, several fans stormed the ice while a fight between two players was going on. The police took charge and led the spectators off the ice. 

In his only year with the Indians, Coflin registered 13 points in 23 games. As for the team, they finished last in the standings.

The following season, Coflin took his game to Moose Jaw where he joined the Canucks. This time around, Coflin had more success than he experienced with the Humboldt Indians in his rookie year in the SJHL. In the semi-final, the Moose Jaw Canucks defeated Humboldt and advanced to the final. Moose Jaw won the SJHL championship when they swept the Regina Pats in the best-of-five final. In the hunt for the Memorial Cup, the Canucks failed to reach the Western Canada final, as they were ousted by the Lethbridge Native Sons in their semi-final series.

Changes came in 1948-49, with the formation of the Western Canada Junior Hockey League (WCJHL). The new league was made up of two teams from Saskatchewan and four from Alberta. Coflin and his teammates moved from the SJHL to the WCJHL. The second Saskatchewan team was the Regina Pat's.

Before the regular season got underway, Coflin participated in his second consecutive hockey school conducted by the Chicago Black Hawks. Tiny Thompson, Chicago's head scout, ran the proceedings with the intention of evaluating the prospects in the Hawks organization.

As the 1948 school came to a close, a collection of Hawk rookies and the Canucks held an exhibition game in Moose Jaw. In the second period, Coflin's goal turned out to be the game-winner in Moose Jaw's 4-3 victory. The Hawks wouldn't forget his performance.

At the end of the season, Moose Jaw and the Calgary Buffaloes finished in a tie for first-place.

In the playoffs, the Canucks won the best-of-seven semi-final series 4-3 over the Regina Pats. In the WCJHL final, the Buffaloes swept Moose Jaw to win the WCHL championship.

Then, came the provincial playoffs. Of note, the Saskatchewan Southern Division series was cancelled, which led to Moose Jaw going straight through to face the Prince Albert Minto's, who won the Northern Division. The Canucks captured Saskatchewan's Provincial title, and once again, battled the Calgary Buffaloes, the Alberta Provincial champs.

The Moose Jaw Canucks Memorial Cup dreams burst when the Buffaloes trampled them in the semi-final series. Calgary met the Brandon Wheat Kings in the final, with Brandon winning the right to represent the West in the Memorial Cup. In the East-West match-up, the Montreal Royals defeated Brandon to win junior hockey's biggest prize.

During his stay with the Moose Jaw Canucks, Coflin earned the reputation as a hard-hitting defender, who didn't backdown from a confrontation. This led to Coflin signing with the Calgary Stampeders of the Western Canada Senior Hockey League (WCSHL) on September 29, 1949. Also, for the third straight year, he was part of the Chicago Black Hawks hockey school, which took place in North Bay, Ontario. 

One newspaper account noted that Tiny Thompson rated Coflin as "a coming professional star in a year or two."

Meanwhile, Coflin went about his business on Calgary's defence and made a huge impact. If anyone attempted to steam-roll over a Stampeder, Coflin, who was six feet tall and weighed 190 pounds, made them pay for their aggression. He led the league in penalty-minutes with 133. Also, he was tops in the playoffs with 35 penalty-minutes.

When the WCSHL awards were handed out for the 1949-50 season, Coflin took home the CKUA Cup (named after a local radio station) as the top rookie. Another accolade came his way, when Coflin was named to the second all-star team. 

Also, it wasn't a bad year for the Stampeders, as they advanced to the Allan Cup final, but lost out to the Toronto Marlboros. On the trail to the Allan Cup, Coffin produced 14 points in 15 games.

In 1950-51, 21 year old Coflin reached the goal that all hockey players work for, he turned pro with the Chicago Black Hawks. On October 10, Coflin signed his contract with Chicago and was scheduled to start the year with the Milwaukee Seagulls of the United States Hockey League (USHL). But Coflin caught a break as three Chicago defencemen were sidelined with injuries at the start of the NHL season.

On October 12, 1950, Hugh Coflin made his National Hockey League debut when the Hawks kicked-off their regular season at the Forum in Montreal. He was teamed with Jack Stewart, the former Detroit Red Wings star, who was acquired in the off-season.

When the Hawks played their home opener on October 15, Coflin made a quick impression on the 13,776 spectators that filled Chicago Stadium. At the 6:11 mark of the first period, Coflin earned an assist on a goal by Vic Stasiuk. It was the first of three points, all assists, he would record in the NHL. 

As the injured troops returned to the line-up, Coflin was assigned to the Seagulls for their game on  October 29. He was recalled by Chicago to replace Jack Stewart, who suffered a season-ending back injury, for an encounter on December 16 at Maple Leaf Gardens. 

On January 30, the NHL revealed that Coflin was Chicago's only candidate for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. 

Coflin remained on the Hawks' roster until February 12, 1951, when the parent club summoned defenceman Jim Bedard from Milwaukee.

He skated in a total of 66 games in 1950-51, 31 with the Chicago Black Hawks and 35 with the Milwaukee Seagulls. His points total in the USHL was 17.

At the conclusion of the 1950-51 season, the Chicago Black Hawks retained their title as the NHL's perennial cellar-dwellers. They finished in last-place with 36 points and a 13-47-10 record in 70 games. On August 20, 1951, Chicago made a multi-player trade with Detroit to shake up their roster. Coflin was dealt to the Red Wings on September 1, to complete the transaction. 

Detroit's defensive core was stocked with a talented mix of young skilled defencemen, like Red Kelly and Marcel Pronovost, and experienced veterans, like Bob Goldham. Thus, it came as no surprise when Coflin was slotted to join the Wings AHL farm team, the Indianapolis Capitals, after training camp.

In 68 games with the Capitals, Coflin strung together 28 points, but his new club failed to make the playoffs.

The same couldn't be said of the Red Wings, who advanced to the 1952 Stanley Cup final after they swept the Toronto Maple Leafs in their semi-final series. 

As they waited for the winner of the Montreal-Boston series, the Red Wings stable of defencemen was reduced when Leo Reise, Jr., suffered an injury in practice. Also, Red Kelly was hampered with a nagging wrist problem.

Not wanting to be shorthanded, Detroit decided to take action. Jack Adams immediately made a phone call to Hugh Coflin in Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan, to bolster their back end. 

The Stanley Cup final got underway on April 10, 1952, in Montreal. It was up to coach Tommy Ivan to make a game time decision concerning Coflin's possible insertion into the line-up.

As fate would have it, the Cup final was a short one, as the Red Wings pulled off another sweep. In a stingy display of defensive hockey, the Wings only allowed two Montreal goals, with Terry Sawchuk shutting the barn door in games three and four at the Olympia in Detroit. 

Although Coffin never played a regular season or playoff game with Detroit, his name was engraved on the Stanley Cup. This is an indication of how Jack Adams felt about Coflin and the role he could have played if his services were required at such a crucial time. In the picture below, his name appears on the third row, at the bottom, between Marcel Pronovost and Bob Goldham. 

Hugh Coflin closed out his hockey career with the Edmonton Flyers of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He played with them from 1952-53 to 1959-60.

Coflin was a WHL champion with the Flyers as they won the Lester Patrick Cup in 1953 and 1955. Their victory in 1955, entitled them to play for the Edinburgh Trophy. The trophy was donated by Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh in 1954. It pitted the WHL winner against the Quebec Hockey League winner. Edmonton was defeated by the Shawinigan Falls Cataracts.

The Flyers, who were sponsored by the Detroit Red Wings, underwent several key changes in the summer of 1957. They were announced by Jack Adams on June 8, 1957. In the shake-up, Bud Poile, who coached the team for five seasons, was promoted to the position of general manager. Poile was replaced by captain Tony Leswick, who took on the role of player-coach.

At the start of the 1957-58 campaign, Hugh Coflin was named captain. "I regard Hugh as an excellent choice," Poile said following Coflin's appointment. "He has the seniority with the club, and is popular with his teammates and fans alike."

Word of Hugh Coflin's retirement came at a news conference held at Edmonton's Mayfair Golf Club on Wednesday, June 15, 1960. While talking about several subjects, Bud Poile revealed Coflin's departure from the game. Coflin, then 31 years old, advised Poile of his decision to hang up his skates during a discussion which took place on the weekend prior to the presser.

"Naturally, we are sorry to see Hughie go," Poile said in his address to the media. "I've said before that he is the greatest competitor I've ever had play under me, and I'm sticking to it. I like to think I have had some good ones in that department, too."

LARRY KWONG

 CELEBRATING ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH

In honour of Asian Heritage Month, here is a look at Larry Kwong's journey to become the first Chinese  person to play a game in the National Hockey League.

He was born on June 17, 1923, in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. A piece in the Vancouver Sun in 1943, noted that Kwong's dad came to Canada from China in 1898. He settled in Vernon and opened a general store. Kwong was five years old when the elder Kwong passed away.

Numerous accounts recall how young Larry, at the age of seven, pleaded with his mom to buy him a pair of skates, he played shinny hockey and tuned in to listen to Foster Hewitt call games on radio. The thought of making it in the NHL was his goal from childhood.

At the age of 16, Kwong joined the Vernon Hydrophones and proceeded to capture the British Columbia midget championship (Cromie Memorial Cup) in 1940, and the juvenile title (Monarch Life Cup) in 1941.

Impressed with Kwong's work in juvenile, the Trail Smoke Eaters of the Alberta-British Columbia Senior Hockey League, brought Kwong in as an import for the 1941-42 season. The fast skating Kwong took full advantage of the opportunity and recorded 22 points in 29 games while playing at right wing.

The next year, Kwong remained in senior hockey, but with a new team, the Nanaimo Clippers of the Vancouver Island Senior Hockey League. Early in the season, Larry "China Clipper" Kwong (aka "King" Kwong) suffered a knee injury, which kept him out of the line-up for a chunk of time. Upon his return on December 26, 1942, Kwong scored his first goal for the Clippers. 

At the start of the 1943-44 hockey year, Kwong was now a member of the St. Regis Hotel Vancouver of the Pacific Coast Senior Hockey League. In the previously mentioned article in the Vancouver Sun, Kwong shared his thoughts on being a Chinese hockey player. "It's an advantage, being Chinese, I know," Kwong told columnist Alf Cottrell. "The fans like to see a Chinese hockey player as a curiosity. That's my good luck." At this point, Kwong talked about the downside he experienced on the ice as a Chinese player. "Ever since I was a midget there has always been a player or two trying to cut off my head just because I'm Chinese. And the bigger the league the bigger the axe they use."

His time with St. Regis ended on February 1, 1944, when he was released. In 17 games, he collected 16 points.

Kwong's departure from St. Regis, didn't spell the end of his season. Drafted into the Canadian Army in 1944, he was eligible to play for a military hockey team. He was based in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. In February 1944, Kwong joined the Red Deer Army Wheelers of the Central Alberta Garrison Hockey League. In the championship round, the Wheelers were swept by the Calgary A-16 Currie Barracks in the best-of-three final. 

After the war, and after being out of hockey for one year, Kwong returned to the Trail Smoke Eaters of the West Kootenay Senior Hockey League for the 1945-46 season. Kwong and his teammates enjoyed a successful season, as they captured the Kootenay League title over the Nelson Maple Leafs, then the British Columbia championship over the New West Minister Royals. In the Allan Cup, Trail battled the Calgary Stampeders in the Western Canada Senior Hockey final, but failed to advance.

During the regular season, Kwong continued to show he could contribute. In 19 contests, he accumulated 20 points. In the playoffs and Allan Cup, Kwong put up 9 points in 10 games.

His work didn't go unnoticed, as the New York Rangers of the NHL, invited Kwong to attend their hockey school, which began on September 18, 1946, in Winnipeg. Kwong's small stature and lack of beef - 5'6" & 150 pounds - wasn't a cause of concern for Rangers' coach, Frank Boucher. "He's no runt and as big as plenty of men who have made good in the National Hockey League," said Boucher of his prospect.

By the end of the hockey school, the Rangers were prepared to take the next step to keep Kwong in the organization. On September 23, 1946, he signed his first professional contract and became property of the New York Rangers.

ABOVE PHOTO: KWONG AT THE NEW YORK RANGERS HOCKEY SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER 1946. HE IS SHAKING HANDS WITH RANGERS' COACH FRANK BOUCHER.

As expected, Kwong was assigned to the Rangers' farm team, the New York Rovers, of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League. This allowed Kwong to gain seasoning by facing a stiffer breed of competition. And, he didn't disappoint. In 47 games, he scored 19 goals and 18 helpers for 37 points in 47 games.

After beginning the next season in the EAHL, the Rovers became part of the Quebec Senior Hockey League. Kwong proceeded to rack-up 57 points, as he finished the year with 20 goals and 37 assists. This doesn't include his production when the Rovers played in the EAHL.

The Rovers regular season came to a conclusion on Sunday, March 7, 1948. Their opponent in the first-round of the playoffs were the Valleyfield Braves. Kwong was in the Rovers' line-up for their first two playoff games, the second of which was played on March 11. 

Then, came the moment Kwong dreamed of when he was a little boy. With Phil Watson, Ed Slowinski and Neil Coalville, doubtful for the New York Rangers game in Montreal on Saturday night, the Rangers summoned Kwong from the Rovers. He 24 when the parent club promoted him.

On March 13, 1948, at the Forum, against the Montreal Canadiens, Larry Kwong saw his first and only game action in the National Hockey League. He was on the ice for one shift in the third period. Details of his limited appearance were not reported in the papers the following morning. They simply wrote that he played in the game, and the fact, he was the first Chinese player to do so.

This accomplishment is an important part of hockey history. In an era when there was a racial divide in professional sports, Kwong's perseverance and temperament helped him to stay on course. Although he was never given another chance to skate in the NHL, Kwong's place in the history books cannot be denied.

The Rangers depleted roster seemed to be the main reason New York selected Kwong as a replacement. This conclusion can be reached in light of him spending most of the time on the bench. In case his services were required in a pinch, Boucher could tap him on the shoulder and send him out. 

"His life ambition was always to play in the National Hockey League," said Kwong's bother, James, in a March 1948 interview. "He concentrated his main energies towards reaching that goal." Also, James Kwong emphasized that, "Larry's a clean player." There is little doubt this was in reference to Kwong keeping his cool when confronted and abused by the opposition.

Next to consider is why Kwong never got another crack at a prolonged stay in the NHL. His slight frame must have influenced those who made the roster decisions. As for his skills, one article noted he was "a tricky stickhandler, speedy, has an evasive shift going in on [the] defence." Also, with only six NHL clubs, not too many jobs were available. And the question must be asked: Did his Chinese heritage hinder his progress?

After his brief stay with the Rangers, Kwong was returned to the Rovers for their Sunday tilt against Valleyfield.  

Kwong's next destination was revealed on October 5, 1948, when he signed with the QSHL Valleyfield Braves. He was a Brave from 1948-49 to 1954-55. In 1951, Kwong was named a first team all-star and was named the league's MVP.

Following stops with several clubs in North America, Kwong took his game to Britain in 1957-58 for one year, and closed out his career in 1963-64 after six seasons in Switzerland as a player-coach.

The last word goes to Kwong. In a 2013 interview, he stated, "When I had a chance to become a Ranger, I was really excited. I said to myself, 'That's what I wanted to be since I was a young boy. I wanted to play in the NHL.' I didn't get a real chance to show what I can do."

Lawrence Kwong died on March 15, 2018, in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 94.

GAYE STEWART

THE LAST LEAF BEFORE MATTHEWS TO LEAD THE NHL IN GOALS SCORED

As the 2020-21 National Hockey League season comes to a close this afternoon (Yes, in the midst of the playoffs, which are already underway), with Calgary hosting Vancouver, Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs can officially being crowned the winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy. The award is given each year to the player leading the NHL in goals scored. Matthews scored 41 goals in 52 games.

Prior to Matthews, the last Maple Leaf to lead the league in goals scored was Gaye Stewart, who was named the winner of the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 1943. 

After the 1942-43 season, Stewart joined the Canadian Navy. In his final year of service in 1945, Stewart was stationed at the Cornwallis base in Nova Scotia. At Cornwallis, he skated for the navy hockey team.

One of his teammates on Cornwallis Navy, was fellow Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman, Bob Goldham. Both Stewart and Goldham, helped the Leafs capture the Stanley Cup in 1942. 

Stewart, who stood at 5'11" and weighed 175 pounds, skated on the left wing for the Maple Leafs. 

In my book-Bob Goldham: Outside the Goal Crease-the scene is set for their return to the Maple Leafs from Cornwallis for the 1945-46 NHL season, the year Stewart became the last Leaf to lead the league in goals scored.

" ... Gaye Stewart became the discharge officer at Cornwallis, and all discharge notices came through his office," Goldham noted. Following a 14-day leave, Goldham ventured back to the base. "I had to go back to Cornwallis and bug Gaye for about another month before my papers came through."

Goldham's last day of service was on September 13, 1945. "At least I had a week or so before reporting to Leaf training camp at Owen Sound, Ontario," Goldham remembered. "Poor old Gaye Stewart turned up there in his navy uniform as he hadn't time to buy civilian clothes. I guess he was worried he wasn't going to get out in time, but he eventually made it."

The Toronto Maple Leafs opened their 1945-46 regular season  on October 27, 1945, at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. They tied the Boston Bruins 1-1, with Bob Davidson getting the lone Toronto tally.

During the month of November, Stewart failed to score in only two games of their 12 scheduled games. On November 3, he went scoreless against the New York Rangers in a 4-1 loss at MLG. On November 14, he was shutout by Montreal. Overall, he produced 13 goals in 12 games. This included a 4 goal performance against the Detroit Red Wings at home on November 17. 

Although the Leafs lost the game 6-5, Stewart was praised in the press for his work:

Stewart was flying all night. If he had worn roller skates, he could have used the back boards to telling effect, swooping down from above on goalkeeper Harry Lumley, as it were. The Fort William flash scored once in the second period and three times in the third. He has now scored 10 times in 10 games. His second goal was a beauty. Taking a rink-wide pass from Mel Hill, Stewart swept in from the left, made Lumley move, then shot.

In a newspaper article on November 20, Stewart told the reporter, "I don't know how I get 'em. Maybe I get more chances than the other fellows." Obviously, Stewart wasn't about to blow his own horn, but his response didn't stop his questioner from providing his readers an explanation of Stewart's scoring exploits. "To observers, he scores goals because he fast, because he fights his way in around the nets and because he's always trying to blast the puck home."

On December 1, Stewart began the month with a goal against the Chicago Black Hawks at the Gardens. In a games played-goals scored ratio, it was his lest productive month. In 12 games, he connected for 6 goals. In this stretch, Stewart recorded one multi-goal game. On December 22, he scored two goals against the New York Rangers.

As the calendar turned to 1946, Stewart and the Maple Leafs had 8 scheduled contests in January. The games were equally split between home and away. In his first 3 outings, Stewart was kept at bay twice by Chicago and once by Montreal. In the remaining 5 games, he scored against Detroit, New York, twice against the Red Wing, was blanked by Boston, and ended the month with a goal in a 6-5 victory over the Black Hawks.

Come February, Stewart had potted 24 goals in 33 games. With 20 goals being the benchmark for elite scorers, Stewart had exceeded expectations, and was ready to add to his total. In a period of 9 games, he hit the twine on 6 occasions. On February 23, Stewart notched his second hat trick of the season in a 7-2 victory over Boston. 

In the final month of the schedule, Stewart finished strong. Between March 2 and March 17, the final game for the Leafs, he hit the mark in 7 of 8 games. Stewart left the best for last, as he ended the year with his third three-goal game on Saint Patrick's Day 1946. 

When the book was closed on the 1945-46 campaign, it showed Gaye Stewart scored 37 goals in 50 games  and lead the NHL in goals scored. On home ice at Maple Leaf Gardens, he netted 21 goals. On the road, he scored 16 goals. A breakdown reveals Stewart scored 1 goal against Montreal, 7 against Boston, New York and Chicago, and his biggest victim was Detroit with 15 goals.

Seventy-five years later, Gaye Stewart's accomplishment as the last Leaf to hold the title for leading the NHL in goals scored, is passed to Auston Matthews.

JOHNNY PEIRSON

JOHNNY PEIRSON: 1925-2021

Johnny Peirson, who played all his National Hockey League games with the Boston Bruins, passed away earlier this month at the age of 95. Born John Frederick Peirson on July 21, 1925, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Peirson family moved to Montreal, Quebec, when Johnny was 10-years-old.

At the age of 18, Peirson played one season with the Montreal Canadiens junior team in the Junior Amateur Hockey Association. In the playoffs, Peirson and his teammates, faced Concordia in a semi-final series. In the best-of-three series, Montreal and Concordia split the first two games, with Concordia taking game one 3-2, and Montreal demolishing their opponent 11-0 in game two. Despite having momentum on their side, the Canadiens fell by a score of 5-3 in the third and deciding game.

After spending one year in the Canadian Army, Peirson attended the University of McGill and joined their hockey team, the McGill Redmen of the Intercollegiate Hockey League. McGill opened their season against the University of Montreal Carabins at the Forum in Montreal with a 10-4 victory. McGill's attack was led by Peirson, who scored three goals in the first period, and one in each of the remaining periods. Also, he added two assists for a seven-point night.

A first-place tie in the standings with the University of Toronto, resulted in McGill and the Varsity Blues playing a one-game showdown for the championship. The contest took place on March 15, 1946, at the Forum. McGill's first-line, put together by coach Dave Chambers, composed of Peirson and Danny Porteous between Jimmy O'Connor, took control after two scoreless frames. By the 11:10 mark of the third period, McGill connected for three goals. O'Connor scored the first two, with Peirson assisting on his second tally. Peirson's goal came when O'Connor's shot hit the goalpost and the puck dropped to the ice and sat on the red line. After both his linemates took a jab at the puck, "Peirson put the near-hysterical crowd into a frenzy when he barely managed to poke it in at 11:10."

McGill scored another goal to defeat the Varsity Blues, who were coached by former Toronto Maple Leaf star, Ace Bailey, by a score of 4-1. For McGill, it was their first championship since 1939.

Peirson's play with McGill didn't go unnoticed by the Boston Bruins, and they signed the young right-winger to a contract for the 1946-47 campaign. As expected, Peirson was destined for the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League for seasoning. But, during the Bruins-Hershey training camp, Peirson broke his wrist. 

He remained in Boston as the year got underway. By mid-December, Peirson was cleared to play and joined the Bruins' farm team in the Eastern Amateur Hockey League, the Boston Olympics. The Bruins took advantage of having Peirson in the vicinity, and when needed, he practiced with the big-club.

On January 3, 1947, Peirson was informed the Boston Bruins were adding him to their roster. He made his  NHL debut on January 4, 1947, when the Bruins took on the Canadiens in Montreal. The visitors fell 4-1 at the Forum. Peirson remained with the Bruins for five games and on January 13, 1947, he was assigned to the Hershey Bears of the AHL. During his short stint in the NHL, Peirson didn't register a point.

The slumping Bruins, dating back to December 1, 1946, only had five victories in their last 18 contests. While the Bruins were ice cold, the same could be said of the streets in Boston. The icy build-up, on roads and sidewalks, resulted in a city councilor to suggest the Bruins take to the streets to practice. "And they need it," said the councilor, who added his two-cents on the state of the Bruins.

In Hershey, Peirson helped the Bears win their first Calder Cup championship. On April 15, 1947, they defeated the Pittsburgh Hornets 5-0 to win the seventh and deciding game of the final. The next night, Peirson attended a dinner at the Hotel Hershey to celebrate the victory. The club, which organized the event, gave each player a watch. Along with their name, an inscription read, "Hershey Hockey Club, American Hockey League champions, 1946-47."

After training camp for the 1947-48 season, Peirson started the year with the Bruins. Tied to the bench for the first seven games, Peirson was sent down to Hershey on November 3 to work on his game, instead of riding the pine and seeing no action.

In late December, the Bruins put out the call for Peirson to return to the club. But in his last outing with the Bears on New Year's Eve, Peirson collided with the Springfield Indians' goalpost and he left the game. Due to being out with a leg injury, and the necessary time to work himself into game shape, Peirson's promotion to the Bruins was put on hold.

On January 30, 1948, Johnny Peirson played his final game in the minors, when Hershey faced the Washington Lions in DC. Peirson scored the opening goal and added two assists on goals by Jack McGill. The Lions mounted a huge comeback in the last twenty-minutes and soared to an 8-7 victory in Peirson's last appearance as a Hershey Bear.

It was now time for Peirson to return to the NHL. The Bruins summoned Peirson to Boston to partake in their game on January 31, against the Chicago Black Hawks at the Garden on Causeway Street.

Peirson joined the Bruins when they had 21 tilts left in their regular schedule. He skated in 15 games and recorded four goals and two helpers. His first National Hockey League goal was scored on March 3, 1948, against Chicago goalie, Emile Francis. A newspaper report noted that Bruins forward, Don Gallinger, "... bobbed and weaved so that three Chicago Black Hawks wound up dizzy on the ice trying to check him before he passed to Peirson." Peirson's goal, Boston's fourth in the game, was the equalizer in a 4-4 tie. 

Once Peirson got settled in the Bruins line-up, coach Dit Clapper teamed him with center Paul Ronty and Kenny Smith at left wing. It didn't take too long for the trio to become known as the "Muscles Line." The name was in complete contrast to the physical appearance of the three linemates. They more resembled lightweights with Smith at 150 pounds, Ronty at 160 pounds, and Peirson at 170 pounds.

When the 1948 Stanley Cup playoffs rolled around, the Boston Bruins found themselves matched up against the defending Cup champs, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Their semi-final round opened on  March 24, 1948. The Maple Leafs prevailed and took the series four games to one.

Boston's lone victory came in game four, when they avoided elimination on home ice. The Bruins defeated the Leafs by a score of 3-2. In a tight checking game, goals were at a premium, with Ed Sandford putting the Bruins on the board first. Toronto's Bill Ezinicki evened the score, then, Johnny Peirson went to work. He scored goals in the first and second periods to give his team the margin for victory.

His first goal, the game-winner, came after Toronto goalie, Turk Broda, stopped shots by Kenny Smith and Paul Ronty. With Broda laid out on the ice, Peirson gained possession of the puck and raised it over the prone Toronto netminder. In the final frame, Ronty and Smith combined on a passing play to get the puck to Peirson. His 20-foot blast beat Broda on his glove-side.

In his first full season with the Bruins in 1948-49, Peirson proved he belonged in the NHL. In this era, the benchmark for an elite goalscorers was 20. Peirson, bagged 22 goals, and along with 21 assists, produced 43 points.

Peirson gave credit to his coach in Hershey, Don Penniston, for helping him improve his game. "He gave me lots of help," Peirson said in a February 1949 interview. "Told me to perfect a slap shot which I did and which has scored many goals for me. Also learned how to cover my wing because Don was always after us to check properly."

The next year, 1949-50, Peirson hit a career high for goals scored with 27, and points with 52 in 57 games.  Also, Ronty and Smith reached the benchmark with 23 and 20 goals respectively. 

Around the NHL, Peirson's gained a reputation for his work ethic. Montreal coach, Dick Irvin, told the following story about Peirson. "In Boston, the Bruins were a man short and we had five men up at their blue line. Johnny Peirson cleared the puck down the ice. And who do you think froze the puck against the boards at our end of the rink? Peirson. He passed five Canadiens in the race for the puck. I don't think I ever saw that happen before in a hockey game."

Peirson's work was recognized as he was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game on October 8, 1950. The defending Stanley Cup victors, the Detroit Red Wings, walloped the All-Stars 7-1. Peirson set-up Toronto's Sid Smith for the lone goal scored by the All-Stars.

Although his numbers dropped in 1950-51 (70-19-19-38), Peirson, once again, earned a birth on the NHL All-Star Team. Joe Primeau, who guided the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Stanley Cup in 1951, selected him for the First All-Stars Team. A new format for the All-Star Game pitted the First All Stars against the Second All-Stars. The contest took place at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto on October 9, 1951. Peirson netted the second tally for the First All-Stars in a 2-2 draw. 

In 1951-52, Peirson returned to the 20-goal club, and increased his point total from 38 to 50. On September 20, 1951, Peirson said good-bye to his center, Paul Ronty, who was traded to the New York Rangers. Peirson went on to play with a number of linemates, most notably, Milt Schmidt, Jack McIntyre, Fleming MacKell, Ed Sandford, Cal Gardner, and Vic Stasiuk, to name a few.

Throughout his career, Peirson was relatively free from spending long amounts of time on the sidelines due to injuries. But in 1952-53, his luck ran out. When the Bruins and Red Wings tangled at the Olympia on December 7, 1952, Peirson took an elbow to his face courtesy of Pete Leswick. As a result, Peirson suffered a broken jaw. To shield Peirson upon his return, Boston trainer, Hammy Moore, crafted a mask to protect Peirson's jaw from further damage. The mask was made of soft leather and foam. President Clarence Campbell of the NHL, gave his permission for Peirson to wear his new piece of equipment.

With his mask in place, Peirson returned to take on the New York Rangers at Boston Garden on January 25, 1953. The Bruins fell to the Rangers by a score of 2-1. 

In the remaining games, Peirson never took off his mask. He only participated in 49 contests, yet, he managed to score 14 goals and amassed 29 points.

For the first time since he joined the Bruins, Peirson played in the Stanley Cup final. The Bruins went up against Montreal and won only one game in the best-of-seven final. Peirson, contributed 9 points in 11 games.

Looking to get back on track, Peirson returned to form in 1953-54. On the injury front, he only missed two games, which enabled him to boost his stats. And that's exacting what Peirson accomplished. He once again became a top scorer with 21 goals and 19 assists for 40 points. It was his fourth term with 20 goals or more.

It appeared Peirson was ready to continue his efforts to help the Boston Bruins, but on September 1, 1954, the club announced Peirson's retirement. The explanation given for the sudden departure was Peirson's desire to work full-time with his father-in-law in the furniture business as a salesman. He spent several summers working in the same capacity.

While Peirson pursued his post-hockey life, the 1954-55 edition of the Boston Bruins, earned a playoff spot, but were vanished by their main nemesis, the Montreal Canadiens, in their semi-final confrontation.

Just as stunning as the news of his retirement from the NHL was, the news of his return to the Bruins was another jaw-breaking moment.

On December 5, 1955, Boston's general manager, Lynn Patrick, told the press that Peirson's name was removed from the voluntary retired list at NHL headquarters.

After game 28 of the Bruins 1955-56 schedule, Peirson, at the age of 30, made his comeback against the Chicago Black Hawks on December 15, 1955. Coach Milt Schmidt placed Peirson on a line with Cal Gardner and fellow winger, Vic Stasiuk. Peirson made the most of his return by scoring a goal and an assist in Boston's 4-1 win. "It felt like old times," said Peirson. 

Despite missing the 1956 playoffs, Peirson had no hesitation in signing a contract for the upcoming season. He put pen to paper in late August.

Not expected to be a contender, Boston exploded out of the gate, and by December 19, 1956, were in first-place with a 17-7-5-39 record.

"This is definitely the best-balanced Bruins' team I've been on since I came into the league back in 1948," stated Peirson. "Every kid when he's starting to play hockey dreams of playing with a winner. Maybe my dream is coming true finally."

At the same time, Peirson reflected on his state of mind and the Bruins infertility, both of which weighed heavily in his decision to retire in September 1954.

"It seems that every year after that first one we had to struggle down to the playoffs, said Peirson. "Usually it went down to the next to last game. We didn't seem to be getting anywhere."

With his confidence restored, Peirson's last two seasons with Boston brought him closer to his dream of winning a Stanley Cup.

In both 1957 and 1958, the Boston Bruins reached the Stanley Cup final. Unfortunately, for Peirson and his teammates, they encountered the powerful Montreal Canadiens. The Habs were a juggernaut in the midst of winning six consecutive Cups from 1955 to 1960.

For the second, and final time in his career, Peirson hung-up his skates. Johnny Peirson played his last game on April 20, 1958, when the Bruins were defeated in game six by Montreal on home ice.

When the book closed on Peirson's 11 years wearing the gold and black of the Boston Bruins, it showed he played in 545 games and scored 153 goals and 173 assists for 326 points. His penalty-minutes totalled 315. In the playoffs, he saw action in 49 games and scored 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points. He served 26 minutes in the penalty box.

With his life as a hockey player behind him, Peirson, at the age of 33, continued to work in the furniture industry. Also, he discovered a way to stay connected to the hockey world.

Peirson got his start as a hockey commentator for Boston Bruins' games on WBZ-Radio. He sat alongside his partner, the legendary Fred Cusick, who served as the play-by-play man. Cusick followed Peirson to WSBK-TV-38 for the 1970-71 season, when Don Earle left the scene. Peirson and Cusick worked together in the broadcast booth from 1970 to 1985.  

Next, Peirson took on a new gig as the studio analyst for the telecasts. In this role, Peirson was like an instructor who taught the game. He used a telestrator to diagram plays he broke down for the audience. 

"I sit and watch and select four or five plays during a period, then pick two or three based on the message I want to give," explained Peirson.

"In a small way, he was responsible for the hockey boom here years ago," said Ken London, who produced games on Channel 38. "How many NHL players from this area grew up listening and learning from Peirson?" 

During his run on radio and television, Peirson continued to work in the furniture business. In 1995, he left broadcasting to concentrate solely on his furniture job and his family.

An avid golfer, Peirson played in many tournaments, including the 1950 Canadian Amateur in Saskatoon. Also, as an amateur, he participated in the 1950 Canadian Open at Royal Montreal. Over four-rounds, Peirson shot 71-76-75-78. 

John Peirson died on April 16, 2021, in Wayland, Massachusetts.