Lorne “Gump” Worsley – Legendary NHL Goaltender

Lorne “Gump” Worsley, born Lorne John Worsley on May 14, 1929, was a Legendary NHL goaltender who had a long and distinguished career in the league. Worsley’s career was filled with accomplishments and accolades. He was a four-time NHL All-Star, representing the Canadiens and the Rangers. Worsley also achieved considerable success with the Montreal Canadiens, helping the team win four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1965 to 1968. His strong play in the playoffs was instrumental in the Canadiens’ championship runs.

Worsley’s unique nickname, “Gump,” added an extra layer of intrigue to his remarkable career.

Lorne “Gump” Worsley says that he got the nickname when he was about nine or ten years old. One of his friends called him “Gump” because he had hair that stuck up like the comic strip character Andy Gump. The name lived on because when he was signing up for junior hockey they asked for nicknames and he said that his was “Gump.” The name stuck and he was known as “Gump” or “The Gumper” for the rest of his career.

 Before making his NHL debut, Worsley honed his skills in various minor leagues. He played for several teams in different leagues, including the Quebec Aces of the Quebec Senior Hockey League and the Vancouver Canucks of the Western Hockey League. These experiences helped him refine his goaltending abilities and gain valuable experience.

Worsley’s journey to the NHL began with the New York Rangers. He made his NHL debut with the Rangers in the 1952-53 season. Despite being a relatively late bloomer for an NHL rookie, he immediately showed his potential, earning the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in that season. His remarkable achievement of winning the Calder Trophy at the age of 24, which was considered advanced for a rookie in the NHL, was a testament to his skill and determination.

Gump Worsley’s early career in junior and minor league hockey laid the groundwork for his successful and enduring NHL career. His ability to stand out as a rookie in the NHL at a relatively later age showcased his talent and determination, setting the stage for his long and storied journey as one of the league’s most beloved and unique goaltenders.

He ended up playing 21 seasons, most of them when the NHL had only six teams. He spent 10 years with the Rangers, six-plus years with the Canadiens and four-plus years with the Minnesota North Stars.

• Awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy in 1953 for outstanding performance as a rookie.
• Achieved Stanley Cup victories in 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1969, solidifying his status as a champion.
• Earned the prestigious Vezina Trophy in 1966 and 1968, recognizing his exceptional goaltending skills.
• Honored as a member of the NHL First All-Star Team in 1968, showcasing his remarkable talent and contributions to the sport.
• Participated in the NHL All-Star Game in 1961, 1962, 1965, and 1972, demonstrating his status as one of the league’s elite players.
• Holds the distinction of being tied with Curtis Joseph for the second-most career losses in the NHL, with an impressive total of 352.
• Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1980, a testament to his exceptional career and lasting impact on the sport. One of the last two goaltenders, alongside Andy Brown, to play in the NHL without a face mask, showcasing his bravery and dedication to the game.

Gump Worsley retired from professional hockey in 1974, capping off a remarkable career that spanned more than two decades. He retired with a record of 335 wins, 352 losses and 150 ties, with 43 shutouts, and a goals-against average of 2.91.

His dedication to the sport, colorful personality, and enduring legacy in the hockey world have left an indelible mark. He’s remembered as not just a great goaltender but also a unique character who added color and character to the NHL. Worsley suffered a heart attack and passed on January 26, 2007 at the age of 77.

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