A familiar face to the Blackhawks organization John Henderson passes away at age 93

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Ryan Hall
October 10, 2024 (9:07)

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Former Boston Bruins goaltender John Henderson passed away at the age of 91 after battling an illness.

He was beloved by the Bruins and by their fanbase and spent His entire career with the Boston Bruins appeared he played 46 NHL regular season games in 1954-55. He held a record of 15-14-16 with the goals against of 2.58 and a save percentage of.857 along with five shutouts.

He had played with several leagues across North America including the OHA, AHL, WHL and the NHL to name a few. His last team he played for was the Hershey bears of the American Hockey League which spanned from 1966 through 1970.

He originally was with the Toronto Maple Leafs as he worked to battle for a roster spot. During an interview several years ago, he explained that he had to cut off the tape of his stick as the Maple Leafs instructed him along with other goaltenders to play more like veteran Harry Lumley which Henderson could not do due to his height.

He chose to cut off the tape in which then general manager Hap Day was not pleased with his move.

«Harry was 5 inches shorter than me,» Henderson told NHL.com in conversation a few years ago. «I tried to play stand-up at camp but I couldn't do it, I was (terrible). I skated off the ice, went into the dressing room, cut the tape off with a knife then went out and started playing well, like I knew I could.

«(General manager) Hap Day realized what I'd done, called me over to the boards and asked who'd given me permission to cut the tape off. I told him, �I did. I tried it your way, I can't adjust to it. I have to crouch. You liked me enough to bring me here, why change me?'

«Hap said, �Well, that's not the way we do things around here,' and he walked away. I thought, �Well, that's the end of that.' But a couple days later, I was traded to the Bruins.»

His nickname was long John as he towered over players of his time with a height of 6 foot 5 which was unheard of for players of his time. He became well known as the Bruins rookie who stymied Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice Richard who only scored twice against him.

«'Rocket' was red in the face, being stoned by a rookie,» he said.

It's safe to say that Henderson was beloved throughout all forms of hockey and that he will be truly missed. We would like to extend our sympathies to the Henderson family.

Source: Blade of Steel

Beloved Former Boston Bruins goalie John Henderson has passed away