Camille Henry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camille Henry |
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Henry with the New York Rangers in 1954
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| Born | January 31, 1933 Quebec City, Quebec, Canada |
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| Died | September 11, 1997 (aged 64) Quebec City, Quebec, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) | ||
| Weight | 152 lb (69 kg; 10 st 12 lb) | ||
| Position | Centre | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | New York Rangers Chicago Black Hawks St. Louis Blues |
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| Playing career | 1953–1970 | ||
Joseph Wilfred Camille "The Eel" Henry (born January 31, 1933 – died September 11, 1997) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He was known as a left winger and centre. Camille Henry played for famous teams like the New York Rangers, the Chicago Black Hawks, and the St. Louis Blues in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Contents
Camille Henry's Hockey Journey
Early Days in Quebec
Camille Henry was born in Quebec City, Canada. He earned the nickname 'The Eel' because of how he moved on the ice. During his junior career, he played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QJHL). He played for the Quebec Citadelles.
Henry was a top scorer in the QJHL.
- In the 1951-52 season, he led the league with 52 goals.
- He also led in points with 114 that same year.
- In 1952-53, he again led the league with 46 goals.
He was chosen for the QJHL First All-Star Team in both 1952 and 1953. He also scored 21 points in 8 games during the 1953 Memorial Cup playoffs.
Making it to the NHL
Henry joined the New York Rangers in the 1953-54 season. He was only 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 150 pounds. This made him one of the smallest players in the NHL at that time. Despite his size, he was famous for his skill. He could often swat the puck out of the air to score goals.
In his first NHL season, Henry won the Calder Memorial Trophy. This award is given to the best rookie (first-year player) in the NHL. He beat out another future hockey legend, Jean Béliveau.
Moving Between Leagues
After his rookie season, Henry played 21 games with the Rangers in 1954-55. He was then traded to the Providence Reds in the American Hockey League (AHL). He also played for the Quebec Aces in the Quebec Hockey League (QHL).
Henry returned to the Providence Reds in 1955-56. He had an amazing season, leading the AHL with 50 goals. He also helped the Reds win the Calder Cup championship. He scored 10 goals in 9 playoff games, leading all players.
Back to the Rangers and Beyond
In 1956-57, Henry came back to the New York Rangers. He played for the Rangers for seven straight seasons. In 1957-58, he was chosen for the NHL Second All-Star Team. That same year, he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. This award is given to the player who shows the best sportsmanship and high-level play.
Henry was also chosen to play in the NHL All-Star Game three times: in 1958, 1963, and 1964. In 1964-65, he became the Captain of the New York Rangers. Later that season, he was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks. He played 22 games for the Black Hawks and helped them reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in his career. The Black Hawks lost to the Montreal Canadiens in 7 games.
Henry returned to New York in 1967–68. He also played for the Buffalo Bisons in the AHL that season. In 1968-69, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues. He played two seasons with the Blues and reached the Stanley Cup Finals again in 1969 before he retired.
Memorable Moments
- On November 1, 1959, Jacques Plante became the first goalie to wear a mask for protection during a game. Camille Henry was the only player to score a goal against him in that game!
- On December 12, 1963, Camille was part of an NHL record. The Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers scored three goals in just 18 seconds. This was the fastest three goals by two teams in NHL history at the time.
- Camille Henry scored the first-ever hat trick (three goals in one game) for the St. Louis Blues team.
After His Playing Career
After retiring as a player, Camille Henry became a coach. He coached the Kansas City Blues in 1969-70. He also coached the New York Raiders in the World Hockey Association. He later coached a semi-pro team called the New Jersey Rockets. Henry also managed ice rinks in New Jersey.
Awards and Achievements
- Selected to the QJHL First All-Star Team in 1952 and 1953.
- Calder Memorial Trophy winner in 1954 (best rookie).
- Selected to the AHL First All-Star Team in 1956.
- Calder Cup champion in 1956.
- Played in the NHL All-Star Game in 1958, 1963, and 1964.
- Selected to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 1958.
- Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner in 1958 (sportsmanship and skill).
- In the 2009 book 100 Ranger Greats, he was ranked No. 21 among the 901 New York Rangers players.
Images for kids
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Henry with the New York Rangers in 1954
