Jim Henry (ice hockey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jim Henry |
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| Born | October 23, 1920 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
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| Died | January 21, 2004 (aged 83) | ||
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) | ||
| Weight | 165 lb (75 kg; 11 st 11 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Caught | Left | ||
| Played for | Boston Bruins Chicago Black Hawks New York Rangers |
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| Playing career | 1941–1960 | ||
Samuel James "Sugar Jim" Henry (born October 23, 1920 – died January 21, 2004) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He was a goaltender, which is like a goalie in soccer. Jim Henry played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Rangers, Chicago Black Hawks, and Boston Bruins. He played from 1941 to 1955.
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Jim Henry's Early Life and Nickname
Jim Henry was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on October 23, 1920. His mother's name was Essie Henry. When he was a baby, his neighbors would dip his pacifier in sugar. This is how he got his famous nickname, "Sugar" Jim.
Playing Junior Hockey
In the 1930s, Jim played for the Brandon Elks. This team was part of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. He helped them win the Turnbull Cup. After that, Jim joined the Regina Rangers. They played in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He led them to win the 1941 Allan Cup. During this big tournament, Frank Boucher noticed Jim. Frank Boucher was an important person for the New York Rangers team.
Jim Henry's NHL Career
After winning the 1941 Allan Cup, Jim Henry started his career in the NHL. He joined the New York Rangers. In his first NHL season, he helped the Rangers finish in first place. However, they lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1942 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Setting Records and Serving in the War
Even though they lost, Jim had a great first season. He won 29 games, which was the most for any goaltender that year. This also set a new record for the Rangers team. After his first season, World War II began. Jim joined the army and played for military hockey teams. He played for the Ottawa Commandos and the Red Deer Army. In 1942, while with the Commandos, Jim helped them win another Allan Cup. He was even voted the most valuable player for the Red Deer A-16 Army team. In 1945, Jim left the army and returned to the NHL.
Returning to the NHL
When the 1945–46 NHL season started, Jim shared goaltending duties with Chuck Rayner. But soon, Chuck became the main goalie. Jim was sent to play for the New Haven Ramblers in the American Hockey League (AHL) in January 1946. For several years, Jim played sometimes in the NHL and sometimes in the AHL.
During the 1947–48 season, Jim became the Rangers' main goalie again. This happened after Chuck Rayner got a serious injury to his cheekbone. In his first 25 games back, Jim won 12 games, lost 7, and tied 6.
Iconic Photo and Hall of Fame
In the 1952 playoffs, Jim Henry had a shutout game against Montreal. A shutout means the other team doesn't score any goals. After a tough Game 7 in that series, Jim was photographed shaking hands with Maurice Richard. Jim had a black eye, and Maurice Richard was bandaged. This picture is considered one of the most famous NHL photos ever.
In 2004, Jim Henry was honored. He was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.
Awards and Achievements
Jim Henry earned many awards during his hockey career:
- Turnbull Cup MJHL Championship (1939)
- Allan Cup Championships (1941 & 1943)
- USHL First All-Star Team (1950)
- Charles Gardiner Memorial Trophy Winner (Top Goaltender USHL) (1950)
- NHL Second All-Star Team (1952)
- Played in NHL All-Star Game (1952)
- Honoured Member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame
