Jim Neilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jim Neilson |
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| Born | November 28, 1940 Big River, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Died | November 6, 2020 (aged 79) Big River, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) | ||
| Position | Defense | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | New York Rangers California Golden Seals Cleveland Barons Edmonton Oilers |
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| Playing career | 1962–1979 | ||
James Anthony "Chief" Neilson (born November 28, 1940 – died November 6, 2020) was a professional ice hockey player from Canada. He was a defenceman, which is a player who helps protect the team's goal. He played for many years in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Neilson was born in Big River, Saskatchewan. He played a lot of games in the NHL, scoring 69 goals and making 299 assists. He played in the NHL from the 1962–63 season until the 1977–78 season. He also played one season in the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1978–79.
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Who Was Jim Neilson?
James "Jim" Neilson was a famous ice hockey player. People often called him "Chief." He was known for being a strong and reliable defenceman. He spent most of his career playing for the New York Rangers.
Early Life and Hockey Beginnings
Jim Neilson was born in a place called Big River, Saskatchewan, in Canada. Like many Canadian kids, he grew up loving hockey. He started playing in junior leagues, which are for younger players.
- He played for the Prince Albert Mintos in the SJHL (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League) from 1958 to 1961.
- He then moved to the Kitchener Beavers in the EPHL (Eastern Professional Hockey League) for the 1961–62 season.
These early years helped him get ready for playing in the big leagues.
Playing in the National Hockey League (NHL)
Jim Neilson joined the NHL in the 1962–63 season. He played for the New York Rangers for many years. He was a very important player for them.
- He played 1,023 games in the NHL.
- He scored 69 goals and had 299 assists, which means he helped his teammates score many times.
- Neilson was known for his tough play and his ability to stop opposing players.
After playing for the Rangers, he also played for the California Golden Seals and the Cleveland Barons.
Later Career and Retirement
After his time in the NHL, Jim Neilson played one season in another league called the WHA. He played for the Edmonton Oilers in the 1978–79 season. He retired from professional hockey after that season.
Jim Neilson passed away on November 6, 2020. He is remembered as a great player and a true professional in the world of hockey.
Images for kids
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Jim Neilson in his New York Rangers uniform.
