Kenny Wharram facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kenny Wharram |
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| Born | July 2, 1933 Ferris, Ontario, Canada |
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| Died | January 10, 2017 (aged 83) North Bay, Ontario, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) | ||
| Weight | 155 lb (70 kg; 11 st 1 lb) | ||
| Position | Right Wing | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | NHL Chicago Black Hawks AHL Buffalo Bisons |
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| Playing career | 1951–1969 | ||
Ken Wharram (born July 2, 1933 – died January 10, 2017) was a super fast Canadian ice hockey player. He played as a right winger for 14 seasons in the NHL. He spent his entire NHL career with the Chicago Black Hawks, wearing jersey number 17. Ken was a big part of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 1961.
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Ken Wharram's Hockey Journey
Starting Out in Hockey
Ken Wharram began his hockey career in 1949 with his hometown team, the North Bay Black Hawks. The very next season, he moved to play for the Galt Black Hawks. He spent three seasons with the Galt team.
In 1951, Ken got a chance to play one game for the Chicago Black Hawks. This was the main team that the Galt Black Hawks were connected to. After that single game, he went back to play another season in Galt.
Playing in Different Leagues
In the 1953–54 season, Ken played 29 games for the Chicago Black Hawks. But he also spent time playing for the Quebec Aces in the Quebec Hockey League.
In 1954, he joined the Buffalo Bisons in the AHL. He played four great seasons there, learning a lot from his coach, Harry Watson. In 1955, he was even named to the AHL's Second All-Star Team. Ken finally returned to Chicago for good in 1958.
The Famous Scooter Line
Finding His Place in Chicago
When Ken first returned to the Chicago Black Hawks, it was tough for him to find a regular spot on the team. But everything changed when he started playing on a line with another amazing player, Stan Mikita.
Ken and Stan worked really well together. Ken was known for his incredible speed and great puck-handling skills. Because of this teamwork, Ken's scoring numbers shot up! He scored 20 or more goals for seven seasons in a row.
Forming the Scooter Line
The team needed a left winger to complete their new line. They found one in Ted Lindsay, a very experienced player who was nearing the end of his career. These three – Ted Lindsay, Stan Mikita, and Ken Wharram – formed the first "Scooter Line."
After Ted Lindsay retired, Ab McDonald took his place on the line. This version of the Scooter Line was playing together when the Black Hawks won the Stanley Cup in 1961. Later, after Ab McDonald was traded, Doug Mohns became the left winger for the Scooter Line.
A Sudden End to His Career
Health Challenges
On September 16, 1969, Ken Wharram was at the Black Hawks' training camp. He suddenly felt chest pains. He was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a heart condition called myocarditis. This is when the heart muscle becomes inflamed.
Ken's condition got worse, and he needed special training to help him stay awake. This process took several weeks. Luckily, Ken's life was no longer in danger. However, the stress of playing professional hockey would have been too much for his heart.
Retirement and Later Life
Because of his health, Ken officially retired from hockey in September 1970. He moved back to his hometown of North Bay and became a carpenter.
In 1980, Ken Wharram was honored for his achievements and inducted into the North Bay Hall of Fame. He passed away on January 10, 2017, at the age of 83.
