|
 
Club 1974:
Cleveland Crusaders
|
|
|
Gerry Cheevers
# 30, Team CANADA 1974
Club: Cleveland Crusaders
Position: G Shoots:
Left
Height: 5-11 Weight: 180
Born: 9/2/1940 in St. Catharines, Ontario
When people discuss the great goalies of the 1960's and 1970 the name Gerry Cheevers is always mentioned. Gerry had a superb junior career with the St. Michaels Majors playing under the legendary coach, Father David Bauer. A product of the Maple Leafs he became a Boston Bruin when Toronto coach Punch Imlach made the disastrous decision to leave Cheevers unprotected in the waiver draft in order to protect veterans Johnny Bower and Terry Sawchuk.
Cheevers joined the Bruins roster on a full-time basis in the 1966-67 season. He quickly developed the reputation of being a player who refused to try during practices, and didn't especially concern himself with the regular season. But come playoff time Gerry raised his game to a whole new level. Gerry backstopped the Bruins to Stanley Cup championships in 1969-70, and 1971-72, and became known as the greatest playoff or "clutch" goalie in the game. He was named to
Team Canada 72, but like Bobby Hull, and J.C. Tremblay was dropped from the roster when he signed a contract with the WHA Cleveland Crusaders. Gerry was the new leagues' finest goalie from day one. Midway through the 1975-76 season he returned to the Boston Bruins as the Crusaders had developed severe financial difficulties. Back in Boston Gerry lead the Bruins in the Stanley Cup finals in 1976-77, and 1977-78. He retired at the end of the 1979-80 season.
When Team Canada 74 was formed everyone knew that any success the team would have depended on Gerry Cheevers. Gerry did not disappoint. Gerry played 7 of the 8 games and his played ranged from good to simply spectacular. Time and time again the brilliant Soviets attackers would roar into the Canadian zone only to be foiled by Cheevers' unbelievable goaltending. By the time Summit 74 ended the Soviets would call Gerry Cheevers the greatest goalie they had ever faced.
|
|
Career Statistics
| Competitions |
GP |
G |
A |
PTS |
PIM |
| NHL Reg. Season |
418 |
0 |
11 |
11 |
214 |
| NHL Playoffs |
76 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
37 |
| WHA Reg. Season |
191 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
134 |
| WHA Playoffs |
19 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
CAREER HIGHLIGTS:
- Played in the professional hockey leagues: 1966-80
- Pro hockey clubs:
NHL: Boston, Toronto; WHA: Cleveland
- Stanley Cups (2): 1970, 1972
- WHA awards:
Ben Hatskin Trophy (Best Goaltender) 1973
WHA All Star (1st Team) 1973
WHA All Star (2nt Team) 1974, 1975
- Hockey Hall of Fame: 1985
PERFORMANCE IN THE 1974 SUMMIT
Statistics
| GP |
Goals |
Assists |
Points |
PIM |
| 7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
