gold star for USAHOF

Harry Lumley had already made history, when in 1944, at the age of 17, he became the youngest (and still is), Goalie to play in the NHL when he suited up for the Rangers.  Later, he won a Stanley Cup with Detroit, though was traded to Chicago in favor of Terry Sawchuk.  A few years later, Lumley was dealt again, this time to Toronto, where he had his best period in terms of individual performance.

The Leafs at this stage were not world-beaters, but Lumley was their bright spot.  He won the Vezina in 1953-54, where he also was named a First Team All-Star.  For the first time in his career, Lumley led the NHL in GAA (1.86) and was fifth in Hart voting.  He was as good the year after, again winning the GAA Title (1.91) and again earned First Team All-Star honors.  Lumley was also the runner-up for the Hart Trophy. 

After another season in Toronto, Lumley was traded back to Chicago, where he refused to report.  He was eventually traded to Boston, where he would finish his career.

Lumley was chosen for the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1980.

Harry Lumley was signed by the Detroit Red Wings, but in a rare turn of events, the Goalie's first start was with the New York Rangers, when he was loaned there for a single game.  He was only 17 at the time.  “Apple Cheeks” would play in only two other NHL Games that year (1943-44), but that would be with Detroit.

Harry Lumley

There are a lot of interesting facts about Harry Lumley’s NHL career. He played for five of the Original Six teams (albeit only for one game for the Rangers), and debuted at the age of seventeen. He had an up and down career and won only one more game than he lost. He had the most wins in a season twice, but three times was also led the NHL in losses. He played for great teams and terrible teams, and do you get the feeling that we are telling “A Tale of Two Cities”?