from the HHOF,

One of the great characters ever to pull a sweater over his head was Lorne 'Gump' Worsley. He was also one of the finest goaltenders ever to play the game.

The Montreal, Quebec native was born May 14, 1929. Worsley played his first professional season in 1949-50 with the New York Rovers of the now-defunct Eastern Hockey League, and promptly led his team to a first place finish, winning a berth on the First All-Star Team in the process. In 1950-51, Gump moved to the New York Rangers' USHL affiliate, the St. Paul Saints. There, he collected a carload of awards — Rookie of the Year, Top Goaltender and selection to the First All-Star Team.

Still waiting for a chance at a spot in the NHL, Worsley played with the Pacific Coast Hockey League's Saskatoon Quakers in 1951-52, where he was named to the Second All-Star Team.

Although he started the 1952-53 season in Saskatoon, an injury to Rangers' regular Charlie Rayner earned Worsley a call and a spot between the pipes for the New York Rangers. The Rangers finished last that season, but Gump so impressed the NHL that he was chosen the Calder Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year.

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Watch the Legends of Hockey video on Worsley below...