Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Old School NHL- When Wings' Trainer "Lefty" Wilson Played Goal

03/04/2015 at 4:12pm EST

The obituary of Ross Ingram "Lefty" Wilson on November 9, 2002. Written by Richard Goldstein of the New York Times.

Wilson was the long-time trainer for the Detroit Red Wings,

Wilson, who served as a Red Wings trainer from 1950 to 1982, exchanged his stitching thread for a goaltender's stick on the rare occasions when a goalie was hurt and could not stay in a game.

In the 1950's, N.H.L. teams carried only one goaltender. An emergency backup -- often an amateur goalie -- was kept on hand to complete games when either team's goalie was sidelined.

Wilson, who had played in the minors briefly and served as a goalie in Red Wings practices, made his N.H.L. debut on Oct. 10, 1953. He replaced Wings goaltender Terry Sawchuk, a Hall of Famer, whose kneecap was slashed by one of Maurice Richard's skates in the third period at the Montreal Forum.

The Canadiens won, 4-1, but Wilson made two especially difficult saves. He entertained fans with his chatter and did not allow a goal in 16 minutes.

On Jan. 22, 1956, he substituted for ailing Harry Lumley of the Toronto Maple Leafs, another Hall of Famer, and played 13 minutes, again without permitting a goal. But he was on the losing side once more, this time a 4-1 Wings victory.

Wilson's longest stint came on Dec. 29, 1957, when he played for 52 minutes as a Bruin, replacing goalie Don Simmons, who separated a shoulder. Wilson allowed one goal in Boston's 2-2 tie with Detroit.

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