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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