Dit Clapper
First NHL player to play 20 seasons; one of two players named All-Star at both forward and defence.
Aubrey Victor "Dit" Clapper (February 9, 1907 – January 20, 1978) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played his entire professional career for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947.
- Role
- Defenseman / Captain
- Team
- Boston Bruins
- Jersey Number
- 5 (Retired)
- Career Span
- 1927–1947
- Stanley Cups
- 3
- Hall of Fame
- Inducted 1947
- Record
- First to play 20 seasons; one of two All-Stars at forward and defense
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Clapper was the first NHL player to play 20 seasons, one of only two to be an All-Star at both forward and defence (the other being Red Kelly). He played right wing on the powerful "Dynamite Line" with linemates Cooney Weiland and Dutch Gainor, contributing to several scoring records in the 1930s. Later in his career, he moved back to defence and was named a First Team NHL All-Star on defence in 1939, 1940 and 1941, becoming one of only two players in NHL history to be named to an All-Star Team at both forward and defence. He served as player-coach of the Bruins and held the coaching position after retiring as a player.
In Their Own Story
In the 1937 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Maroons, an unusual incident occurred. After high-sticking Dave Trottier twice in the head, referee Clarence Campbell called Clapper a profane name. Clapper responded by knocking Campbell to the ice with a single punch. While severe punishment was expected, Campbell pleaded for leniency, admitting he had provoked the Bruin; Clapper received only a $100 fine. Years later, on January 8, 1941, Clapper scored his 200th career goal at Maple Leaf Gardens. Demonstrating his well-known sportsmanship, he presented the stick used for the milestone to Maple Leafs assistant general manager Frank Selke as a token of admiration. In 1938, Ross moved him back to defense, where he formed a powerhouse pairing with Eddie Shore. This shift led to First Team All-Star selections in 1939, 1940, and 1941, making Clapper the first player ever named an All-Star at both forward and defense.
Reader's Guide
Clapper started his hockey career at age 13 in Oshawa, played junior with Toronto Parkdale in 1925, and turned professional with the Boston Tigers of the Canadian-American Hockey League. The Bruins bought his contract in 1927. Originally a defenceman, coach Art Ross moved him to right wing. He scored his first NHL goal ten seconds into his first shift. He was named team captain in 1932 and served until his retirement in 1947. He moved back to defence in 1938, paired with Eddie Shore. He retired for good on February 12, 1947, after a 10–1 win over the New York Rangers. His number #5 sweater was retired that day.
Did You Know?
- Clapper was the first NHL player to play 20 seasons.
- He scored his first NHL goal ten seconds into his first shift.
- He is one of only two players to be an All-Star at both forward and defence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dit Clapper?
Aubrey Victor 'Dit' Clapper was a Canadian hockey player who played his entire professional career for the Boston Bruins between 1927 and 1947. He is best remembered as a versatile captain who won three Stanley Cups with the franchise.
What positions did he play?
Clapper was primarily a defenseman but possessed such skill that he became the first player named to an All-Star Team at both forward and defense. This versatility allowed him to fill gaps wherever the team needed him most on the ice.
Why is his Hall of Fame induction special?
He made history in 1956 as the first living member ever inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame while still alive. This honor recognized his exceptional contributions before he passed away in 1978.
What longevity records did he hold?
Clapper was the first non-goaltender to play an NHL game at age forty and the first player to reach twenty seasons with one team. His career span set a new benchmark for durability in professional hockey.
Is his jersey number still retired?
Yes, the Bruins retired his number five jersey to honor his status as a club legend and long-serving captain. It remains one of the most iconic symbols associated with the franchise's early history.
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