Johnny Bucyk

Johnny Bucyk: Hall of Fame left winger, longtime Boston Bruin, and two-time Lady Byng winner.

John Paul "Chief" Bucyk (born May 12, 1935) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. A left winger, he played most of his career with the Boston Bruins, he has been associated in one capacity or another with the Bruins' organization since the late 1950s. Bucyk was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in 2017.

Quick Facts

Hall of Fame: 1981
Born: 12 May 1935
Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Played for: Detroit Red Wings; Boston Bruins

Lore & Background

Bucyk was considered a skilled left winger and the largest of his day. While he never was regarded as the best at his position (being a contemporary of superstars Bobby Hull and Frank Mahovlich), he had a long and notable career, and retired as the fourth leading point scorer of all time and having played the third-most games in history, and recorded sixteen seasons of scoring twenty goals or more. Despite his reputation for devastating hip checks, he was a notably clean player who won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship in 1971 and 1974. Bucyk was the senior alternate captain of the Bruins when they won Stanley Cups in 1970 and 1972. Following his retirement Bucyk has remained a member of the Bruins serving many different roles such as commentator, director and now currently works as an ambassador for the team.

Reader's Guide

Bucyk was born in Edmonton to Sam and Pearl Bucyk, Ukrainian immigrants. He played junior hockey for the Edmonton Oil Kings, then signed with the Detroit Red Wings in 1955. He was traded to the Boston Bruins in 1958. He played on the 'Uke Line' with Vic Stasiuk and Bronco Horvath. He was named Bruins captain in the 1966-67 season. He won the Lady Byng Trophy in 1971 and 1974. He won Stanley Cups with Boston in 1970 and 1972.

Did You Know?

Bucyk's first NHL game was in the 1955 All-Star Game, played in October between the defending Cup champion Red Wings and an all-star team from the rest of the league.
He scored his first NHL goal against Gump Worsley on December 11, 1955.
He was nicknamed 'Chief' by teammate Bronco Horvath, purportedly out of admiration for how Bucyk used his stick like a tomahawk to fight for pucks along the boards.