Terry O'Reilly

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

O'Reilly was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario to his parents Audrey and Jim O'Reilly. His family comes from Irish ancestry. He grew up in Oshawa, Ontario and started playing hockey at a very young age. He originally started out as a goaltender until he was 13. As a junior, he had problems initially sticking with the Oshawa Generals. He even turned down a scholarship offer from St. Louis University in order to continue playing for the Generals. Throughout his career, O'Reilly continued his education part time at the University of Toronto, the University of Ottawa and Boston University. He played three years of junior hockey with the Oshawa Generals from 1968 to 1971. He was picked by the Boston Bruins in the first round as the 14th pick overall in the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft. After being drafted he played with the Bruins affiliate the Boston Braves during the 1971–72 season. He made his NHL debut in the Bruins' final game of the 1971–72 regular season on April 2, 1972. He scored his first NHL goal in Boston's 6–4 victory over Toronto at Boston Garden. In 1976-77 O'Reilly discovered chemistry with center Peter McNab. The line, often featuring Al Secord on left wing, became a serious offensive threat. He was promoted to the Bruins captain ahead of the 1983–84 season. O'Reilly retired at the end of the 1984-85 season to coach and spend more time with his family.

In Their Own Story

On December 23, 1979, at Madison Square Garden, an infamous incident occurred when a New York Rangers fan struck teammate Stan Jonathan with a rolled-up program, stole his stick, and wielded it like a weapon. O'Reilly immediately scaled the glass and charged into the stands to track down the fan. Teammates Peter McNab and Mike Milbury followed as other fans tried to intervene. O'Reilly was suspended eight games for the brawl. He later explained his actions by stating, "There was no way he was going to strike one of my teammates and steal his stick, wield it like a weapon and then disappear into the crowd and go to a local bar with a souvenir and a great story." This moment epitomized his fierce loyalty and protective nature on the ice.

Reader's Guide

O'Reilly played in three Stanley Cup Finals: 1974 (lost to Philadelphia Flyers 4-2), 1977 (swept by Montreal), and 1978 (lost to Montreal 4-2). He was invited to the NHL All-Star Game twice (1974-75 and 1977-78). He received the Bruins Eddie Shore award for hustle/determination in two seasons (1974-75 and 1975-76). He became only the third player in Boston Bruins history to lead the team in both points and penalty minutes (1977-78). He was suspended the first 10 games of the 1982-83 season for accidentally punching referee Andy Van Hellemond during a fight with Dale Hunter in Game 7 of the previous year's Adams Division Final series.

Did You Know?

• O'Reilly originally started out as a goaltender until he was 13.
• He turned down a scholarship offer from St. Louis University to continue playing for the Oshawa Generals.
• He scored his first NHL hat trick on November 10, 1977, vs. Los Angeles.
• In the 1977-78 season, he became only the third player in Bruins history to lead the team in both points and penalty minutes.
• During a game vs. Minnesota in 1984-85, O'Reilly dislocated his shoulder and finished the game with his arm in a sling.