Marcel Pronovost

Lore & Background

Pronovost was the third of 12 children and began skating at age three. He was discovered by Detroit Red Wings scout Marcel Côté while playing for College Immaculate Conception Superior School in Shawinigan Falls. He made his NHL debut on April 6, 1950, during the playoffs after Gordie Howe was injured, and won his first Stanley Cup that year. Pronovost was named an alternate captain of the Red Wings from 1956–57 until 1965 and was named to four post-season NHL All-Star teams. He was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 20, 1965, as part of an eight-player deal, and won a fifth Stanley Cup with them in 1967. The 53-year span between his first championship and his last is a Stanley Cup record.

Reader's Guide

Pronovost's career spanned over two decades, during which he established himself as a top defenceman. He played in 11 All-Star Games and was named to four post-season All-Star teams. His durability is reflected in 1,206 NHL games. After retiring as a player, he coached in the World Hockey Association for the Chicago Cougars and in the NHL for the Buffalo Sabres, and later worked as a scout for the New Jersey Devils, winning three more Stanley Cups. The 53-year gap between his first and last championship is a record. Pronovost was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978. His career illustrates the longevity and adaptability required to succeed at the highest levels of hockey.

Did You Know?

• Pronovost was the only player willing to pick up an octopus thrown onto the ice during the 1952 Stanley Cup clinching game, which spawned the Legend of the Octopus.
• He was honoured by the Montreal Canadiens with 'Marcel Pronovost Night' on March 5, 1960, reportedly the first time an NHL team honoured an opposing player.
• Pronovost is one of four players in NHL history to play in four game sevens in the Stanley Cup Final.
• He set a scoring record by a defenceman in the USHL and was named rookie of the year in 1949–50.