Bert Olmstead

Lore & Background

Olmstead began his NHL career with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1948, debuting on Christmas Day. After a trade to Detroit in December 1950, he was immediately traded again to Montreal without playing for the Red Wings. With Montreal, he had his best statistical years, leading the league in assists in 1954–55 with 48 and setting a league record with 56 assists the following season. He frequently played on Montreal's top line with Jean Beliveau and Bernie Geoffrion. In 1958, after doctors informed him he had no strength left in his knees, the Canadiens left him unprotected in the Intra-League Draft, and he was claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He served briefly as playing assistant coach for Toronto before resigning to focus on his play. He won his fifth Stanley Cup with Toronto in 1962, his last season.

Reader's Guide

Bert Olmstead's significance lies in his consistent presence in the Stanley Cup Final—appearing in 11 of his 14 NHL seasons—and his five championships, four with Montreal and one with Toronto. He set a league record for assists in a season with 56 in 1955–56, and tied an NHL record by scoring eight points in a game on January 9, 1954. Known as 'Dirty Bertie' for his physical playing style, he compensated for poor skating with hard hits and corner battles. After retiring, he coached the expansion Oakland Seals in 1967–68 but stepped aside after 64 games with only 11 wins. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985. His legacy includes being a power forward who contributed to dominant Montreal teams and a late-career championship with Toronto.

Did You Know?

• Olmstead led the NHL in assists in 1954–55 with 48 and set a league record with 56 assists the following season.
• He tied an NHL record on January 9, 1954, by scoring eight points (four goals, four assists) in a game against Chicago.
• He appeared in the Stanley Cup Final in 11 of his 14 NHL seasons, winning five times.
• After retiring, he coached the expansion Oakland Seals in 1967–68, stepping aside after 64 games with an 11-win record.