Bernie Geoffrion

Boom Boom Geoffrion: slapshot pioneer, six-time Stanley Cup champion, and Hall of Famer.

Joseph André Bernard Geoffrion (February 16, 1931 – March 11, 2006), nicknamed "Boom Boom" or "Boum Boum", was a Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach. Generally considered one of the innovators of the slapshot, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972 following a 16-year career with the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers of the National Hockey League. In 2017 Geoffrion was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in history.

Quick Facts

Position: Right wing
Played for: Montreal Canadiens; New York Rangers
Shoots: Right
Born: 16 February 1931
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died: 11 March 2006
Place of death: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Hall of Fame: 1972

Lore & Background

Geoffrion was born in Montreal, Quebec, and began playing in the NHL in 1951. He earned the nickname "Boom Boom" for his thundering slapshot from sportswriter Charlie Boire of the Montreal Star in the late 1940s while playing junior hockey for the Laval Nationale. He was the second player in NHL history to score 50 goals in one season, the first being teammate Maurice Richard. He helped the Canadiens to six Stanley Cup championships.

Geoffrion won the Art Ross Trophy in 1955 and 1961, and the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1961. He broke his nose six times and received over 400 stitches. In 1958, a training accident severely injured him and his life was saved by emergency surgery; he was on the ice six weeks later for the 1958 Stanley Cup Final. He first retired in 1964, returned to play for the New York Rangers, and finally retired as a player in 1968.

He coached the Rangers in 1968 but resigned after 43 games due to ulcers. In 1972 he became the first coach of the Atlanta Flames, leading them to their first playoff appearance in 1974, but resigned 52 games into his third season due to health problems. He coached the Montreal Canadiens in 1979 but stepped down mid-season due to a recurring stomach ailment. His number 5 was retired by the Canadiens on March 11, 2006.

Reader's Guide

Geoffrion's uniform number 5 was retired by the Montreal Canadiens on March 11, 2006. The banner was raised alongside the number 7 of Howie Morenz, Geoffrion's father-in-law. Geoffrion's grandson Blake Geoffrion wore number 57 with the Canadiens to honour both grandfathers.

Did You Know?

Geoffrion claimed to have invented the slapshot as a youngster.
His wife Marlene was the daughter of Hockey Hall of Famer Howie Morenz.
He appeared in television commercials for Miller Lite beer in the 1970s and 1980s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Bernie Geoffrion?

Bernard 'Boom Boom' Geoffrion was a legendary right winger for the Montreal Canadiens between 1950 and 1964. He is celebrated as one of the franchise's greatest icons and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.

What major scoring record did Geoffrion achieve?

Geoffrion became only the second player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a single season during the 1954-55 campaign. This achievement followed Maurice Richard's milestone and shattered scoring ceilings for that era.

What jersey number did he wear?

He donned the iconic number 5 jersey throughout his tenure with Montreal. The Canadiens officially retired this number in his honor on February 24, 1972.