A Hall of Fame defenseman and coach who won six Stanley Cups with the Boston Bruins, known for his impressive playing career and innovative coaching style.
Dit Clapper, also known as Aubrey Victor Dit Clapper, was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who made history by becoming the first NHL player to play 20 seasons. He is also one of only two players to be an All-Star at both forward and defense positions, earning him a permanent place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Born on February 9, 1907, in Hastings, Ontario, Clapper was raised in a hockey-loving family. His father, Bill Clapper, instilled in him a passion for the sport, and Dit started playing minor hockey at the tender age of 13 in Oshawa. He later joined the junior league Toronto Parkdale club of the Ontario Hockey Association in 1925, scoring a goal in the team's Memorial Cup run that season.
In 1927, the Boston Bruins bought Clapper's contract from the Boston Tigers of the Canadian-American Hockey League. Bruins coach Art Ross decided to try Clapper at right wing, and the experiment stuck. He scored his first NHL goal just ten seconds into his first shift in the season opener against the Chicago Black Hawks.
The following season, Ross teamed Clapper up with Cooney Weiland and Dutch Gainor to form the renowned Dynamite Line, one of the first named forward lines in history. The Bruins won the American Division that season and went on to their first Stanley Cup championship.
Clapper's impressive career was marked by numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947, becoming the first Honoured Member to be living at the time of his induction. He also won the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1929 as the league's most valuable player.
Towards the end of his playing career, Clapper was named player-coach of the Bruins, a position he held after his retirement as a player. He coached the team for several seasons, shaping the careers of young players and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Today, Dit Clapper is remembered as a hockey pioneer, a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of players. His legacy extends beyond his impressive playing career to his contributions as a coach and mentor, ensuring that his impact on the sport will be felt for generations to come.
Clapper passed away on January 20, 1978, but his legacy lives on. He was married to his wife, Edith, for over 40 years and had three children together.
In conclusion, Dit Clapper's remarkable career, awards, and honors make him one of the most iconic figures in hockey history. His pioneering spirit, on-ice achievements, and lasting impact on the sport have cemented his place as a true hockey legend.
84 Years Old
A legendary Hall of Famer who dominated the NHL as a prolific goal-scorer and later became a successful coach and executive, known for his iconic mustache and charismatic personality.
65 Years Old
The greatest hockey player of all time, holding numerous records, including most career goals and assists, and leading his team to four Stanley Cup championships. A legendary athlete and iconic figure in the sport.
98 Years Old
Legendary hockey player known for his incredible on-ice longevity, playing professionally until age 52, and scoring over 800 goals in his career.
60 Years Old
A legendary hockey player who won two Stanley Cups and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, known for his incredible on-ice skills and overcoming health issues to dominate the sport.
65 Years Old
A legendary defenseman who won five Norris Trophies and holds the record for most goals, assists, and points by a defenseman in NHL history. He's a Boston Bruins icon and one of the greatest players of all time.
65 Years Old
A Hall of Fame defenseman who holds the record for most goals, assists, and points by a defenseman in NHL history, known for his incredible speed and scoring ability.
75 Years Old
A legendary defenseman and coach who won two Stanley Cups as a player and another as a coach, earning him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
56 Years Old
A highly decorated and skilled defenseman who won four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and is considered one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history. He's a seven-time Norris Trophy winner and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.
