Defender who played over 500 NHL games, winning two Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens. Known for his physical play and rugged defense.
Gaston Gingras is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who left an indelible mark on the sport. He is best known for winning the 1986 Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens, capping off a remarkable ten-season career in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Gingras was born on February 13, 1959, in Temiscaming, Quebec. Despite not starting to play hockey until the age of seven, he quickly made up for lost time. His mother, Alva, encouraged his passion for the sport, and he went on to play for the North Bay Trappers of the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League and the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
In 1978, Gingras joined the Hamilton Fincups of the OHL before making the leap to the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Birmingham Bulls in the 1978-1979 season. Alongside fellow underage players Michel Goulet, Rick Vaive, Craig Hartsburg, Rob Ramage, Pat Riggin, and Keith Crowder, Gingras caught the attention of NHL scouts.
In the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, the Montreal Canadiens selected Gingras in the second round (27th overall). Although not a first-round pick, Gingras was Montreal's first selection, ahead of notable players like Mats Näslund, Guy Carbonneau, and Rick Wamsley. After playing for the Nova Scotia Voyageurs of the American Hockey League, Gingras joined the Canadiens in the 1979-1980 NHL season.
Over four seasons, Gingras played alongside hockey legends Larry Robinson, Bob Gainey, Guy Lafleur, and Steve Shutt at the Montreal Forum. He was eventually traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1984, where he spent two seasons before retiring in 1989.
Gingras' most notable achievement is, of course, his 1986 Stanley Cup championship with the Montreal Canadiens. Throughout his career, he was known for his tenacious defensive play and strong skating ability. Although his NHL career spanned only ten seasons, Gingras left an indelible mark on the sport, earning respect from his peers and opponents alike.
After retiring from professional hockey, Gingras remained involved in the sport, participating in charity games and hockey camps. His legacy as a hard-nosed defenceman continues to inspire young players, and his contributions to the Montreal Canadiens' 1986 Stanley Cup championship are still celebrated by fans today.
Gaston Gingras may have hung up his skates decades ago, but his dedication to the sport and his remarkable career achievements continue to inspire generations of hockey players and fans alike.
75 Years Old
A legendary hockey player who won five Stanley Cup championships and was known for his speed, scoring ability, and charismatic personality. He is considered one of the greatest players in NHL history.
79 Years Old
A Hall of Fame goalie who won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, and later became a prominent politician and lawyer, known for his advocacy on social issues.
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.
78 Years Old
Defender who won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and was known for his smooth skating and puck-handling skills. He later coached in the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
80 Years Old
A legendary defenseman and eight-time Stanley Cup champion, known for his exceptional skating ability and dominant play on the blue line. He later became a successful executive, building a Cup-winning team as general manager.
81 Years Old
A Hall of Fame player and coach who won multiple Stanley Cups and is credited with popularizing the neutral-zone trap defensive strategy in hockey.
82 Years Old
Legendary right-winger who won 10 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, earning the nickname "Roadrunner" for his speed and scoring prowess.
72 Years Old
A Hall of Fame left winger who won five Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and is known for his defensive prowess, earning him the Frank J. Selke Trophy four times.
