My favourite Gump story is, when asked by a reporter which team gave him the most trouble, he answered, "The Rangers" , he was playing for New York at the time!
If ever there was a guy who looked like a hockey player, with a name that sounded like a hockey player's name, it was Gump Worsley. I don't care during what era the guy played, anyone who played goalie without a mask, and compiled the stats he did, has some really big balls.
and compiled the stats he did This is another example where wins by a goalie (or a pitcher) isn't really a good indicator of skill. He retired with a record of 335 wins, 352 losses and 150 ties, with 43 shutouts, and a goals against average of 2.91.
335 wins, 352 losses and 150 ties Anyone who can stand in goal for that many games, period, is a star in my book. I was mainly impressed by the goals against average compiled over that many decisions.
My father was a big fan. Apparently, when my older sister was still in vitro, he tried to convince my mom that regardless of gender they should name the child "Gump". To Stacie's eternal benefit, my mother was not amused or agreeable.
I seem to remember some program notes about Worsley in a Bruins vs Rangers program from the 60s. The gist of it was that he was an avid soccer player in the off season, but played forward, not in goal. Gump Worsley was one who made hockey fun to watch.
