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Ebbie Goodfellow
Ebenezer Goodfellow had one of hockey's all time greatest names, and one of the greatest careers in hockey history as well.
Born in Ottawa, Ontario in 1907, Ebbie joined the Detroit Cougars (later renamed Falcons and finally Red Wings) in 1929 and stayed with Detroit for 15 seasons. Originally property of the New York Americans, Detroit traded Johnny Sheppard and $12,500 to get the high scoring 6'0" 175lb scoring machine. In an era before Gordie Howe, Goodfellow was considered to be Detroit's most illustrious hockey performer during the 1930s.
Originally a center, he became one of the league's top scorers. He scored a career high 25 goals and 48 points in 44 games in 1930-31. Although he was a high scoring forward, in 1935-36 he was shifted to defense by coach Jack Adams after he began to lose a little speed. The gamble paid off for Adams as Goodfellow became one of the best defensemen in the league and remained a consistent scorer as well. He captained the Wings to the Stanley Cup in 1936 and 1937, when he was named an all-star defenseman in 1937 and 1940. He also becam e the first Detroit player to win the Hart Trophy, as in 1940 he was honored as the league's most valuable player.
Playing hockey back then didn't make the players rich. Goodfellow kept his day job as a tool and die salesman and was a playing coach for the Wings in 1941 and '42. In retirement he would work as a caddie master at prestigious Oakland Hills Country Club in Detroit.
He played a few games in 1943, ending his hockey career as a Wing. With 324 points in 556 regular games he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963. He died in 1985 at age 78.
14 comments:
Why is his number not retired?
Why is his number not retired?
Why is his number not retired?
Why is his number not retired?
Can we please retire his NUMBER?
His number needs to be retired!!
He wore number 5 which will be retired when Lidstrom hangs them up Goodfellow will fall into somewhat obscurity.
Its sad its not retired. He was one of the first GREAT Redwings. He is already in obscurity because it hasnt been retired already. If anything, maybe his success will get more notice once the number is retired. Lidstrom has to know about this. I hope theres some sort of recognition.
Born in 1906, not '07.
It's a shame he doesn't get more respect from the Red Wings organization. He played in a different era, but was one of the first stars of the team. He deserves to be honored. The game has changed a lot since the early years, but he was there at the beginning and is part of history forever.
I have to differ with you. I feel he has always recieved respect. If you go to the Hockey Hall of Fame he is on the wall and on the cup. You have to remember he played in the 30's and 40's. He was one of the greatest of his era. He is also on the NHL Detroit Red Wings site with lots of pics and info for being a legend. What more can we ask. They will retire his number to Lidstrom and I am sure my Grandfather would understand.
I'm one of his nieces, I would "really" like to know how you can be put in the Hall Of Fame and not have his number retired? Sad to not see his flag fly with the rest of them in Joe Louis, maybe one day they will allow him what he has always deserved!! Me and my family has always talked about buying Red Wing shirts, putting his name and number on our backs and displaying him at Joe Louis, "Ebbie Goodfellow"!!
He is also on the Stanley Cup back to back winning series playing on Red Wings in 53-54 or 54-55. After he retired he went on to being a coach for the Blackhawks, and your so very right!! He is in the Hall Of Fame!! I'm so proud to go to Detroit and see his name on the hockey corner wall of our Detroit Red Wings!!
Probably left detroit to play and Jack Adams had him blckballed
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