Joe Turner

Joe Turner was a promising young goalie prior to World War II.

Born in Windsor Ontario, Turner was the top goalie in his junior days with the OHA and MOHL. In his first season of pro hockey, Turner shone with the Indianapolis Capitals of the AHL. He led all goalies that year with 34 wins and also had a minute 2.63 GAA.

On February 5, 1942, Turner got what proved to be his only shot at NHL action when Detroit's starting goalie Johnny Mowers became injured. In his only NHL game, Turner earned a 3-3 tie with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Turner, like a large number of hockey players, had to put his hockey career on hold in 1942 as he served in World War II. Sometime in January 1945, Turner, a Canadian, was killed in action while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in Holland.

The Joseph Turner Memorial Cup was created and annually awarded to the winners of the International Hockey League (IHL) championship.

Lest we forget Joe Turner.