Steve Black

Stephen Black was a husky left wing came out of the Thunder Bay Junior Hockey League where he had played for the Port Arthur Bearcats between 1943-46.

In 1946-47 Stephen played exceptionally well in the Pacific Coast Hockey League where he picked up 79 points (including 43 goals) in only 60 games for the Oakland Oaks. His fine season caught the eyes of some prominent pro scouts.

Between 1947-49 Stephen played for the strong minor league club St.Louis Flyers (AHL) that was trained by future Hall of Famer Ebbie Goodfellow. Under Ebbie's tutelage Stephen became a great all-around player and had 71 points (24 goals and 47 points) in 62 games for the Flyers in 1948-49.

His great play earned him a spot in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings. During the first half of the 49-50 season Stephen filled in as a utility forward for an injured Pete Babando. He went on to win a regular spot on the team and played the entire season with the Wings, winning the Stanley Cup. Stephen was traded to Chicago on December 2,1950 with Lee Fogolin for Bert Olmstead and Vic Stasiuk. In Chicago he was reunited with his old AHL coach Ebbie Goodfellow who wanted him in Chicago.

He only played a half season in the windy city before heading back to the minors again. Stephen finished his career with the St.Louis Flyers (AHL) and Calgary Stampeders (WHL) and retired after the 1953-54 season.

His career wasn't spectacular but he won the Cup and made it to the NHL in the tough six team era.

Black returned to Ontario following his hockey career. From 1955 through 1985 he worked with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. He died in Thunder Bay in 2008.