News Article: Chasing Howie Morenz legacy in Montreal (New York Times)

[Team_Spirit]

STRATFORD, Ontario — Howie Morenz wept when he finally agreed to join the Montreal Canadiens in 1923, abandoning his family and a budding career as a railway machinist in Stratford to become the world’s greatest hockey player.

That’s the story: He didn’t want to go, refusing to believe he was good enough for the N.H.L. Within the year, he won his first Stanley Cup. He was already what an admiring rival called “that near-perfect human hockey machine.”

For 14 years his legend grew. Then, shockingly, 80 years ago this spring, he died at the age of 34, about six weeks after breaking his leg in a game. His friends said Morenz’s heart shattered when he realized his career was over.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/17/...nz-stratford.html?smid=tw-nytsports&smtyp=cur

***It's New York Times obviously can a mod edit the title? thanks.

Click to read more...

 

[Chili]

Somewhere there is a picture of a packed Forum for that ceremony, it was a real big deal for the 'Babe Ruth' of hockey.

The Habs had at least three tragedies in their early days Bad Joe Hall, Georges 'Chicoutimi Cucumber' Vezina and Morenz. (all three Hall of famers too).

I'm interested to see what league publications are published this year for the anniversary with some of the stories over the years.

edit: Great read, btw, thanks for posting

 

[MXD]

^ Head-Coach Babe Seibert, too.

 

[Chili]

^ Head-Coach Babe Seibert, too.

I remembered the story, even reread it not too long ago but forgot his name.

Thanks.

 

[habaholic]

This story always saddens me! Great read, thanks!