Hockey Heroes of the Past: Camille Henry

Welcome to another blog article, where I will be featuring Hockey Heroes of the Past. For now, I will be focusing on player who played between 1900-1970. Why that time period? Well, it is important to remember these pioneer's, that paved the way for current NHL superstars. Without these legends, who knows where our game would be. So I find it is essential that these Hockey Heroes get the recognition they deserve. Today we look at Camille Henry.

Camille Henry

Born: January 31th, 1933

Birthplace: Quebec, QC

Died: September 11th, 1997 (64 years old)

Height: 5ft7

Weight: 152 lbs

Position:Left Wing

Teams: New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, St.Louis Blues

Nickname: "The Eel'

NHL Career Stats;

GP = 727

G = 279

A = 249

Pts = 528

PIM = 78

*Awards*

-Calder Memorial Trophy winner in 1954

-Played in 1958, 1963 and 1964 NHL All-Star Games

-Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner in 1958.

Camille Henry was one of the skinniest and lightest NHL players of his time. He was very slippery in his moves, which is where his nickname "The Eel" came from. Camille scored 20+ goals in 9 of his 15 years in the NHL. He also was one of the first players to perfect the art of the deflected shot.

Although he had individual success, he only ever made it to the Cup Finals once, and that was during the 1964-65 season with the Chicago Blackhawks. Once he retired, Camille fell upon hard times, enduring a personal tragedy. He had two broken marriages and battled alcoholism, diabetes and epilepsy as a poverty stricken loner.

Still it is baffling to see that he was never inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He was an integral part of a talented New York Rangers team of the 1950's and early 1960's. He was a fan favorite, and beloved my media. It is unfortunate the the HHOF has turned their attention away from this forgotten star.