Beloved Former Boston Bruins goalie John Henderson has passed away

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TJ Tucker
October 9, 2024 (2:19 PM)

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John Henderson, a former goaltender with the Boston Bruins whose long road to the NHL has inspired many, has passed away at the age of 91

The hockey world is in mourning following the passing of a beloved former Boston Bruins goaltender. John Henderson, who road to the NHL was long and arduous, has died at the age of 91.

At 91 years of age, John Henderson was the Boston Bruins oldest living goaltender up until his death.

"...he was the NHL's second-oldest goalie, second only to Hall of Fame legend Glenn Hall, who turned 93 on Oct. 3."

"Long John" Henderson, as he was affectionately known because of his six-foot-five stature. was a native of Toronto, Ontario. Henderson got his chance in the NHL playing 46 games with the Boston Bruins from 1954 to 1956. Henderson was supposed to play with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but a spat with then GM Hap Day led to him getting traded to the Bruins. Henderson was told to play a standup style of goaltending with the Leafs, but said his height didn't allow him to do it. He was told to use a knob of tape halfway down his stick that would remind him to stand up straight when his blocker hand hit it. After a few minutes, Henderson went to the dressing room and cut the tape off.

"Hap Day realized what I'd done, called me over to the boards and asked who'd given me permission to cut the tape off. I told him, �I did. I tried it your way, I can't adjust to it. I have to crouch. You liked me enough to bring me here, why change me?'

"Hap said, �Well, that's not the way we do things around here,' and he walked away. I thought, �Well, that's the end of that.' But a couple days later, I was traded to the Bruins."

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of John Henderson. He will be sorely missed in the hockey community.