Dreakmur
Registered User
Bob Goldham !!!
Awards and Achievements:
5 x Stanley Cup Champion (1942, 1947, 1952, 1954, 1955)
2nd Team All-Star (1955)
6 x NHL All-Star (1947, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955)
Norris voting – 4th(1955), 5th(1954), 9th(1956)
All-Star voting – 3rd(1955), 5th(1954), 7th(1946), 8th(1956)
Offensive Accomplishments:
Points among Defensemen – 2nd(1946), 5th(1951), 8th(1956), 11th(1955), 12th(1952), 14th(1953), 15th(1949), 15th(1954), 16th(1942), 18th(1950)
Play-off Points among Defensemen – 3rd(1942), 4th(1956), 5th(1955), 6th(1951*), 6th(1954), 8th(1952*), 8th(1953)
Scoring Percentages:
Points – 84(1946), 64(1951), 50(1948), 48(1949), 41(1953), 40(1952)
Best 6 Seasons: 327
The Trail of the Stanley Cup said:Although he played with Babe Pratt, a rushing type of defenseman, he developed more as a defender but could move when an opening developed.
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Early on, Goldham perfected the technique of dropping to block shots on goal, a hazardous but effective method of protecting the goalkeeper.
Detroit Red Wings: Greatest Moments and Players said:A case could be made for Bob Goldham as the most underrated defenseman in the annals of the National Hockey League.
Overshdowed by flashier types, Goldham was nevertheless a winner wherever he played. There’s n better proof than the fact that he played on four Stanley Cup-winning teams, one the Toronto Maple Leafs and three the Detroit Red Wings.
Tall and powerful, Goldham was a deceptive type of player. He was faster than he appeared and considerably tougher than his outwardly passive nature suggested.
One could argue that the Georgetown, Ontario native was the quintessential defenseman, doing his job with a minimum of fuss and fanfare.
But there was one aspect of Goldham’s technique that lifted him above the masses. Few – if any – backliners were as adept as puck blocking on a consistently effective basis.
Employing exquisite timing, Bob would dauntlessly throw his body in front of dangerous shots and invariably smother the runner or deflect it out of harm’s way.
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Many students of the game believe Goldham should have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame along with such teammates as Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay and Red Kelly. They cite his overall defensive effectiveness and the fact that the Red Wings in three Stanley Cups with him as balance-wheel defenseman.
Heroes: Stars of Hokcey's Golden Era said:Originally a rushing defenseman, Goldham changed his style when he joined the Red Wings and their other rushing defenseman, Red Kelly. Aware of Kelly's great abilities, he chose to stay at home.Hockey’ Glory Days said:Though he could rush the puck when the opportunity presented itself, Goldham as best known as a defensive defenseman and skilled shotblockeer.
Who’s Who in Hockey said:In time, Goldha, matured into an effective defenseman who was especially good at dropping to the ice to block enemy shots.
Detroit’s Olympia Stadium said:The all-star defenseman as known as a great shot-blocker.
Legends of Hockey said:Defenceman Bob Goldham played 650 NHL games for three different clubs in the 40s and 50s. He was known for playing the man well in his own zone and contributing the occasional burst of offense.
Greatest Hockey Legends said:But who was hockey's first shot blocking expert? Defenseman Bob Goldham, a tough defensive defenseman from 1941 through 1956 with Toronto, Chicago and Detroit.
In the early 1940s the Maple Leafs coach Hap Day tried to convince all of his players the art of shot blocking. None of them were willing to sacrifice their bodies by dropping in front of a frozen rubber bullet. None except for Goldham.
Goldham would drop to one knee and keep his hands besides his body, taking up as much room as possible. If the puck didn't just hit him, he'd swat at the puck with his gloves.
Halton Hill Sports Museum said:Bob Goldham was an All-Star defenceman in the National Hockey League for many seasons, although his teammates referred to him as “the second goalie†because of the local native’s fearless shot-blocking.
Jack Adams said:Bob was like a rock on our blueline. It was no coincidence that we were a first-place team with him in the lineup.
Red Kelly said:Goldham was about as good as anyone at blocking shots. Bob may not have invented the puck-blocking technique, but he certainly took it to a new and more effective level.
Ted Lindsay said:He is the greatest competitor in hockey.
King Clancy said:He as a great, great player ad he as the only player on the Detroit club that never game me any trouble. When I was a referee that is. He was a classy guy.
Max McNab said:He used to get down on his knees and look the puck in the eye. He's the first totally fearless guy that I ever saw.
Ultimate Hockey’s “Best Shot-Blocker†of the 1950s
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