One Last Goodbye

Here is a report from John Ferguson's memorial service which was yesterday. Let's link to his career stats for posterity.

John's now playing on a line with Howie Morenz and The Rocket. Sounds pretty good to me.

John Ferguson, 1938-2007

Habs' great John Ferguson passed away Saturday at age 68 after a battle with cancer. Read The Living Legend of Hockey Journalism Red Fischer's obituary here.

Unfortunately none of the FHF were around to remember seeing him play. From all accounts, though, he was the type of player we would have loved. Gritty, rugged, fierce competitor, did whatever it took to win. They say he was an enforcer, but he could put the pick in the net too, with 145 goals in 500 career games and a high of 29 in 1968-69. So more Bob Probert than Tie Domi. An instrumental member of the forgotten dynasty of the 1960's Habs.

He was also a coach and executive for several teams. As assistant coach for Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series, he allegedly was the one who said "Kharlamov is killing us out there" leading Bobby Clarke to take action.

R.I.P., John. And we forgive you for donning that Leafs sweater when your son was named Leafs' GM.