Dit Clapper
Aubrey Victor "Dit" Clapper (February 9, 1907 – January 21, 1978) was a Canadian Hall of Fame ice hockey player.
Born in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, he got the nickname "Dit" at an early age. As a member of the Boston Bruins, Clapper became the first player to play in the National Hockey League for twenty seasons. He was a great player both as a forward and defenseman, being named to All-Star squads at both right wing and on defense.
A lifelong member of the Bruins, in 1947 the team retired his number 5 sweater. The National Hockey League waived the customary five-year waiting period, and immediately inducted him into the Hockey Hall of Fame upon the night of his retirement. Until he was named as coach, he had served as team captain for longer than any NHL player would until Ray Bourque and Steve Yzerman.
Clapper coached the Bruins for two seasons as a player-coach and for two more seasons after his retirement.
He is mentioned in the hockey cult movie Slap Shot with Toe Blake as prime examples of old time hockey – the way hockey is supposed to be played. He is a shining symbol of his era.
| Preceded by: Art Ross | Head Coaches of the Boston Bruins 1945–1949 | Succeeded by: George Boucher |
Awards
- First All-Star Team Defense : (1939, 1940, 1941)
- Second All-Star Team Defense : (1944)
- Second All-Star Team Right Wing : (1931, 1935)
External link
Categories: 1907 births | 1978 deaths | Canadian ice hockey players | Boston Bruins players | Hockey Hall of Fame