Johnny Peirson

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Johnny Frederick Peirson (born 21 July 1925 in Winnipeg, Manitoba) is a retired National Hockey League player who played right wing for the Boston Bruins.

After serving in World War II, in 1945-46, Johnny Peirson was a player at McGill University when he received an offer to join the top farm club of the Bruins, the Hershey Bears. Figuring on earning a few extra dollars to help with school, he accepted the offer. But a gambling scandal at the NHL level displaced a number of players, thus opening the door for Peirson to join the Bruins for an annual salary of $4,500.

Paired with linemates Paul Ronty and Kenny Smith at the start of the 1948-1949 season, Peirson quickly evolved into a useful player who could backcheck, strive for team-oriented goals and harvest his share of points. He was second to Ronty in team scoring his first two full seasons, and tied with Milt Schmidt for the lead in 1952. He cracked the 20-goal barrier four times during his eleven years as a Bruin.

In 1954-55, he retired but then elected to return midway through the next year to play three more seasons, until his legs gave way in the 1957-1958 season and his production sharply declined. To remain in pro hockey, he would have had to move to the minors and take his family along for the ride, something he was loathe to do, and thereafter retired for good.

In retirement, Peirson became for over twenty years the longtime color commentator on the Bruins' television broadcasts with partner Fred Cusick.

Pearson finished his NHL career with 153 goals and 173 assists for 326 points in 545 games, and played in the NHL All-Star Game in 1950 and 1951.