Gus Mortson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Angus Gerald "Gus" Mortson (Born January 24, 1925 in New Liskeard, Ontario) is a former NHL defenceman.

Contents

[edit] Junior career

Gus Mortson graduated from the St. Mike's Majors of the OHA in 1945 after 2 seasons. He turned pro the following year and joined the Tulsa Oilers of the USHL to serve the customary apprenticeship of the day.

[edit] The NHL

The following year, Maple Leafs GM Conn Smythe launched a rebuilding campaign on behalf of his club. He brought names like Howie Meeker, Gaye Stewart, Gus Bodnar, and Joe Klukay into the fold. He also elected to take a chance with a couple of young defenders, Jim Thompson and Mortson. The two caught on, Thompson the stay-at-home defender and Mortson the flashier, whirling rusher who had a nose for trouble and abrasive play. The two became known as "The Gold Dust Twins."

Over the six years that followed, the "Twins" served as a defensive foundation during a great run for the Leafs as they captured Stanley Cup victories in 1947, 1948, 1949, and 1951. In 1952, however, the Leafs were in need of a first-string goaltender. They managed to pry Harry Lumley away from the Black Hawks in exchange for Cal Gardner, Al Rollins and Mortson.

In the Windy City, Mortson continued his rough-house ways, lasting with the club for a total of six campaigns. By the close 1956–57 season, his villainy was confirmed as he led the league in penalty minutes for the fourth time in his career. In 1958, he was traded to his arch rivals, the Detroit Red Wings, where he concluded his NHL career at the end of the season.

[edit] The Minor Leagues

Afterwards, he embarked on a lengthy minor-league stint with stops in Buffalo, Chatham, and Oakville. He finally called it a day in 1966.

[edit] Awards & Achievements

Preceded by
Bill Gadsby		 Chicago Black Hawks captains
1954-57		 Succeeded by
Ed Litzenberger

[edit] External links