Former Bruin Fred Stanfield Dies at 77

 

According to the Boston Bruins Alumni Association, Toronto native, and former Buffalo businessman Fred Stanfield has passed away at 77. 

Stanfield played 914 NHL games for the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins and Minnesota North Stars in a career that lasted from 1964-1978. He is most recognized for his years as a Bruin, where he would score 20 or more goals in all six seasons with the Black and Gold and win two Stanley Cups.

Very sad to learn that our good friend Fred Stanfield has passed away at age 77.

Fred was a big part of the B's Stanley Cup teams, centering a line with John Bucyk and Johnny McKenzie.

RIP 17 pic.twitter.com/p1DmK5jATV

— Boston Bruins Alumni (@NHLBruinsAlumni) September 14, 2021

He was acquired by the Bruins from the Blackhawks in 1967. The trade is referred to by many as one of the most famous in hockey history. Along with Stanfield, the Bruins acquired Phil Esposito and Ken Hodge in exchange for Gilles Marcotte, Pit Martin and Jack Norris. Following the trade, Boston went on to dominate the league in the early 1970s. 

https://t.co/ujlW7DkITx pic.twitter.com/Kd5uR3oVca

— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) September 14, 2021

Stanfield had his best year in the NHL with Boston during the 1971-72 campaign when he put up 79 points in 78 games centring a line between Johnny Bucyk and Johnny 'Pie' McKenzie. The year before, he also put up impressive numbers, registering 76 points in 75 games. 

During the '72 postseason, Stanfield added 16 more points helping the Bruins capture their fifth Stanley Cup. He would also finish fourth in voting for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy that season. Stanfield only once received more than 14 penalty minutes in any season during his professional career.

Stanfield was also an active member of the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association, organizing several alumni tournaments. He helped take the Sabres to the 1975 Stanley Cup final. After retiring, he opened a furniture store in Upstate New York.