Hockey Hall of Famer Bert Olmstead, 89, Dies

Bert Olmstead, 89, passed away on Monday. He is a Hockey Hall of Famer, five time Stanley Cup champion, and once co-owned the record for most points in a single game.

Olmstead won the Cup four times as a member of the Montreal Canadiens and once with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was a runner-up for the Calder Trophy in 1950-51 for the Chicago Blackhawks.

NHL commisioner Gary Bettman released the following statement on Olmstead’s passing:

“The National Hockey League family mourns the passing of Bert Olmstead — a fierce competitor and a five-time champion who played in the Stanley Cup Final 11 times in his 14-season career with Chicago, Montreal and Toronto. Bert’s passion for the game earned unwavering respect from his teammates; his knowledge of the game once earned him a role as a playing assistant coach; and his skill led to what was then an NHL single-season record for assists: 56 in 1955-56. We send heartfelt condolences and comfort to Bert’s family and friends.”

Olmstead scored eight points (four goals, four assists) in a game on Jan. 9, 1954, equaling the record set by Canadiens great Maurice Richard. However, both players’ records were broken by Toronto’s Darryl Sittler in 1984 when Sittler potted 10 points in a game.

Olmstead was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985. He was apart of the dynasty Canadiens in the 50s and was as much of a contributor as anyone. He finished with 181 goals and 602 points in 848 regular-season games, and 16 goals and 59 points in 115 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Just like everyone else in his era, he was fiesty and ready to throw hands. It is a sad thing to lose such a legend. We send our condolences to his family.