Hank Bassen

Henry "Hank" Bassen (December 6, 1932 - May 29, 2009) was a Canadian ice hockey goaltender. Bassen served as a back-up goaltender in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Black Hawks, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins. He was the father of Bob Bassen who played 765 regular seasons games in the NHL.

Playing Career
Bassen began his NHL in 1954 with the Chicago Black Hawks where he spent two seasons as back-up to Al Rollins. Bassen went onto have starting roles in the Western Hockey League for the Calgary Stampeders, Seattle Americans and the Vancouver Canucks before moving to the Detroit Red Wings where over three seasons he would serve as back-up to Terry Sawchuk between 1960 and 1963. After a season in the American Hockey League with the Pittsburgh Hornets, Bassen returned to the Red Wings roster to serve back-up once more, this time to Roger Crozier. He played one final year with the Pittsburgh Penguins, backing up Les Binkley before retiring in 1968.

After retiring Bassen managed the junior Calgary Wranglers from 1984–86 and had two sons go on to play professional hockey.

Bassen died on May 29, 2009 of heart failure at aged 76.

Awards & Achievements

 * WCJHL Second All-Star Team (1950)
 * WCJHL First All-Star Team (1952)
 * OHA-Sr. First All-Star Team (1954)
 * WHL First All-Star Team (1960)
 * Outstanding Goaltender Award (fewest goals against - WHL) (1960)
 * Leader Cup (MVP - WHL) (co-winner - Guyle Fielder) (1960)