Joe Benoit

Joseph Benoit (February 27, 1916, in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada – October 19,1981) is a former National Hockey League right wing. He played for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1940s. He missed the 1943–44 season while serving with the Canadian Forces in World War II, and the 1944–45 season playing for the Calgary Currie Army team.

He is chiefly remembered as the man who preceded Maurice Richard on the "Punch Line" at right wing. He scored 20 goals in 1941–42 in a 48-game schedule, and 30 goals in 1942–43 in a 50-game schedule. Joe decided to sacrifice his career to serve his country in World War II, though and joined the armed forces.

In his NHL career, Benoit played in 185 games. He recorded 75 goals and 69 assists. He also appeared in 11 Stanley Cup playoff games, scoring six goals and adding three assists. He won a Stanley Cup Championship in 1946.

He also played for the Trail Smoke Eaters when they won the 1937-38 Allan Cup Final and the follwoing year when they won the 1939 World Championship

Benoit coached the 1963-1964 Spokane Jets team that played in the Western International Hockey League.