Ted Green

Edward Joseph "Terrible Ted" Green (March 23, 1940 – October 8, 2019) was a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and player. Green played defence in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Boston Bruins and in the World Hockey Association (WHA) for the New England Whalers and Winnipeg Jets, and was noted for his physical play. Green served as a head coach with the Edmonton Oilers, and was an assistant coach with the Oilers and the New York Rangers.

Playing Career
Green played junior hockey in Manitoba for the Winnipeg Braves, winning the Memorial Cup in the 1958–59 season. He was originally the property of the Montreal Canadiens, but was claimed by the Bruins in the summer of 1960 and was called up for good in the 1961–62 season. He played ten seasons for Boston, gaining a reputation as a hard-hitting defensive defenceman, as well as one for violent play, and was a bulwark on the blue line when the Bruins emerged from being at the bottom of the league to becoming a powerhouse in the late 1960s. He was named to play in the All-Star Game in 1965 and 1969.

The Bruins played the St. Louis Blues in an exhibition game on September 21, 1969 at the Ottawa Civic Center. At the 13-minute mark of the first period, the Blues Wayne Maki shot the puck over the blue line into the Bruins corner. Ted Green played the puck with his skate and Maki hit him from behind. Green shoved Maki to the ice and the referee, Ken Bodendistel, raised his arm for a penalty to Green. From his knees, Maki speared Green in the genitals. Green swung his stick and slashed Maki on the arm, once again knocking him to the ice. As he turned away to go to the penalty box, Maki smacked him over the head with his stick, crushing part of his skull. The left side of Green's body was paralyzed and his speech slurred. Bobby Orr jumped over the boards and pummelled Maki while his teammates carried Green to the dressing room. Green had emergency surgery and missed the entire 1969-70 season. Maki was suspended for a month. Criminal charges were laid against both but resulted in acquittals. Green returned for the 1970-71 season. Maki played for several seasons until diagnosed with brain cancer. He died in 1974.

Green returned the following season to play two more years with Boston (and played for the 1972 Cup winning team) before jumping to the upstart New England Whalers in the WHA, being named their first captain and leading the team to the WHA's inaugural league championship. After three seasons with the Whalers, he was traded to the Winnipeg Jets, with whom he finished his playing career in 1979.

Green ended his playing career with 254 points and 1029 penalty minutes in 620 games (NHL) and 180 points and 304 penalty minutes in 452 games (WHA). He ranked 17th all-time in games played in the WHA.

Before the January 24, 1971 Boston-Montreal game, "Ted Green Night" was celebrated. With Green's family present, including his three young children, he was showered with gifts and tributes including a new car, an addition to his home and a plaque from Canadiens captain Jean Béliveau. Green spoke and was extremely emotional, thankful for being able to return from the horrific skull injury inflicted upon him in the 1969-70 pre-season. Fittingly, the Bruins defeated the Habs 4-2.

Awards & Achievements

 * Turnbull Cup Manitoba Junior Hockey League Championship (1958)
 * Abbott Cup Western Canada Junior A Hockey Championship (1959)
 * Memorial Cup Canada Junior A Hockey Championship (1959)
 * Played in NHL All-Star Game (1965 & 1969)
 * NHL Second All-Star Team (1969)
 * Stanley Cup National Hockey League Championship (1972, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, & 1990)
 * Avco Cup World Hockey Association Championship (1973, 1976, & 1978)
 * Honoured Member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame
 * Inaugural member of the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame (2010)