Don Simmons

Donald William "Don" Simmons (born September 13 1931, in Port Colborne, Ontario - died September, 2010) was a retired National Hockey League goaltender who played for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers.

Playing Career

Simmons played junior for the the Galt Black Hawks (1948-49) and the St. Catharines TeePees (1950-51). He then turned pro with the Springfield Indians for 4 seasons and the Johnstown Jets for one.

In 1956-57 he got his chance with the Boston Bruins, replacing Terry Sawchuk as the regular goaltender. He would play in tandem with veteran Harry Lumley for 3 seasons. He would tend the Boston goal from Feb. 1957 to Nov. 1960, playing in the Stanley Cup finals in 1957 and 1958.

In 1961 Simmons was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs and became Johnny Bower's backup. He won Stanley Cups with the team in 1962, 1963, and 1964. In 1964 he was the victim of the Bruins' 11-0 win over the Leafs.

Simmons was claimed by the New York Rangers in 1965. He played 21 games with the Rangers over the next five seasons but mainly played in the minors until he retired in 1969.

Awards & Achievements

• 1962 Stanley Cup Championship (Toronto)
• 1963 Stanley Cup Championship (Toronto)
• 1964 Stanley Cup Championship (Toronto)
• 1963 NHL All Star (Toronto)

Gallery

Chicago's Bobby Hull battles Boston's Larry Hillman while Allan Stanley, Don Simmons and Leo Labine look on, October 22, 1957. Hull scored his first career goal in this game.

Fern Flaman defends against Rangers Andy Bathgate during the Bruins 2-1 win on March 13, 1957.

Don Simmons stops Maurice Richard in Game 5 of the 1957 Stanley Cup Finals.

External Links

• Don Simmons Sports Goalie Store
• Don Simmons's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database
• Picture of Don Simmons' name on the 1962 Stanley Cup Plaque
• Picture of Don Simmons' name on the 1963 Stanley Cup Plaque