The Remarkable NHL Goalkeeping Career of Maurice 'Moe' Roberts
Now you see him; now you don't. That sums up the remarkable NHL goalkeeping career of Maurice 'Moe' Roberts. Spanning 26 years from 1925 to 1951, Roberts defied the odds as the youngest and oldest big-league puck-stopper of his time. Despite his unconventional path from high school to the NHL, Roberts made a lasting impact on the sport. Let's delve into the extraordinary journey of this underdog goaltender and uncover the secrets behind his success.
From Somerville High to the NHL
Discover how Maurice 'Moe' Roberts defied expectations by going from Somerville High in Massachusetts to the NHL.
Maurice 'Moe' Roberts, a goaltender hailing from Somerville High in Massachusetts, made an unexpected leap from the amateur ranks to the NHL. Despite his unconventional background, Roberts caught the attention of Boston Bruins' coach/general manager Art Ross, who signed him to a contract after their regular goalie got injured.
Roberts' NHL debut came on December 8, 1925, against the Montreal Maroons. He impressed with his performance, leading to a start in the following game. Although his NHL stint was short-lived, Roberts' journey from high school to the big leagues remains a remarkable feat.
A Journey Through the Minor Leagues
Explore Maurice 'Moe' Roberts' time in the Canadian-American Hockey League and International Hockey League.
After his brief NHL experience, Maurice 'Moe' Roberts embarked on a journey through the minor leagues. He played for various teams in the Canadian-American Hockey League (CAHL) and International Hockey League (IHL), including Rochester, New Haven, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Syracuse.
Despite facing challenges, Roberts showcased his skills and achieved notable success. In the 1938-39 season, he led the Cleveland team to the league title, displaying exceptional goaltending abilities with multiple playoff shutouts. Roberts continued to excel in the minors, proving his talent and dedication to the sport.
A Brief Return to the NHL
Learn about Maurice 'Moe' Roberts' unexpected return to the NHL and his memorable performance as the oldest goaltender in history.
After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Maurice 'Moe' Roberts believed his NHL days were behind him. However, his passion for stopping pucks led him to sign with the Washington Lions in the old Eastern League for the 1945-46 season.
Roberts' comeback story reached its pinnacle on a memorable Sunday afternoon game at Madison Square Garden. At the age of 45, he stepped in as the Chicago Black Hawks' emergency goaltender. Despite the odds stacked against him, Roberts performed admirably, turning away every shot he faced. His remarkable display made him the oldest goaltender to ever play in the NHL.
