Ken Hodge

Lore & Background

The pinnacle of Hodge's career arrived during the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals against the St. Louis Blues. In a series that remains etched in Bruins lore, Hodge delivered two of the most memorable goals in franchise history. His overtime goal in Game 4 to force a tie, and his subsequent game-winning goal in Game 5, were instrumental in securing Boston's first championship in nearly three decades. These moments transformed him from a solid regular-season player into an immortal hero for the Bruins faithful.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Boston Garden is thick with smoke and anticipation as the clock ticks down on overtime of Game 4. Ken Hodge, eyes locked on the puck, skates through a gauntlet of Blues defenders. The crowd roars, a deafening wall of sound that seems to shake the rafters. He receives a pass from Bobby Orr, takes one sharp stride, and fires a wrist shot past the goalie. The net ripples, the horn blares, and Hodge is immediately swarmed by his teammates, his face a mask of pure relief and triumph as he realizes he has just kept the Bruins' dream alive.

Reader's Guide

Ken Hodge played for the Boston Bruins from 1965 to 1978, spanning an era where the team transitioned from a struggling franchise to a dynasty under coach Tom Johnson. His playing style was characterized by intense speed, precise shooting, and a fearless willingness to battle in front of the net. He was not a flashy scorer in the traditional sense but rather a grinder who could produce when it mattered most. His greatest achievement remains his pivotal role in winning the 1970 Stanley Cup, where he scored two overtime goals in consecutive games against St. Louis. This performance earned him a place in Bruins history books and eventually led to his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003 as a builder. Hodge's legacy is defined by his contribution to ending the 'Curse' that had haunted Boston since 1941. He represents the heart and soul of the 1970s Bruins, a team known for its toughness and resilience. His jersey number was never officially retired in the traditional sense, but his impact on the franchise's identity is undeniable.

Did You Know?

• Ken Hodge scored two overtime goals in consecutive games during the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals against St. Louis.
• He played college hockey at Boston University before being drafted by the Bruins.
• Hodge was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003, recognized for his contributions as a player and builder.
• Despite his success, he spent his entire NHL career with the Boston Bruins until trading to the New York Rangers late in his career.