Boom Boom Geoffrion | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Boom Boom Geoffrion

Joseph André Bernard Geoffrion, "Boom Boom," hockey player (b at Montréal 16 Feb 1931; died on 11 March 2006 at Atlanta, USA). Geoffrion is known by hockey fans as the inventor of the slapshot.

Joseph André Bernard Geoffrion

Joseph André Bernard Geoffrion, "Boom Boom," hockey player (b at Montréal 16 Feb 1931; died on 11 March 2006 at Atlanta, USA). Geoffrion is known by hockey fans as the inventor of the slapshot. His nickname "Boom Boom" was given to him by sportswriter Charlie Boire in the 1940s, one boom for the sound of his stick hitting the puck and the second for the shot slamming against the boards. He joined the Montreal Canadiens in 1950, playing with them 14 years. His perseverance, thundering shot and spirited play made him one of the highest scorers in hockey history. He won the Calder trophy (1951-52), the Art Ross trophy (1954-55, 1960-61) and the Hart trophy (1960-61). In 1961 he became the second player (after Maurice Richard) to score 50 goals in a season. He retired briefly then joined the New York Rangers 1966-68. He scored 393 goals, 429 assists in regular season play, and 58 goals, 60 assists in playoffs. A long-time member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Geoffrion was inducted into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. His jersey was retired by the Montreal Canadiens on the day he died, in a ceremony before a game against the New York Rangers.

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