NOVEMBER 6, 2020

CREE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE (NHL) ALL-STAR JIM NEILSON DIED

Born on November 28, 1941, in Big River, Saskatchewan, Jim was the son of a Nehiyaw/Cree mother. At age 5, Neilson was taken in at St. Patrick’s Catholic Orphanage where he learned to play hockey. He was a local star before being drafted by the Kitchener Rangers. Joining the NHL’s New York Rangers in 1963, Neilson played on defense for them for 17 years (1963–1974). After the Rangers, he played for the California Golden Seals (1974–1976), Cleveland Barons (1976–1978), and Edmonton Oilers (1978–1979). Jim played in 1,024 regular-season games, amassed 368 points (69 goals, 299 assists), and played in 65 Stanley Cup Playoff games garnering 18 points (one goal, 17 assists). He was named to 4 All-Star Teams and inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. Known as a gentleman hockey player, he ranked #42 in the 2009 book 100 Ranger Greats. Neilson died in Winnipeg.

Sources:
Kevin Mitchell, “Saying goodbye: Jim Neilson, who went from orphanage to NHL, left a big legacy,” Saskatoon Star Phoenix, 11/11/2020.  Retrieved 1/4/2024,   https://thestarphoenix.com/sports/hockey/nhl/saying-goodbye-jim-neilson-who-went-from-orphanage-to-nhl-left-a-big-legacy
An Indigenous Hockey Star Makes His Debut At The Canadian Museum Of History, Canadian Museum of History, 6/21/2022.  Retrieved 1/4/2024, https://www.historymuseum.ca/media/an-indigenous-hockey-star-makes-his-debut-at-the-canadian-museum-of-history/
Photo:  Arnie Lee, 1965. Permissive use.