1966 Hockey Inductees

The Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 1966: A Legacy of Pure Scoring and Iron-Clad Defense

The 1966 induction ceremony honored a group of legends whose careers spanned from the roaring twenties to the post-war era of the Original Six. This class is particularly notable for celebrating players who didn't just play the game, but defined their specific positions for a generation.

Max Bentley and the "Pony Line"

Headlining the player category in 1966 was Max Bentley, the "Dipsy-Doodle Dandy." Bentley was a two-time scoring champion and a Hart Trophy winner, best known for centering the legendary "Pony Line" in Chicago before winning three Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His induction solidified his status as one of the most dangerous offensive threats of the 1940s. Joining him was Toe Blake, who, while famous for coaching the Canadiens' dynasty, was inducted here for his stellar playing career, and Butch Keouch, a speedster from the early days of the NHL.

Defensive Pioneers and Builders

The Class of 1966 also recognized defensive stalwarts Frank "the Flash" Rankin and Ken Reardon, the latter of whom was known for a physical, intimidating style of play that defined the Montreal Canadiens' blueline in the 1940s. The Builder category was equally prestigious, inducting Taffy Abel, the first American-born player to become an NHL star and a crucial figure in the early success of the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks. Alongside him was Conn Smythe, the legendary owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, whose name now adorns the NHL’s playoff MVP trophy.