Gerry McNeil

Who was Gerry McNeil?

Gerald George McNeil was a professional ice hockey goaltender who won two Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1950s.

Gerald “Gerry” McNeil was a professional hockey player who career spanned 1943-60. Born to Peter McNeil and Rose Dyotte in 1926, he led the Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Finals all four seasons in which he was their number one goalie. He won the Cup with a shutout in overtime in 1953, the night before his 27th birthday. McNeil first signed with the Canadiens in 1943 when he was only 17, and while playing with their farm team, the Montreal Royals, he practiced with the Habs whenever they were in Montreal. The Royals were part of the Quebec Senior Hockey League. McNeil won the Byng of Vimy award for the most valuable player three times in the QSHL, and the Royals won the Allen Cup in 1947.

McNeil was called up from Cincinnati in March 1950 when Bill Durnan was hit in the head with a skate blade. Goalies did not wear masks at the time and were expected to play every minute of every game. McNeil recorded a 1.50 GAA over six games and preserved Durnan’s sixth and final Vezina Trophy.