Muzz Patrick

Who was Muzz Patrick?

Frederick Murray "Muzz" Patrick was a former NHL player.

Patrick was born in Victoria, British Columbia. In his youth, Muzz Patrick was one of Canada's most versatile athletes, excelling in track, basketball, football, cycling, boxing and hockey. In the ring, he was a Canadian amateur light heavyweight champion. But having Lester Patrick, the original coach and GM of the New York Rangers, for a father, lent a heavy bias towards pursuing hockey as a career. His brother, Lynn Patrick, was also an NHL player.

Patrick turned pro with the New York Crescents in 1934 and then jumped to the New York Rovers the next year. There he played with future NHLers Alex Shibicky and the Colville brothers, Neil and Mac. After a two-year stint with the Philadelphia Ramblers of the AHL, Patrick finally settled in for full-time NHL action in 1938 with the Rangers. It was there that he used his large frame and boxing skills to keep opponents honest in the Rangers' zone. One night, Patrick's prowess came into full view when Hall of Famer Eddie Shore massaged the neck of the Rangers' Phil Watson while against the fence. Patrick intervened by dropping his gloves and, after a vigorous tilt, left Shore with a broken nose among other swollen souvenirs.