September 27, 2012
The Providence Bruins, entering their 21st season in the American Hockey League, announced today that former Providence Reds great Harvey Bennett, Sr. has been inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2013.With a name that is synonymous with hockey in Rhode Island, Bennett was a mainstay with the Providence Reds and the Rhode Island hockey community, as both a player and youth hockey coach.
A native of Edington, Saskatchewan, Bennett played 15 professional seasons, guarding the Reds' net for 12 of those seasons. Bennett began his career with the Boston Bruins in 1944. By the age of 19, Bennett became one of only a handful of NHL players to start more than 15 games in a row while still in their teenage years, by playing in 22 consecutive games for Boston.
During his 12 seasons with the Reds, Bennett won two Calder Cups with the team in 1949 and 1956. He enjoyed his most successful professional season in 1948-49, putting up a 3.16 goals-against-average in 67 games, en route to leading the club to its third Calder Cup.
"The Bennett name is synonymous with Rhode Island hockey. Whether it be through the Reds, the AHL or just Rhode Island hockey in general, Harvey Bennett was an industrial figure in this community. This is a long overdue and well deserved honor for the entire Bennett family," said Jeff Fear, CEO of the Providence Bruins/Providence Sports + Entertainment.
Bennett's connection to Rhode Island continued long after his retirement in 1959, as he made Rhode Island his permanent home for him and his family. He stayed involved in the game, helping found the Edgewood Hockey Association and opening Bennett Sports, which is still housed at the Cranston Memorial Ice Arena today. All five of Bennett's sons played professional hockey, including three in the NHL. In 2007, Bennett was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, an honor befitting those whose efforts have added significantly to the heritage of the state of Rhode Island.
The Class of 2013 will be honored as a part of the festivities at the 2013 Dunkin' Donuts AHL All-Star Classic in Providence, RI. The American Hockey League Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, January 28 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence.
Formed in 2006 to recognize, honor and celebrate individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions in the American Hockey League, the AHL Hall of Fame is housed on-line at www.ahlhalloffame.com and is accessible to fans worldwide with the click of a mouse as part of the AHL Internet Network. The Network also includes theahl.com and all 30 official team sites, and hosts more than 250 million page views each year.
*Information gathered from www.providencebruins.com
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