Robert Solinger, or Bob as his friends and family like to call him, was
born in Star City, Saskatchewan, just under two hours east of Prince
Albert, on December 23, 1925. He passed away at the age of 88 on
December 10, taking with him his 25-year hockey career that saw him play
in eight different leagues at the professional and amateur level that
included the AHL, NHL, WHL, and the EHL. Some say he was one of the
first players to use the slapshot including his family.
He was the first winner of the Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award as
Rookie of the Year in the AHL in 1947-48 with the Cleveland Barons, and
is a five-time Calder Cup Champion in the AHL across the Cleveland
Barons, Pittsburgh Hornets, and the Hershey Bears. He Played 99 NHL
games with the Toronto Maple Leafs/Red Wings, scoring 10 goals and 11
assists.
The caption reads something along the lines of Bob Solinger, 34, one of
the oldest veterans in the league, has some tips and tricks from a young
Edmonton Oil Kings rookie, 17, in 1959.
Bob played for 14 teams in eight different leagues over his 25-year
career, including teams such as the Philadelphia Falcons, the Milwaukee
Millers, the Pittsburgh Hornets, and the Edmonton Flyers.
Merry Christmas from Bob Solinger and the Cleveland Barons. He played
three seasons with Cleveland in the 1945-46, 1947-48, and 1948-49
seasons, winning the Rookie of the Year in his first season with the
Barons.
I was incredibly impressed by some of the comics like these. Seemed like
he was a big star for the Barons after winning the Rookie of the Year
Award.
Bob Solinger puts the puck past Red Wings great Terry Sawchuk as Gordie
Howe comes sliding in for the block. Mr. Goalie himself, Glenn Hall, was
supposed to be a pallbearer at his funeral if he hadn't had to attend
another funeral.
