Seven memorable goals with a St. James connection
St. James-Assiniboia
As I watch the 2025 NHL playoff buzzer beater and overtime goals, I decided to remember a few memorable playoff goals scored by St. James players.
Harry Taylor — April 20, 1946 at Maple Leaf Gardens
In the Memorial Cup , the Toronto St . Michaels led the Monarchs two games to one. In Game 4, Harry Taylor's second goal of the game at 11:19 of the third period turned out to be the winner as the Winnipeg Monarchs tied the series 2-2. The Monarchs went on to win the Memorial Cup in seven games.
File photo
Ab McDonald, pictured here in 2019, scored the game winning goal of the Stanley Cup Finals for the Chicago Black Hawks on April 16, 1961, ending a 23-year championship drought.
Bob Chrystal — AHL final in Cleveland April 16, 1953
Bob was a defensive defenseman. However, Bob scored four goals in the 1953 AHL playoffs. Game 7 between Cleveland and Pittsburgh was scoreless at the end of regulation time. During the seventh minute of overtime, Cleveland coach Bun Cook was yelling at Chrystal to get off the ice for a much needed change. Chrystal flipped the puck into the Pittsburgh end to facilitate the change. As Chrystal sat down on the bench, the Cleveland fans erupted in joy. Bob's shot had gone into the net. Cleveland, with Johnny Bower in goal, had won the AHL championship.
Laurie Langrelle — April 26, 1959 Winnipeg Arena
After losing Game 1 of the 1959 Memorial Cup to Scotty Bowman's Peterborough Petes, Laurie Langrelle scored two goals, including the game winner at 12:48 of the second period, leading the Winnipeg Braves to a 5-2 victory to even the series at 1-1. The Braves seized the momentum and won the series in five games.
Ab McDonald — April 16, 1961 Stanley Cup Final Detroit Olympia
Chicago led the best-of-seven final 3-2. At 18:49 of the second period, with game tied 1-1, Detroit goalie Hank Bassen stopped a Bobby Hull shot, then Ab Mcdonald deposited the puck into the net. Stan Mikita also assisted on the goal. Chicago ended up winning 5-1, ending a 23-year championship drought.
Jim Johnston — Deer Lodge Bantam B's March 19, 1965 Sargent Park Arena
The Deer Lodge Bantam B's played West Kildonan for the city championship at the Sargent Park Arena. The game was tied 2-2 after regulation. Deer Lodge looked tired in overtime. However, Jim Johnston scored in the second overtime. Deer Lodge went on to win the provincial championship. The following season, Johnston scored the first goal in the brand new St. James Civic Centre.
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Bill Moir — March 10, 1968 St. James Civic Centre
Despite finishing last in a four-team league, the St. James Canadians got hot in playoffs. In the second game of Round 2, the Canadians trailed West Kildonan 3-0 after two periods. The miracle playoff run seemed to be ending. However, the Canadians did not even allow a shot in the third. Bill Moir tied the game at 3-3 with an end-end rush late in the third. St. James won in the second overtime on a goal by Andy Van Hellmond. The Canadians went on to win the MJHL championship before losing in the Western Memorial Cup semifinal/
Kerry Ross — April 16, 1998 two memorable goals at the Eric Coy Arena
During the 1997-98 MMJHL season the 20-year-old St. James Canucks were still chasing their first championship. In the final, the Canucks faced Charleswood, which had won the previous four championships. Charleswood was leading by one goal on home ice in Game 7. Kerry Ross tied the game at 19:46 of the third period. Ross scored again at 8:50 of overtime.
The next chapter of this story may be written on April 16, 2026.
Fred MorrisSt. James community correspondent
Fred Morris is a community correspondent for St. James.
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