Professional ice hockey player. James Hay was known for his toughness and physical play. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 12 seasons, primarily as a defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings. James Hay was born on May 15, 1931, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He grew up playing hockey and was known for his physical style of play, earning the nickname "Red Eye" for his fiery temper. Hay began his professional hockey career in 1949 with the Edmonton Flyers of the Western Canada Senior Hockey League. He quickly established himself as a hard-hitting defenseman known for his ability to intimidate opposing players. Hay joined the Detroit Red Wings in 1952 and quickly became a fan favorite for his physical play and tenacity. He was part of the Red Wings team that won the Stanley Cup in 1954 and 1955 and was named to the NHL All-Star team in 1957. Late in his career, he played extensively in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and was a member of the Portland Buckaroos from 1964 until 1969. Hay was known for his tough and sometimes controversial play. He was suspended several times throughout his career for on-ice incidents, including a 12-game suspension in 1955 for hitting a linesman. Despite his reputation as a tough player, Hay was also a skilled defenseman with a strong shot and the ability to move the puck up the ice. Hay retired from his playing career in 1972. He remained involved in hockey as a coach and scout. Hay passed away on May 17, 2018, in Portland, Oregon, at 88. He was remembered as one of the toughest and most fearless players of his era and as a key member of the Detroit Red Wings teams that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in the 1950s.
Professional ice hockey player. James Hay was known for his toughness and physical play. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 12 seasons, primarily as a defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings. James Hay was born on May 15, 1931, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He grew up playing hockey and was known for his physical style of play, earning the nickname "Red Eye" for his fiery temper. Hay began his professional hockey career in 1949 with the Edmonton Flyers of the Western Canada Senior Hockey League. He quickly established himself as a hard-hitting defenseman known for his ability to intimidate opposing players. Hay joined the Detroit Red Wings in 1952 and quickly became a fan favorite for his physical play and tenacity. He was part of the Red Wings team that won the Stanley Cup in 1954 and 1955 and was named to the NHL All-Star team in 1957. Late in his career, he played extensively in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and was a member of the Portland Buckaroos from 1964 until 1969. Hay was known for his tough and sometimes controversial play. He was suspended several times throughout his career for on-ice incidents, including a 12-game suspension in 1955 for hitting a linesman. Despite his reputation as a tough player, Hay was also a skilled defenseman with a strong shot and the ability to move the puck up the ice. Hay retired from his playing career in 1972. He remained involved in hockey as a coach and scout. Hay passed away on May 17, 2018, in Portland, Oregon, at 88. He was remembered as one of the toughest and most fearless players of his era and as a key member of the Detroit Red Wings teams that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in the 1950s.
Bio by: ScarletScorpion
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