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Bruce Mather

BIRTHPLACE: Belmont, Mass.

BORN: July 25, 1926

DIED: October 9, 1975

TEAMS/ASSOCIATIONS: Dartmouth College, U.S. Olympic Team, U.S. National Team

 

Bio

Bruce Mather began his hockey career in Belmont, Mass., where he starred for Belmont High School. Known by the nickname "Little Poison," for his deceptive speed and quick shot, Mather went on to play collegiately at Dartmouth, in 1943, where he earned a reputation as one of the Ivy League's greatest players of his generation.

Mather centered a line with Ralph Warburton and Bruce Cunliffe, which led Dartmouth in scoring for two years. He even led Dartmouth to their infamous 46-game undefeated streak. In 1947 he led the Big Green with 56 points, as the team finished with an outstanding 16-2-2 record, which included a huge win over Michigan, at Ann Arbor that year, sparked by mather's game-winning goal. And, although there was no NCAA Tournament, Dartmouth claimed the No. 1 ranking in the country that year as well.

In the 1948 Olympics, held in St. Moritz, Switz, Mather led the United States in scoring and helped the team place fourth in the Games. he was also a member of the 1949 U.S. National Team in the World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden. The highlight for Mather in these Games came in the contest against Austria, when he tallied an impressive five goals in a 9-1 win.

Mather continued his career in the Eastern League with the Boston Olympics, where he was selected an "All-League" center. In addition, he was considered one of the best Americans in a predominantly Canadian league. The team regularly played against the likes of Eastern powers such as the New York Rovers, Baltimore and Atlantic City as well as Canadian powers from the Quebec Senior Leagues.

After playing for the Boston Olympics, Mather signed with the Boston Bruins in 1950 and later frequently suited up with the "old time Bruins" for benefit games. In later years, Mather coached various youth teams. Tragically, Mather passed away suddenly in October 1975 at the age of 49. He was a true friend to the game of hockey.