Charles (Chuck) Robert Gardiner

1904 - 1934

Ice hockey star, known as the .Wandering Scotsman. who was arguably the leading goal-tenders of the 1920s and 30s. Born in Edinburgh, Gardiner came to Canada with his family when he was seven years old, settling in Winnipeg. He had a successful career in the Canadian Hockey League and the American National Hockey League (NHL), with teams including the Winnipeg Tigers (1921-23), Selkirk Fishermen (1924-25), Winnipeg Maroons (1925-27) and the Chicago Black Hawks (1927-34). Recognised as an outstanding player, noted for his speed, bravery and intelligence, Gardiner had a unique approach to play regularly leaving his goal-line to block shots. He selected for the NHL All-Star First Team (1930-32 and 1933-34) and, in 1932, he won the Vezina Trophy which is awarded annually to the best goaltender, an achievement he was to repeat in 1934. In the same year, Gardiner led the Black Hawks to their first Stanley Cup win.

Having suffered from an untreated infection he died tragically young at Winnipeg, where he lies buried. Gardiner was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945, the only Scottish member.

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