(above) DU Alum George Morrison, seen here playing for the WHA Minnesota Fighting Saints in the '70s, has one of his sticks in the Hockey Hall of FameFrom: The Calgary Sun
by Billy Powers
This is a tough story to write because it involves a good friend who is losing a battle for his life. Former University of Denver Pioneer George Morrison, who helped deliver two national championships to DU in the late Sixties, found out recently he has a brain tumor that his friends says is inoperable. He has asked there be no visitors but hopes those who would think of attending the service would simply raise a glass in remembrance instead and, if they so desire, make a donation to the Union College hockey program care of Union College in Schenectady, New York.
George, who friends say is in remarkably good spirits, unlike those around him, was a scoring machine when he went to the University of Denver, scoring 70 goals in 64 game to be named to the NCAA West First all-star team in both 1969 and 1970 .
He led the Pioneers to the NCAA championship in 1969. He was not drafted by the National Hockey League but signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues, playing 73 games and collecting 25 points.
In 1972, the speedy forward was drafted by the fledgling World Hockey Association's Minnesota Fighting Saints and had his best year as a pro in '73-'74, scoring 40 goals and adding 38 assists in 73 games. He jumped to the Calgary Cowboys in 1974 and, in two seasons, played 142 games, scoring 36 goals and adding 51 points.
A two-time WHA All-Star, Morrison’s stick is in the Hockey Hall of Fame for scoring three goals in only 43 seconds against Vancouver.
In recent years he helped bring the Nationwide Golf Tour event to Calgary.
One friend said: "If you've ever prayed for a miracle, pray for one now." Our prayers are with an old friend.
He led the Pioneers to the NCAA championship in 1969. He was not drafted by the National Hockey League but signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues, playing 73 games and collecting 25 points.
In 1972, the speedy forward was drafted by the fledgling World Hockey Association's Minnesota Fighting Saints and had his best year as a pro in '73-'74, scoring 40 goals and adding 38 assists in 73 games. He jumped to the Calgary Cowboys in 1974 and, in two seasons, played 142 games, scoring 36 goals and adding 51 points.
A two-time WHA All-Star, Morrison’s stick is in the Hockey Hall of Fame for scoring three goals in only 43 seconds against Vancouver.
In recent years he helped bring the Nationwide Golf Tour event to Calgary.
One friend said: "If you've ever prayed for a miracle, pray for one now." Our prayers are with an old friend.
14 comments:
My thoughts are with him and his family. I remeber him well and what a great Pioneer he was and still is.
I was at DU the same time as George...what a class act, terrific guy, he always had a smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you my friend
Anyone who wore the Crimon and Gold is brother to many of us.
We Pioneers are family. I'll pray for the best.
I met George a few years ago when he was volunteering his time with the RPI men's Hockey program. Since then, we've had many beers and suffice it to say, he's a beauty! Unfortunately I haven't heard form him for a while. So, tonight I'll raise not one, but several. Let's all keep him in our thoughts as he battles this new challenge. CH
I'll keep him in my prayers along with my nephew who has been facing the same battle for past year and a half.
If George is anything like his brother Bob, then for sure he is a champion of a man! Let's pray for overtime.
GM is my Dad.
I am so touched and thrilled with all of the well wishes and prayers.
I have several pictures of Dad as a Pioneer and if anyone is interested I will be happy to share them.
Nothing would make Dad happier than to know that the people who knew him (and even those who didn't) are raising a glass in his honor.
So, our family toast:
"Here's to Georgie,
Raise a Glass,
Georgie is a Horse's Ass"
I love you Dad,
Sloane
Sloane,
Please email LetsGoDU the photos as well as an update on your dad. He is one of DU's great players.
dggoddard@aol.com
Sloane:
Thanks for posting here and please know that we are thinking about your whole family as well as George.
You are all Pioneers to us.
Sad news I found out today that George has passed on. I do not know the details of any funeral arrangements etc. but I do know that I have some great memories of a man full of life and energy and always a bit cheeky. He will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with his family.
George was like an uncle to me and my sister. Teaching us endless lesson about life, including card tricks and the correct spelling of broccoli (S-H-I-T). We will always remember his false front tooth and many laughs.
Our thoughts are with his family.
Cheers to all the wonderful memories!
Love Whitney and Kelsey Strickland
My favorite memory of George was in the final game of the 73-74 WHA season, George needed 4 goals to reach 40 for the year. Well, George got his four goals, and in great style as well, setting a WHA record for the fastest hat trick in league history - 43 seconds!
After the first one, he got the second some 16 or so seconds later and then he must have been stalling, taking nearly twice as long to net the third!
Of course, when you're hot like that your teammates will try to set you up for the rest of the night, especially knowing you need one more for the milestone 40th, which he was later able to get, joining Connelly (42) and Walton (57) as those who hit 40 for the Fighting Saints that year.
Sadly, that remarkable record died with the WHA and is a forgotten achievement today, except in the pages of an old media guide and a young fan's aging memory.
RIP George.
Hi Sloane,
I am a cousin to George. We have some really great pictures of your dad when we were growing up. My dad, Jack Morrison spent a lot of time with your dad and Uncle Harold, fishing golfing and playing pool.
Lots of good memories from summers at Uncle Harold's cottage.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
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