1954-55 Topps 1 Dick Gamble Hockey Card (Front)
1954-55 Topps 1 Dick Gamble Hockey Card (Back)
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Card Notes
Dick came to the Black Hawks this season from Montreal. He broke into the NHL with Montreal during the 1951-52 season and was part of the NHL’s highest scoring rookie front line. That year he scored 20 goals and 17 assists for 40 points. The next season, he was credited with 11 goals. Injuries were Dick’s nemesis last season, causing him to miss better than half the games.
Details
Dick Gamble did indeed have an outstanding rookie season in 1951-52. His 23 goals were just outside the NHL’s top ten. Calder Trophy honours as NHL rookie of the year went to Montreal teammate Bernie Geoffrion.
Of his 23 goals, three came in a single game on March 2, 1952 in a 6-4 over the Chicago Blackhawks. In fact, it was a natural hat trick with Gamble getting all three in the second period, the only goals of the frame. He also assisted on a first period goal by Floyd Curry for a four point night. All the action came against Chicago goalie Harry Lumley.
Unfortunately, Dick’s NHL career would fizzle after that. After a full season in 1952-53, he played just 61 more regular season games in the National Hockey League. His time in Chicago was limited to just 14 games in 1954-55. He would return to the Habs for 12 games in 1955-56 then, a decade later, appeared in three games over two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs for grand total of 195 in the league.
His American Hockey League career was certainly something of note. Between 1955-56 and 1969-70, he was a major influence in the AHL with the Quebec Aces (QHL at the time), Buffalo Bisons and Rochester Americans.
He led the Amerks to consecutive Calder Cup championships in 1964-65 and 1965-66. His 48 goals in 1964-65 were second to just Len Lunde and his 50. In 1965-66, he tied for the goal scoring lead with Alain Caron, both with 47. His 98 points led the AHL and earned him the John B. Sollenberger Trophy. He also took home the Les Cunningham Award as AHL most valuable player.