1964-65 Topps 21 Ed Johnston Hockey Card (Front)
1964-65 Topps 21 Ed Johnston Hockey Card (Back)
Card Notes
Drafted from the Montreal Canadiens in 1962, Ed has become a fixture in the Bruins nets. He was the only NHL goalie to play the full 70-game schedule last winter. A native of Montreal, Ed turned pro in 1956-57. He was the leading netminder in three leagues during his career in the minors.
Johnston set an Eastern League record with 11 shutouts.
Details
Indeed, before Ed Johnston became a regular National Hockey League goalie with the Boston Bruins in 1962-63, he had an outstanding minor league career. In 1959-60, he was an EHL First Team All-Star playing for the Johnstown Jets. Playing in 62 regular season games for the Jets, Johnston posted a 2.65 goals against average with three shutouts. He played all 13 playoff games for Johnstown, leading the team to a championship with a win over the New Haven Blades in the final.
The following year, 1960-61, Ed moved to the Hull-Ottawa Canadiens in the EPHL. This is the year mentioned on the back of the card when he put up eleven shutouts. He was named the league’s top goaltender and selected as a First Team All-Star. He played all 70 regular season and all 14 playoff games as the Canadiens were both regular season and playoff champions.
1961-62 would be the clincher season in the minors that would land Eddie a full time job in the NHL. Playing all 70 regular season and all 16 playoff games for the Spokane Comets in the WHL, he was named a Second Team All-Star sporting a 3.30 GAA and three shutouts. However, there was no championship for Johnston that year. The Comets reached the final but fell to the Edmonton Flyers in a series that went the full seven games.
NHL Career
Eddie Johnston played 592 regular season games in the National Hockey League between 1962-63 and 1977-78 with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks. Surprisingly, Johnston played just 18 Stanley Cup playoff games over his lengthy career.