Jim Henry picked up the name “Sugar” from a neighbour because of his fondness for sweets. It stuck with him forever. Born in Winnipeg, he was a junior goalkeeper for Brandon Elks. He then played for the Allan Cup champion Regina Rangers in 1940-41. After a full NHL season with the New York Rangers, Henry was in the military for three years. He added another Allan Cup to his collection playing with the Ottawa Commandos in 1942-43.
Following the war, Henry and Charley Rayner competed for the New York net
minding job. At the same time they became lifelong friends. They later operated
Hockey Haven, a summer resort at Kenora. Henry played for the Rangers for four
seasons and another with Chicago Black Hawks. When it looked like his big league
career was over, he returned to have his best years playing four more seasons
with Boston. The Bruins met Montreal in the play-offs each of those years and
while the Canadiens won every series, Henry was outstanding. In 406 NHL games
he recorded 27 shutouts, had a 2.87 career goals-against-average and was a
Second Team All-Star in 1952-52. He returned to Winnipeg and played senior
hockey with Warroad Lakers and Winnipeg Maroons. “Sugar Jim” Henry
was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.
b. October 23, 1920
d. January 20, 2004
