Shoebox Memories: Lorne Henning

This is Lorne Henning, the New York Islanders' 17th overall draft pick in 1972. The Islanders fared quite well in the draft, also landing long time NHL players like Billy Harris, Bob Nystrom, Richard Brodeur, and Garry Howatt.

Henning was drafted out of New Westminister in the Bruins first year in the BC city. Before that the B's played out of Estevan, Saskatchewan, Henning's home town. Henning was the hero of Estevan also starring in baseball. He was a WCHL all star who later captained the Bruins.

Henning would jump immediately to the NHL with the expansion Islanders, staying with the team until 1981. With the likes of Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy joining the team over the years, Henning adopted a defensive role with the team, starring as a one of the league's best penalty killers. In fact, he shares the NHL record for most shorthanded goals in a single playoff year, tallying three shorties in 1980.

That year was also the first year the Islanders won the Stanley Cup. The Islanders would go on to win 4 consecutive Stanley Cup championships, with Henning playing a very important role. In fact, the much re-played 1980 championship winning goal by Bob Nystrom was set up with a perfect pass from none other than Henning.

His role ultimately changed after that 1980 title though. He became a playing coach in 1981, assisting head coach Al Arbour. The Islanders of course went on to win four consecutive Stanley Cup championships. The 1981 title made Lorne the last playing coach to win the Cup.

Henning retired having played 544 NHL games, scoring 73 goals and 111 assists for 184 points. He was an exceptional clean player, picking up only 102 penalty minutes in that time.

Henning was behind the bench for 18-year NHL seasons, mostly with the Islanders but also with coaching assignments with the North Stars, Blackhawks and Mighty Ducks. He now serves as an assistant general manager in Vancouver.

Henning's son Brett was once a promising NHL prospect. Drafted by the Islanders in 1999, he starred (and studied finance) at the University of Notre Dame and played with Team USA at the 2000 World Junior championships.

Injuries forced Brett out of the game, but he has started his own company, and written his first book - 7 Pre-Game Habits of Pro Hockey Players - designed to help you become the best hockey player you can be. Check out my book review at Hockey Book Reviews.com, and enjoy my interview with Brett about his career, family and book.