That's how author Richard Buell described Kirkland Lake, Ontario's Buddy Boone in the book The Glory Of The Game: Hockey Heroes, History and Heritage From The Mile of Gold.
Despite his small size (he stood five-foot-seven and weight 160 pounds) Boone was admired as one of the most determined and fierce players ever to play the game. He out-battled his opponents at all costs, making him a fan favorite wherever he played. He never shied away from going to the corners, not even when he had to face some of hockey's biggest and baddest defensemen. Respect on the ice was something he demanded and earned.
Boone had a short NHL career, but a lengthy minor league career, firstly with Eddie Shore's Springfield Indians AHL team and later out west in Vancouver and California.
The Boston Bruins called him up for the Stanley Cup playoffs in 1957. Despite never having played a NHL game before, he played in 10 playoff games, scoring one goal. He would play much of the 1957-58 season with the Bruins. He scored five goals and eight points in 34 games, then added another goal and an assist in 12 more playoff games. Boone, who roomed with northern Ontario friend Real Chevrefils that season, nearly played as man career Stanley Cup games (22) as he did NHL regular season games (34).
Boone was a depth player on a pretty good Boston Bruins team back then. They had the famous Uke Line with Bronco Horvath, Vic Stasiuk and Johnny Bucyk. They also had Doug Mohns, Fernie Flaman and Leo Boivin on defense, and Harry Lumley and Don Simmons in net
Buddy Boone died at an early age (just 53) due to heart problems.
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