Bing Juckes

Bing Juckes grew up on a mink farm in Hamiota, Manitoba. Conveniently, his home was directly across the street from the local rink. He spent as much time or more at the rink playing hockey than he did on the farm doing his chores.

It paid off as Juckes embarked on a 13 year, 15 team and 11 league vagabond journey.

Juckes started out dominating the Manitoba junior league, most notably putting up incredible offensive totals with the Brandon Elks. He was also recruited by Rudy Pilous to join the St. Catherines Falcons. By signing to play with St. Catherines, Juckes became property of the New York Rangers.

Though he was a lightweight Juckes was described as a feisty and powerful winger with explosive skating ability. He turned pro in 1947, and bounced around with the Rangers farm teams. 

Juckes did get in to a total of sixteen National Hockey League games with the Rangers, scoring a couple of goals. He found it to be a frustrating experience as he sat on the bench far more than he had hoped for.

After hanging up his skates Juckes tried his hand at many jobs that kept him moving across Western Canada. He coached senior hockey, ran a drive-in restaurant, operated a chicken hatchery and sold multiple goods ranging from agricultural equipment to hockey sticks. 

He eventually moved down to the southern United States where he was recruited to be the commissioner of the short-lived Southwest Hockey League. 

Juckes eventually settled in Tupelo, Mississippi where owned a lime production plant.

Juckes passed away on New Year's Eve, 1990. He was 64 years old.