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Aubrey Victor "Dit" Clapper (February 9, 1907 – January 20, 1978) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. Clapper played his entire professional career for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947, the first Honoured Member to be living at the time of his induction.[1]

Key Information

Clapper was the first NHL player to play 20 seasons,[2] one of only two to be an All-Star at both forward and defence, and the first non-goaltender to play at the age of 40.[3] The right wing on the powerful "Dynamite Line"—one of the first forward combinations to receive a nickname in hockey history—along with linemates Cooney Weiland and Dutch Gainor, he contributed to the breaking of several scoring records in the 1930s. Towards the end of his career, he was named player-coach of the Bruins, and held the coaching position after his retirement as a player.

Early years

[edit]

Aubrey Clapper, son of Bill Clapper, a lacrosse and factory labourer.[4] He was raised in Hastings, Ontario after relocated several years to Aurora, Ontario (1915–1920) and Oshawa, Ontario (1920–1923).[5] Clapper was given his nickname at an early age when he would lisp his name, the result coming out "Dit."[6]

Clapper was related to Ed Broadbent, whose grandmother was cousins with father Bill. Clapper started his hockey career at age 13, playing minor hockey in Oshawa,[7] and going on to play with the junior league Toronto Parkdale club of the Ontario Hockey Association in 1925, scoring a goal in the team's Memorial Cup run that season. The following season he turned professional, playing for the Boston Tigers of the Canadian-American Hockey League.

NHL career

[edit]

The Boston Bruins bought Clapper's contract from the Tigers in 1927. Hitherto a defenceman, Bruins' coach Art Ross decided to try Clapper at right wing, and the experiment stuck.[8] He scored his first NHL goal—ten seconds into his first shift[9]—in the season opener against the Chicago Black Hawks.[10]

The following season, Ross teamed Clapper up with Cooney Weiland and Dutch Gainor to form the renowned Dynamite Line,[2] one of the first named forward lines in history.[11] The Bruins won the American Division that season and went on to their first Stanley Cup championship, with Clapper scoring the winning goal in the first game of their best-of-three series with the New York Rangers.

In the 1930 season, the league considerably liberalized the passing rules, effectively eliminating offsides. The Stanley Cup champion Bruins took especial advantage, breaking many scoring records and recording the highest winning percentage the league would ever see, unsurpassed as of 2024.[12] Leading the charge was the Dynamite Line, as Weiland led the league in scoring, Clapper finishing third and Gainor finishing ninth; Clapper's goal total of 41 was the third most in league history at that time, he finished the season with a career best 61 points.[13] The Dynamite Line scored 102 of the Bruins' league record 179 goals, as many as last-place Pittsburgh managed.[13] While Clapper scored four goals in six playoff games, the Bruins were shocked in the Stanley Cup finals by the Montreal Canadiens in their best-of-three series.

Clapper married Lorraine Pratt of Vancouver in April 1931.[14]

While Clapper kept his production high in the 1931 season, Gainor's scoring fell off badly, and the Dynamite Line was broken up at season's end.[2] Clapper's 22 goals were good for eighth in the league, and he was named Second team all-star for the first time at right wing at year's end, the first season such All-Stars were named.[2] The following year Clapper—with Bud Cook replacing the traded Gainor on his line with Weiland—was named team captain[8] and again finished eighth in league scoring, but an injury-riddled Bruins' team fell into last place and out of the playoffs. While Weiland was dealt to Ottawa for the 1933 season, the Bruins purchased Montreal Maroons star Nels Stewart and paired him with Clapper to form a powerful offensive unit that led the Bruins back to a division championship.

The largest forward of his era at 6′2″ and 200 lbs,[2] Clapper was a notably peaceful player who nonetheless was involved in an unusual incident in the 1937 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Maroons. Highsticking Maroon Dave Trottier twice in the head, referee Clarence Campbell (the future NHL president) called Clapper a profane name, and Clapper knocked the referee to the ice with a single punch.[10] Speculation was heavy that Clapper's punishment would be severe,[15] but Campbell himself pleaded Clapper's case, stating that he felt he had provoked the Bruin into the blow; Clapper received only a $100 fine for the incident.[16]

By 1938, Ross believed the Bruins needed an overhaul, and as part of it asked Clapper to move back to defence.[8] Paired with perennial superstar Eddie Shore on the backline, the move proved highly successful, With Clapper in his original position on defense, the reassignment inspired him to play some of the best Hockey of his career. The work of Clapper and Eddie Shore was crucial to Boston's win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1939 Stanley Cup championship. During the 1941 season Clapper demonstrated his well-known sportsmanship when he scored his 200th career goal at Maple Leaf Gardens on January 8, 1941. After the game, he presented the stick he used to reach this milestone to Maple Leafs assistant general manager Frank Selke as a token of his admiration. Later that year, Clapper contributed five playoff assists as the Bruins won their third Stanley Cup by sweeping Detroit in four straight games in the 1941 finals. During this period Clapper was named a First Team NHL All-Star on defence in 1939, 1940 and 1941. This led to Clapper becoming the first and only player in NHL history to be named to an All-Star Team at both forward and defence.[8]

In February 1942, Clapper suffered a severed tendon in a collision with Toronto player Bingo Kampman and was done for the season.[15] It was feared he would be forced into retirement, but he came back next year and returned to form and was named a Second Team NHL All-Star on defence.[8] During the 1944 season, Clapper broke Hooley Smith's career record for games played, holding the record until Maurice Richard surpassed him in 1957.[17]

Player-coach

[edit]

During the 1944 season, Clapper filled in as interim coach when Art Ross took ill.[18] In 1945 Ross retired as Bruins' coach, retaining his general manager's position, and named Clapper as player-coach, the only one in team history.[10] Now as team captain continuing on defense and being head coach, Claper led the Bruins to the Stanley cup in 1946, although the Bruins lost out to Montreal. Clapper retained his team captaincy until his retirement as a player in 1947, ultimately serving as team captain for longer than any NHL player until Ray Bourque surpassed his total in the 1990s.[18] He went on to coach the Bruins for another 3 seasons losing in the semifinals each year. He finished with an overall record of 102-88-40.

Retirement and legacy

[edit]
Clapper's #5 jersey on display at the International Hockey Hall of Fame

Hobbled by injuries and with his skills eroded, Clapper originally retired before the start of the 1946–47 season, but returned to play in November 1946 to replace the injured Jack Crawford in the Bruins' lineup.[19] He played only sporadically thereafter, and retired for good on February 12, 1947. Leading the Bruins to a 10–1 victory over the New York Rangers in his final game (in which Bill Cowley broke the league career scoring record),[19] the Bruins further announced that day that his number #5 sweater would be retired, and the Hockey Hall of Fame immediately inducted him as an Honoured Member. Clapper was the only active player ever to be inducted into the Hall,[20] and at the time the only living Member inducted.[19] He was the first player in NHL history to play 20 seasons in the league.

Of his prowess, Bruins goaltending legend Tiny Thompson said:

"Clapper diagnosed the plays like a great infielder in baseball. He put himself where the puck had to come."[6]

Clapper coached the Bruins for two more seasons until, unhappy with the club's performance in the 1949 playoffs against Toronto and uneasy about coaching friends with whom he had played, he resigned.[6] Save for a single season coaching the American Hockey League's Buffalo Bisons in 1960, in which the team recorded a 33-35-4 record and failed to make the playoffs, he did not again participate in professional hockey.

Once called "the Jean Beliveau of his day" by the Canadian Press, Clapper would be compared to Wayne Gretzky today for his off ice attributes. Clapper was viewed as a handsome man that always dressed with great care and detail, exuding class. His natural charisma made him well liked by fans and media everywhere, not just in Boston.

Clapper ran a plumbing firm and a sporting goods store in Peterborough in retirement, while serving as a director of the Peterborough Petes of the OHA.[16] He briefly attempted a political career, standing as a Liberal candidate for the Peterborough West riding in the 1949 federal election, losing by fewer than 250 votes to incumbent Progressive Conservative Gordon Fraser.[21]

Clapper died, of complications from a 1973 stroke, on January 20, 1978.[22][23] He is buried in Trent Valley Cemetery in Hastings, Ontario.

In 1983, the Bruins signed former Montreal Canadiens star Guy Lapointe, Lapointe sought to wear his customary #5 jersey, which had been retired in Clapper's honour nearly forty years before.[10] Team general manager Harry Sinden agreed to Lapointe's request, but under protests from Clapper's family, Bruins superstar Bobby Orr and the public, Lapointe was switched to #27 after a handful of games.[10]

On August 11, 2012, former Hockey Hall of Fame coach Scotty Bowman, who was a young Peterborough Petes coach when Clapper served on the club's board of directors, paid tribute to Clapper. The occasion was the unveiling by Clapper's daughter, Marilyn Armstrong, of a new street sign named "Dit Clapper Drive" in Hastings, Ontario.[24][25]

Clapper was honored by the Bruins during their centennial celebrations in 2024, being Named to the Boston Bruins All-Centennial Team.[26]

Achievements and facts

[edit]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
  • Bold indicates led league
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1925–26 Toronto Parkdale OHA-Jr. 2 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
1925–26 Toronto Parkdale M-Cup — — — — — 5 1 0 1 —
1926–27 Boston Tigers Can-Am 29 6 1 7 57 — — — — —
1927–28 Boston Bruins NHL 42 4 2 6 18 2 0 0 0 2
1928–29 Boston Bruins NHL 40 9 2 11 48 5 1 0 1 0
1929–30 Boston Bruins NHL 44 41 20 61 38 6 4 0 4 4
1930–31 Boston Bruins NHL 43 22 8 30 50 5 2 4 6 4
1931–32 Boston Bruins NHL 48 17 22 39 23 — — — — —
1932–33 Boston Bruins NHL 48 14 14 28 42 5 1 1 2 2
1933–34 Boston Bruins NHL 48 10 12 22 6 — — — — —
1934–35 Boston Bruins NHL 48 22 16 38 21 3 1 0 1 0
1935–36 Boston Bruins NHL 44 12 13 25 14 2 0 1 1 0
1936–37 Boston Bruins NHL 48 17 8 25 25 3 2 0 2 5
1937–38 Boston Bruins NHL 46 6 9 15 24 3 0 0 0 12
1938–39 Boston Bruins NHL 42 13 13 26 22 11 0 1 1 6
1939–40 Boston Bruins NHL 44 10 18 28 25 6 0 2 2 2
1940–41 Boston Bruins NHL 48 8 18 26 24 11 0 5 5 4
1941–42 Boston Bruins NHL 32 3 12 15 31 — — — — —
1942–43 Boston Bruins NHL 38 5 18 23 12 9 2 2 4 9
1943–44 Boston Bruins NHL 50 6 25 31 13 — — — — —
1944–45 Boston Bruins NHL 46 8 15 23 16 7 0 0 0 0
1945–46 Boston Bruins NHL 30 2 3 5 0 4 0 0 0 0
1946–47 Boston Bruins NHL 6 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
NHL totals 835 229 248 477 452 82 13 16 29 50

Coaching record

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Post season
G W L T Pts Division rank Result
Boston Bruins 1945–46 50 24 18 8 56 2nd in NHL Lost in Cup Finals
Boston Bruins 1946–47 60 26 23 11 63 2nd in NHL Lost in semi-finals
Boston Bruins 1947–48 60 23 24 13 59 3rd in NHL Lost in semi-finals
Boston Bruins 1948–49 60 29 23 8 66 2nd in NHL Lost in semi-finals
NHL Total 230 102 88 40

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dit Clapper

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from Grokipedia
Aubrey Victor "Dit" Clapper (February 9, 1907 – January 20, 1978) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach best known for his 20-season tenure with the of the National Hockey League (NHL), the longest career with a single team in league history at the time. Renowned for his versatility and durability, he played as a right winger for the first half of his career and transitioned to defense for the latter half, becoming the first and only player (along with Colville) to earn NHL honors at both positions. Clapper contributed to three championships with the Bruins (1929, 1939, and 1941), captained the team during two stints (1932–1938 and 1939–1946), and was inducted into the in 1947—the same year his jersey number 5 was retired by the franchise—waiving the standard waiting period due to his exemplary career. Born in , and raised in nearby , Clapper began playing organized junior hockey in at the age of 13 in 1920, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent due to his imposing 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, which he used effectively to intimidate opponents and quell on-ice altercations. After a brief stint with the Boston Tigers of the Canadian-American Hockey League, he made his NHL debut with the Bruins on November 15, 1927, against the Chicago Black Hawks in a 1-1 tie, scoring his first goal ten seconds into his first shift to help secure the team's inaugural playoff appearance. Early in his career, Clapper skated on the high-scoring "Dynamite Line" alongside center Cooney Weiland and left winger Dutch Gainor, powering the Bruins to their first in 1929 and amassing 229 goals and 248 assists over 835 regular-season games—records that underscored his offensive prowess from both forward and blue-line roles. Clapper's accolades included selections to the NHL First All-Star Team three consecutive years (1939–1941) as a defenseman and the Second All-Star Team twice as a forward (1931, 1935) plus once more on defense (1944), along with runner-up finishes for the in 1941 and third place in 1940. Toward the end of his playing days, he doubled as for the Bruins from 1945 to 1947, guiding the team through a transitional period before retiring as the league's all-time leader in games played with 835—a mark later surpassed but emblematic of his ironman reliability. After leaving the NHL, Clapper coached the of the for one season (1947–1948) and later supported junior hockey in , where he settled in 1945, sponsoring local teams and community sports initiatives until his death from stroke complications.

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Aubrey Victor Clapper was born on February 9, 1907, in , , to William Daniel Clapper, a transient worker who served as a and cheesemaker, and Agnes Mather Bell, whom he had married on 19 December 1900, in Warkworth, . The Clappers, of German-Irish origin with roots tracing to Huguenot and settlers, formed a family of six children, with Aubrey as the middle child and youngest boy. When Clapper was just two or three months old, his family relocated to the rural village of , , where they settled into a modest home on Homewood Avenue amid a farming along the Trent River. The family's circumstances involved frequent moves due to his father's employment, including brief periods in Fenella, , , Aurora (1915–1920), and (1920–1923), before returning permanently to in 1923; these shifts reflected economic hardships common to working-class rural families at the time. As a child, Clapper contributed to household and life by helping with farm chores during summers for local farmers and assisting at the village arena, fostering a sense of responsibility in the tight-knit environment. Clapper acquired his lifelong nickname "Dit" in early childhood, likely from a younger sister's mispronunciation of his middle name, Victor, which he used more commonly in his youth. He attended Public School during his formative years, where he signed official documents as Aubrey Clapper, and also briefly the Connelly School in 1913 and Aurora Public School in 1915 amid the family's relocations. Family encouragement played a key role in his early interests, with exposure to sports coming through informal play like shinny hockey on the frozen Trent River and at local rinks, which sparked his initial enthusiasm for the game and led toward organized junior play.

Introduction to Hockey

Aubrey "Dit" Clapper, born in , but raised in the rural village of , began playing organized hockey at age 13 in 1920 with local minor teams in . His rural upbringing in , near the Trent River, instilled a rugged physical toughness that aided his development on the ice, where he quickly progressed through intermediate and junior ranks in the Trent Valley Hockey League. By 1923, at age 16, Clapper was playing adult hockey for the team, scoring a in his season opener and emerging as the top scorer in the league during the 1924-1925 campaign. In spring 1925, Clapper joined the junior-level Parkdale Canoe Club in the (OHA), invited by star player Harry "Moose" Watson to bolster the team. He played the full 1925-1926 season there, contributing offensively in the with 5 goals and 1 assist, showcasing his emerging skills as a versatile forward capable of strong skating and precise shooting. This performance highlighted his potential as a right winger, blending speed and scoring ability honed in competitive junior play. Clapper's junior success drew the attention of scouts from the organization, leading to his signing of an amateur contract in spring 1926 with their minor league affiliate, the Boston Tigers of the Canadian-American Hockey League. He debuted professionally that fall, playing defense while transitioning elements of his forward game, and recorded 6 goals and 1 assist in 29 games during the 1926-1927 season. This stint with the Tigers provided essential seasoning, refining his physical play and positioning him for higher levels.

Boston Bruins Career

Rookie Seasons and Early Success

Aubrey "Dit" Clapper made his NHL debut with the on November 15, 1927, in the season-opening game against the Chicago Black Hawks at the , a contest that ended in a 1-1 tie. Ten seconds into his first shift, Clapper scored his first NHL goal, unassisted, giving the Bruins an early lead that held until the final minute of regulation. This rapid impact marked the beginning of his professional career, following a junior stint with the Toronto Parkdale Canoe Club that honed his skills as a versatile forward. In his 1927-28 season, appeared in 42 games for the Bruins, recording 4 goals and 2 assists for 6 points while accumulating 18 penalty minutes. Playing primarily as a right winger, he contributed to a Bruins team that finished first in the American Division with a 20-13-11 record, showcasing his physical presence and defensive reliability amid the league's competitive expansion to 10 teams that year. Though his offensive output was modest, Clapper's integration into the lineup under coach Art Ross established him as a promising talent in the early NHL landscape. Clapper's early success accelerated in the 1928-29 season, where he solidified his role on the Bruins' top forward line, known as the "Dynamite Line," alongside center Cooney Weiland and left winger Dutch Gainor. This trio's chemistry drove Boston's offensive attack, with Clapper tallying 9 goals and 2 assists in 40 regular-season games, helping the team secure first place in the American Division with a 26-13-5 record. In the playoffs, Clapper added 1 goal in 5 games as the Bruins advanced to the Final against the , defeating them 2 games to 0 to claim the championship—the franchise's first. His contributions underscored his emergence as a key offensive force during these formative years.

Position Switch and Peak Performance

In the 1936–37 NHL season, the faced a crisis on defense when veteran Sylvio Mantha suffered a severe injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year, prompting team management to shift Aubrey "Dit" Clapper from his established right wing position to the blue line to stabilize the back end. Clapper, who had built a reputation as a reliable forward during his first decade in , adapted swiftly to the defensive role, leveraging his size (6 feet 2 inches, 200 pounds) and hockey intelligence to become a formidable capable of shutting down opponents while joining rushes offensively. This transition marked a pivotal evolution in his career, transforming him into one of 's most versatile contributors during the late . Clapper's excellence at both ends of the ice was underscored by his rare distinction as the first NHL player selected to teams at forward and defense. As a forward, he earned Second Team honors in 1931 and 1935, reflecting his early playmaking prowess that saw him lead the Bruins in assists multiple times, such as with 22 in the 1931–32 season. After the position switch, he continued to excel offensively from the defense, posting 13 assists in 1938–39 while anchoring the Bruins' blue line alongside , and earning First Team recognition in 1939, 1940, and 1941 for his balanced impact. His ability to facilitate scoring remained a hallmark, as he ranked among the team's top assist producers even in a defensive role, contributing to Boston's resurgence as a contender. A highlight of Clapper's peak years came during the , where his clutch scoring propelled the Bruins forward. In Game 1 of the Finals against the , Clapper netted the game-winning goal in the second period, securing a 2–0 victory and providing momentum for Boston's eventual four-game sweep to claim the championship—their first since 1929. His MVP-caliber play throughout the decade drew league-wide acclaim, including finalist consideration for the in (third place) and 1941 (second place), affirming his status as one of the NHL's premier performers during this era.

Final Years and Stanley Cup Victories

Clapper's defensive prowess, honed from his earlier positional switch, provided steady leadership for the Boston Bruins as they pursued further championships in the late 1930s. In the 1938–39 season, he anchored the blue line alongside , contributing 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 42 regular-season games before the playoffs. The Bruins advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they defeated the 4–1, securing Clapper's second championship and Boston's first title since 1929. The Bruins' success continued into the early 1940s, with Clapper serving as team captain from 1939–40 onward. During the 1940–41 season, he recorded 26 points (8 goals, 18 assists) in 48 games while guiding the defense through a dominant regular-season performance that clinched first place. In the , Boston first overcame the 4–3 in the semifinals before sweeping the 4–0 in the Finals, earning Clapper his third . As captain, he was presented the trophy on the ice following the decisive Game 4 victory on April 12, 1941, becoming the first player to skate with the Cup in that manner. As unfolded, Clapper remained with the Bruins, forgoing military service at age 35 and continuing to contribute despite the league's depleted rosters. He appeared in 42 games during the 1942–43 season, tallying 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists), and followed with 41 games and 20 points (8 goals, 12 assists) in 1943–44, helping maintain Boston's competitiveness amid wartime challenges. At 38 years old in the 1945–46 season, following the war's end, Clapper played 36 games, registering 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in a reduced role while transitioning toward coaching duties. His final 1946–47 campaign marked his 20th NHL season; initially retired to focus on coaching, he returned briefly due to injuries on the roster, suiting up for 5 games and earning 1 assist before hanging up his skates for good after a February 12, 1947, contest against the . Over his career, Clapper amassed 835 regular-season games, a league record at the time of his retirement.

Coaching Tenure

Player-Coach Responsibilities

In 1945, Aubrey "Dit" Clapper was named of the Boston Bruins while remaining an active player, becoming the only individual to hold that in team . This appointment occurred as Art Ross retired from coaching to focus exclusively on his duties as , leaving Clapper to lead the bench during a transitional period marked by post-World War II roster challenges and player shortages. Clapper balanced his on-ice contributions—appearing in 30 games during the 1945-46 season, scoring 2 goals and 3 assists—with strategic team management, guiding the Bruins to a second-place finish in the NHL standings with a 24-18-8 record and a playoff berth despite limited depth on the roster. His leadership drew on extensive veteran experience from three championships (1929, 1939, and 1941), fostering team cohesion amid the league's competitive landscape. In the playoffs, the Bruins defeated the 4–1 in the semifinals before losing the Stanley Cup Finals 1–4 to the . Clapper continued as player-coach in the 1946-47 season, appearing in just 6 games while the Bruins finished third with a 26-23-11 record. They qualified for the playoffs but were eliminated in the semifinals 1–4 by the . In this capacity, Clapper mentored emerging talents during the war-era and immediate postwar years. After the 1946-47 season, Clapper retired as a player but continued as full-time ; this shift underscored his enduring influence as a respected elder statesman on the team.

Head Coaching Record

After retiring as a player following the 1946-47 season, Aubrey "Dit" Clapper continued as the full-time of the for the 1947-48 and 1948-49 NHL seasons. His prior experience as a informed a disciplined approach that emphasized team structure and veteran leadership during this transition period. Clapper's teams qualified for the in both seasons but were eliminated in the first round each time by the . In 1947-48, the Bruins finished third in the six-team league with a record of 23 wins, 24 losses, and 13 ties for 59 points, losing their semifinal series 4 games to 1. The following year, 1948-49, they improved to second place with 29 wins, 23 losses, and 8 ties for 66 points, but again fell in the semifinals 4-1 to . Over these two seasons, Clapper's overall regular-season record stood at 52-47-21.
SeasonTeamGPWLTPTSFinishPlayoff Result
1947-4860232413593rdLost Semifinal (1-4 vs. )
1948-496029238662ndLost Semifinal (1-4 vs. )
Total1205247211250 series wins
During this tenure, focused on rebuilding the roster by integrating younger talent amid the challenges of transitioning from an aging core of players who had contributed to the Bruins' earlier successes. Although prospects like Leo Boivin would emerge in the subsequent season, Clapper's emphasis on discipline and development laid groundwork for the team's future, despite struggles with consistency against stronger opponents. He resigned after the 1948-49 playoffs, citing dissatisfaction with the results and unease coaching former teammates.

Post-Retirement Life

Jersey Retirement and Honors

Upon retiring as a player, Aubrey "Dit" Clapper was immediately honored by the , who retired his number 5 jersey in a pre-game ceremony at on February 12, 1947, following his final game against the . This recognized Clapper's unprecedented 20-season career entirely with the Bruins—the second instance in NHL history of a jersey retirement for a living player—during which he became the league's all-time leader in . That same year, Clapper was inducted into the as a player, a rare honor granted to a living inductee at the time and reflecting his contributions as both a right winger and defenseman, including three championships in 1929, 1939, and 1941. His legacy of durability and leadership, exemplified by serving as team captain for seven seasons (1932–33 and 1939–44), further underscored these tributes. In 1975, Clapper was inducted into as an athlete in , acknowledging his role in elevating the sport through his tenacious play and sportsmanship over two decades in the NHL.

Later Years and Death

Following his coaching stint with the in 1947–48, Aubrey "Dit" Clapper—who had settled in , in 1945—established a sporting goods store on George Street, operating it successfully until 1959. He also worked in a business in the area, contributing to the local economy while maintaining ties to the sports community. Clapper resided in with his wife, Lorraine "Honey" Pratt Clapper, whom he had married in 1931, and their family, including son Donald and daughter Marilyn Theberge. In his post-hockey life, Clapper remained actively involved in Peterborough's sports scene, serving as a director for the junior of the and coaching local Junior B teams. He sponsored numerous programs and events, fostering hockey development in the region and earning recognition as a community pillar. These efforts reflected his enduring passion for the game, even as health challenges from a in later years confined him to a . Clapper passed away on January 20, 1978, at the age of 70 in from complications following a . He was buried in Trent Valley Cemetery in , , his longtime hometown area.

Legacy and Impact

Hall of Fame Recognition

Aubrey "Dit" Clapper was elected to the in 1947 as part of its inaugural class of players, recognized immediately upon retirement for his exceptional durability and versatility across two decades in the NHL. His enshrinement highlighted his status as the first player to complete a 20-season career in the league, a feat that underscored his longevity and consistency during an era of physical demands and limited player protections. Clapper's ability to excel as both a forward and defenseman further cemented his legacy, making him one of only two players—alongside Neil Colville—to earn NHL honors in both positions. In 1975, Clapper was inducted into , celebrating his contributions to as a tenacious and honest competitor who played his entire professional career with the . This honor emphasized his role in elevating the sport's profile in and the through his leadership and skill. Later, in 1990, he was posthumously enshrined in the and District Sports Hall of Fame, acknowledging his roots in where he was born and raised, and his lasting impact on local sports heritage. In 2024, Clapper was posthumously named to the All-Centennial Team as part of the franchise's 100th anniversary celebrations. Clapper's Hall of Fame recognitions also reflect the significance of his three Stanley Cup victories with the Bruins, which contributed to his selection by illustrating his pivotal role in team success over multiple eras. These inductions position him as a pioneer whose versatility and endurance set benchmarks for future generations of hockey players.

Statistical Achievements and Records

Clapper's career totals reflect his enduring presence and versatility in the NHL, accumulating 229 goals, 248 assists, and 477 points over 835 regular season games, all spent with the Boston Bruins from 1927 to 1947. In the postseason, he added 30 points (13 goals and 17 assists) across 82 games, providing steady contributions during the team's championship runs. Among his most notable records, Clapper became the first player in NHL to appear in 20 seasons, a testament to his physical resilience in an era without modern training aids or player protections. His longevity was further highlighted by All-Star selections at both forward and defense, a rare distinction shared by only one other player in league . Clapper stands alone among Bruins players as the only one to win three Stanley Cups—in 1929, 1939, and 1941—while actively skating in each series, often serving as and key contributor. Demonstrating his adaptability after switching to defense in 1937, he scored 17 goals during the 1939-40 season, emphasizing his offensive impact from the blue line amid Boston's dominant regular-season campaign.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and

Dit Clapper played his entire 20-season NHL career with the from 1927 to 1947, appearing in 835 regular-season games and accumulating 229 goals, 248 assists, and 477 points, while averaging 0.56 points per game. He transitioned from right wing to defense starting in the 1937–38 season, reflecting his versatility; as a forward over his first 10 seasons, he tallied 168 goals and 117 assists for 285 points in 453 games, whereas as a defenseman in his final 10 seasons, he contributed 61 goals and 131 assists for 192 points in 382 games. His scoring progression included a modest output of 4 goals in 42 games during 1927–28, escalating to a career-high 41 goals in 1929–30, and later emphasizing defensive play with a league-leading 25 assists in 1943–44.

Regular Season Statistics

SeasonTeamPositionGPGAPtsPIM
1927–28RW4242618
1928–29RW40921148
1929–30RW4441206138
1930–31RW432283050
1931–32RW4817223923
1932–33RW4814142842
1933–34RW481012226
1934–35RW4822163821
1935–36RW4412132514
1936–37RW481782525
1937–3846691524
1938–394213132622
1939–404410182825
1940–41488182624
1941–42323121531
1942–43385182312
1943–44506253113
1944–45468152316
1945–46302350
1946–4760000
Career Total835229248477452

Playoff Statistics

SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM
1927–28BOS20002
1928–29BOS51010
1929–30BOS64044
1930–31BOS52464
1932–33BOS51122
1934–35BOS31010
1935–36BOS20110
1936–37BOS32025
1937–38BOS300012
1938–39BOS120116
1939–40BOS50222
1940–41BOS110554
1942–43BOS92249
1944–45BOS70000
1945–46BOS40000
Career Total8213162950

References

  1. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7028464/aubrey_victor-clapper
  2. https://www.nhl.com/player/dit-clapper-8445474
  3. https://pdshof.com/inductees/aubrey-clapper/
  4. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/clappdi01.html
  5. https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/2Z3Q-5MZ/william-daniel-clapper-1877-1946
  6. https://trentvalleyarchives.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/hgtv-February-2010-issn1206-a2.pdf
  7. https://trentvalleyarchives.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ISSN-1206-May-2010-b.pdf
  8. https://trentvalleyarchives.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/HGTV-d-Nov-2010.pdf
  9. https://www.nytimes.com/1978/01/21/archives/aubrey-dit-clapper-played-20-years-in-nhl.html
  10. https://trentvalleyarchives.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/HGTV-August-2010-a1.pdf
  11. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0008821927.html
  12. https://hockeygods.com/images/14872-Dit_Clapper_Boston_Bruins_1928
  13. https://thehockeywriters.com/docs/cooney-weiland/
  14. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BOS/1932.html
  15. https://www.hockey-reference.com/awards/voting-1940.html
  16. https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/NHL_1939.html
  17. https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/the-history-of-the-bruins-captaincy-320038260
  18. https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/NHL_1941.html
  19. https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2013/7/31/4575088/wwii-hockey-bruins-bennett-courteau-otbh
  20. https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2012/2/9/2785880/this-week-in-bruins-history-dit-clappers-number-gets-retired
  21. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BOS/1946.html
  22. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BOS/1947.html
  23. https://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/clappdi01c.html
  24. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=1014
  25. https://www.nhl.com/bruins/team/honored-numbers
  26. https://www.hhof.com/induction/yearbyyearrollcall.html
  27. https://halloffamers.sportshall.ca/?aubrey_dit_clapper&language=EN
  28. https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/sports/hockey/new-book-tells-story-of-early-nhl-star-dit-clapper-who-came-from-hastings-and/article_99056e1c-bbab-5e30-9a18-30e6bf833c7b.html
  29. https://nesn.com/2024/02/aubrey-dit-clapper-slam-dunk-for-bruins-all-centennial-team/
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