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Pete Stemkowski
Pete Stemkowski
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Peter David Stemkowski (born August 25, 1943) is a former centre and forward in the National Hockey League. Over fifteen seasons, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Los Angeles Kings. Stemkowski is best remembered for his heroics in the 1970–71 Stanley Cup semifinals when he scored two overtime goals for the New York Rangers in an eventual series loss to the Chicago Black Hawks. He won the Stanley Cup in 1967 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Considered a textbook "two-way" centre, able to kill penalties and play defence as well as scoring goals, Stemkowski is also remembered as one of the top faceoff takers of the NHL.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Pete Stemkowski had a solid NHL career that lasted 14 years. A useful and aggressive forward, "Stemmer" always took a back seat of attention wherever he played.

Pete was a product of the Toronto Maple Leafs junior system. He played in his native Winnipeg before moving to Toronto at the age of 17 to play with the Ontario Hockey Association's Toronto Marlboros, the Leafs' junior team.

After splitting his first three professional seasons between the Leafs and their American Hockey League farm team in Rochester NY, Stemkowski finally made the Leafs squad in 1966–67. It was great timing as the Leafs won the Stanley Cup that year. Stemkowski, 24 at the time, was an important contributor with 12 points in 12 games. But the focus fell upon aging veterans like Terry Sawchuk, Johnny Bower, George Armstrong, Allan Stanley, Frank Mahovlich and Tim Horton.

He was part of a six-player blockbuster transaction in which he was traded along with Frank Mahovlich and Garry Unger from the Maple Leafs to the Red Wings for Norm Ullman, Paul Henderson and Floyd Smith on March 4, 1968. The Maple Leafs and Red Wings were in fifth and sixth place respectively at the bottom of the East Division standings at the time of the deal.[1] It was a good trade for Stemkowski though. It gave him a chance to play regularly and he responded well with two 20+ goal seasons in his two full seasons in Detroit.

Stemkowski was traded to the Rangers for Larry Brown on October 31, 1970.[2] This was partially a result of an incident in practice where Stemkowski disrespected new head coach Ned Harkness. Harkness had just come to Detroit from Cornell University. Stemkowski, a noted joker, was mockingly imitating a college cheer. Harkness made sure Stemkowski was gone shortly afterwards.[3]

After enduring years of frustration, the Rangers were emerging as a true NHL powerhouse. The roster boasted a perfect chemistry between established legends like Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle and Ed Giacomin with enthusiastic help from young players such as Pete Stemkowski, Brad Park, Steve Vickers and Walt Tkaczuk. Pete Stemkowski especially was very popular with the Madison Square Gardens faithful.

Despite the Rangers losing a 1971 Stanley Cup semifinal series in seven games to the Chicago Black Hawks, Stemkowski scored game-winning overtime goals in each of two matches. The first occurred just 1:37 into overtime to decide a 2–1 Game 1 win at Chicago Stadium on April 18. With the Rangers facing elimination in Game 6, he scored the most famous goal of his playing career eleven nights later at 1:29 of the third overtime, after a total of 41:29 of extra time, in a 3–2 victory at Madison Square Garden that forced a deciding seventh game. The contest lasted 4 hours 23 minutes and ended two minutes before midnight ET.[4]

Stemkowski played six strong seasons in New York, during which he recorded three 20+ goal seasons.

In 1977–78, Stemkowski finished his career playing one season with the Los Angeles Kings. Speaking of the experience, he said, "I started my career in Toronto in the early 60's. The Leafs were a real powerhouse back then and all you heard was hockey 24 hours a day. When I came to the Kings the whole atmosphere changed. I'd go to the bank and the teller asked me what I did. I said I play for the Kings. The teller said, "who and what are the Kings?"

With Los Angeles, Stemkowski played with Dave Schultz and Marcel Dionne. "I remember a lot of traveling with the Kings and that I played with Dave "The Hammer" Schultz. I got to know the other side of the reigning "bad boy" in the NHL. He helped me find a place to live when I first arrived."

"Playing with Marcel Dionne was a treat. He was such a talent. Marcel and his family really did a lot to keep the team close. Every Sunday Marcel would invite the entire team over to his house for a barbecue and swim."[5]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

As of May 1982, Stemkowski was a morning disc jockey for WDJZ in Bridgeport, Connecticut.[6] He was also a freelance announcer for the Entertainment Sports Network.

He has served a stint as the television (1992–1996) and radio colour commentator (2000–2005) for the San Jose Sharks and now does so for the New York Rangers on a part-time basis. He was rumoured to be a candidate to become the Rangers' full-time radio analyst in 2006–07 but has retained his back-up role and makes appearances at Rangers events.

Hockey awards and achievements

[edit]

Career statistics

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1960–61 Winnipeg Monarchs MJHL 31 22 16 38 29 — — — — —
1961–62 Winnipeg Monarchs MJHL 40 31 34 65 100 8 3 7 10 22
1962–63 Winnipeg Monarchs MJHL 5 6 3 9 8 — — — — —
1962–63 Toronto Marlboros OHA-Jr. 23 16 27 43 44 11 7 17 24 26
1963–64 Toronto Marlboros OHA-Jr. 51 42 61 103 89 9 5 9 14 8
1963–64 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 1 0 0 0 2 — — — — —
1963–64 Toronto Marlboros MC — — — — — 12 14 15 29 6
1964–65 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 36 5 15 20 33 6 0 3 3 7
1964–65 Rochester Americans AHL 35 17 22 39 52 — — — — —
1965–66 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 56 4 12 16 55 4 0 0 0 26
1965–66 Rochester Americans AHL 7 5 5 10 8 — — — — —
1966–67 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 68 13 22 35 75 12 5 7 12 20
1967–68 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 60 7 15 22 82 — — — — —
1967–68 Detroit Red Wings NHL 13 3 6 9 4 — — — — —
1968–69 Detroit Red Wings NHL 71 21 31 52 81 — — — — —
1969–70 Detroit Red Wings NHL 76 25 24 49 114 4 1 1 2 6
1970–71 Detroit Red Wings NHL 10 2 2 4 8 — — — — —
1970–71 New York Rangers NHL 68 16 29 45 61 13 3 2 5 6
1971–72 New York Rangers NHL 59 11 17 28 53 16 4 8 12 18
1972–73 New York Rangers NHL 78 22 37 59 71 10 4 2 6 6
1973–74 New York Rangers NHL 78 25 45 70 74 13 6 6 12 35
1974–75 New York Rangers NHL 77 24 35 59 63 3 1 0 1 10
1975–76 New York Rangers NHL 75 13 28 41 49 — — — — —
1976–77 New York Rangers NHL 61 2 13 15 8 — — — — —
1977–78 Los Angeles Kings NHL 80 13 18 31 33 2 1 0 1 2
1978–79 Springfield Indians AHL 24 3 12 15 8 — — — — —
NHL totals 967 206 349 555 866 83 25 29 54 136

Conviction for criminal solicitation

[edit]

On May 7, 1982, Stemkowski pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count of criminal solicitation in Nassau County, New York. Stemkowski had lent $35,000 to a business associate, which had not been repaid along with $35,000 in interest. He offered $20,000 to an undercover Nassau County police officer to fly to California and break an ankle and wrist of the business associate. After making his guilty plea, Stemkowski expressed remorse for his actions, saying, "Something was rightfully owed to me. I felt I had to get it back. Foolishly and stupidly, I went about it the wrong way." By pleading guilty, Stemkowski avoided a charge of conspiracy.[9]

References

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

Pete Stemkowski

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Peter David Stemkowski (born August 25, 1943) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1963–64 to 1977–78, appearing in 967 games and recording 206 goals and 349 assists for 555 points across four teams. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Stemkowski signed as an amateur with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a teenager, receiving a $100 signing bonus, and honed his skills with the Toronto Marlboros junior team, where he tallied 103 points in 51 games during the 1963-64 season en route to a Memorial Cup championship. His NHL debut came in the 1963-64 season with Toronto, where he contributed to the team's checking lines and helped secure the Stanley Cup in 1967—the franchise's last championship to date and the final one in the Original Six era—posting 12 points in 12 playoff games during the run. He participated in the 1968 NHL All-Star Game with Toronto before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings later that year, continuing as a reliable two-way forward before joining the New York Rangers for the 1970–71 season, where he centered a productive checking line with Ted Irvine and Bruce MacGregor, scoring over 20 goals in three consecutive seasons and delivering two memorable overtime goals in the 1971 playoffs against the Chicago Black Hawks, including a triple-overtime winner in Game 6 that remains one of the franchise's most celebrated moments. Stemkowski concluded his playing career with the Los Angeles Kings from 1975 to 1978, retiring at age 34 after a solid tenure as a physical, versatile center known for his tenacity and leadership. Following retirement, Stemkowski transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a radio analyst for the and working television commentary for the in the early , leveraging his deep knowledge of the game earned over a 15-year professional career. In 1982, he pleaded guilty to criminal solicitation and was sentenced to three years' probation. As of 2025, residing in , he is remembered as a "hockey lifer" for his contributions both on the ice and in media, embodying the grit of his era.

Early life and junior career

Early life

Peter David Stemkowski was born on August 25, 1943, in , , . His parents were of Polish descent. Stemkowski grew up in humble circumstances in 's North and West End neighborhoods, areas known for their working-class communities during the mid-20th century. These surroundings shaped his early years, fostering a resilient character amid modest family means. At age 17, in 1960, Stemkowski relocated to to pursue opportunities in organized hockey, signing a "C" form agreement with the that provided him with $100 to support the transition. This move marked the end of his time in and the beginning of his focused development in the sport with the .

Junior career

Stemkowski began his organized junior hockey career at age 17 with the hometown Monarchs of the (MJHL) during the 1960–61 season. Playing as a , he recorded 22 goals and 16 assists in 31 games, accumulating 29 penalty minutes that hinted at his emerging physical presence on the ice. His upbringing in 's challenging North End neighborhoods contributed to this tough playing style, which became more pronounced in subsequent seasons. In 1961–62, Stemkowski elevated his performance with the Monarchs, leading the team in scoring with 31 goals and 34 assists for 65 points over 40 regular-season games, while racking up 100 penalty minutes—reflecting his aggressive, two-way approach as a . He added 10 points in eight playoff games as Winnipeg reached the postseason. For his efforts, he was named to the MJHL Second All-Star Team and participated in the inaugural MJHL/SJHL . Stemkowski started the 1962–63 season with a brief stint back in , notching 9 points in 5 games, before transferring midseason to the of the (OHA), the junior affiliate of the . Joining at age 19, he quickly adapted, contributing 16 goals and 27 assists for 43 points in 23 regular-season games, along with 44 penalty minutes. In the playoffs, he excelled with 24 points (7 goals, 17 assists) in 11 games, helping the Marlboros advance to the Metro Junior A finals. In the 1963–64 season, Stemkowski remained with the Marlboros, recording 42 goals and 61 assists for 103 points in 51 regular-season games. In the , he helped the team win the OHA by sweeping the Montreal Junior Canadiens in the finals and then secure the with victories over the North Bay Trappers and . This move paved the way for his professional transition, leveraging his proven scoring touch and physicality from juniors.

Junior Hockey Statistics

SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPtsPIM
1960–61Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL3122163829
1961–62Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL40313465100
1962–63Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL56398
1962–63OHA2316274344
1963–64OHA51426110389
Playoff stats not included in table for conciseness; Stemkowski recorded 10 points in 8 MJHL playoff games (1961–62), 24 points in 11 OHA playoff games (1962–63), and contributed to the Marlboros' 1963–64 championship.

NHL playing career

Stemkowski made his NHL debut with the on January 18, 1964, during the 1963–64 season, appearing in a single game that ended in an 11–0 loss to the . He secured a more permanent role in the 1964–65 season, playing 36 games and registering 5 goals, 15 assists, and 33 penalty minutes as a checking focused on defensive responsibilities and physical forechecking. Over his full tenure with through the 1967–68 season, Stemkowski appeared in 221 regular-season games, accumulating 29 goals, 64 assists, 93 points, and 245 penalty minutes, establishing himself as a reliable two-way forward who emphasized puck battles and penalty killing amid the team's deep forward group. Stemkowski's physical style was evident in his rising penalty minutes—55 in 1965–66, 75 in 1966–67, and 82 in 1967–68—reflecting his aggressive play that complemented Toronto's veteran core during their contending years. In the 1966–67 regular season, he achieved personal bests with 13 goals and 35 points in 68 games, including a strong late surge of 26 points and a +20 rating over his final 24 contests. His contributions peaked in the , where he recorded 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) in 12 games and 20 penalty minutes, helping the Leafs secure the championship. Key moments included scoring the game-winning goal in Game 5 of the semifinals against the Chicago Black Hawks, a 4–2 victory that advanced , as well as assists on crucial tallies in the Final against the . On March 3, 1968, Stemkowski was traded to the in a blockbuster deal that also involved and Garry Unger heading to Detroit for , , Floyd Smith, and Doug Barrie, driven by Toronto's surplus of forwards and need for a veteran center like Ullman to bolster their aging roster post-Cup.

Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers

Following his Stanley Cup victory with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1967, Stemkowski was traded to the on March 3, 1968, as part of a multi-player deal that sent him, , Garry Unger, and the rights to Carl Brewer to Detroit in exchange for , , Floyd Smith, and Doug Barrie. In his partial 1967–68 season with Detroit, he appeared in 13 games, recording 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points. Stemkowski also participated in the 1968 NHL All-Star Game. Over the full 1968–69 and 1969–70 seasons, Stemkowski solidified his role as a physical center for the Red Wings, playing all 71 games in 1968–69 with 21 goals and 31 assists for 52 points, followed by 76 games in 1969–70 with 25 goals and 24 assists for 49 points, while accumulating 81 and 114 penalty minutes respectively, reflecting his aggressive style. On October 31, 1970, early in the 1970–71 season, Stemkowski was traded from to the for defenseman Larry Brown, marking the beginning of his most prominent NHL tenure. Joining the after 10 games with (2 goals, 2 assists), he quickly integrated into the lineup, playing 68 games that season and contributing 16 goals and 29 assists for 45 points. Stemkowski's prior playoff experience from the 1967 win with aided his immediate impact in New York, where he became known for clutch performances in high-stakes games. His physical presence was evident, as he racked up 61 penalty minutes in 1970–71 alone, part of a career total exceeding 860. Stemkowski's Rangers career peaked during the 1970–71 semifinals against the Chicago Black Hawks, where he scored two crucial goals to help extend the series. In Game 1 on April 18, 1971, he netted the winner 1:37 into for a 2–1 victory. Then, in on April 29, 1971, Stemkowski scored at 1:29 of triple —after 4 hours and 23 minutes of play—to secure a 3–2 win and force a decisive Game 7, though the Rangers ultimately fell 4–2 in the series clincher. These heroics cemented his reputation as a reliable postseason contributor for New York. From 1971–72 to 1974–75, Stemkowski remained a steady force on the Rangers' third line, serving as a checking with offensive upside and qualities, often mentoring younger players amid the team's consistent playoff contention. He posted career-best totals in 1973–74 with 78 games, 25 goals, 45 assists, and 70 points, alongside 74 penalty minutes, while his overall Rangers stats through 1975 included 360 games, 98 goals, 163 assists, and 261 points. His rugged play style, characterized by heavy hits and willingness to engage in scrums, contributed to his elevated penalty minutes, underscoring his role in protecting teammates and wearing down opponents during New York's competitive era in the early 1970s.

Los Angeles Kings and retirement

Stemkowski was traded to the from the New York Rangers for future considerations on August 31, 1977. In his only NHL season with the during 1977–78, Stemkowski played all 80 games, contributing 13 goals and 18 assists for 31 points while accumulating 33 penalty minutes. This output marked a modest rebound from his injury-limited 1976–77 campaign with the Rangers, where he managed just 2 goals in 61 games, but reflected an overall decline from his peak scoring years earlier in the decade, when he regularly exceeded 20 goals per season. Following the 1977–78 season, Stemkowski joined the Springfield Indians of the (AHL), for the 1978–79 campaign. There, he appeared in 24 games, recording 3 goals and 12 assists for 15 points, while also serving as a midseason replacement coach for the team. Stemkowski retired from professional hockey in 1979 at age 35, concluding a 15-season NHL career that spanned from 1963 to 1978 across four teams, during which he played 967 games and tallied 206 goals, 349 assists, and 555 points. The physical demands of the sport, compounded by age-related wear and prior injuries, contributed to his decision to step away from playing. Immediately after retirement, he pursued opportunities in and began transitioning toward a career in sports broadcasting, leveraging his extensive playing experience.

Awards and honors

Hockey achievements

Pete Stemkowski's most prominent hockey achievement was winning the with the in 1967, during the final season of the NHL's era, where he contributed 12 points in 12 playoff games as a key checking center. During his tenure with the , Stemkowski earned recognition for his physical, two-way play, serving as a reliable penalty killer and faceoff specialist who exemplified toughness on the ice, though he did not receive major individual awards beyond his selection to the 1968 NHL . One of his standout playoff performances came in the 1971 Stanley Cup semifinals against the Chicago Black Hawks, where he scored two overtime winners, including a triple-overtime goal in Game 6 on April 29 that forced a decisive seventh game after a 4-hour, 23-minute marathon. Over his 15-year NHL career, Stemkowski reached significant milestones, playing 967 regular-season games and accumulating 864 penalty minutes, with five seasons exceeding 50 PIM, underscoring his combative style as a forward.

Other recognitions

Following his retirement from professional hockey in 1978, Stemkowski was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986 as an honored member, recognizing his contributions as a native of Winnipeg and his Stanley Cup-winning tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs. As a Polish-Canadian of Polish descent, Stemkowski's accomplishments, including his victory and durable career, were honored when he was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 on August 8, highlighting his contributions to hockey within Polish-American athletic heritage. Stemkowski's legacy with the was highlighted in the 2009 book 100 Ranger Greats by authors Russ Cohen, John Halligan, and Adam Raider, where he was ranked No. 54 on the all-time list of Rangers players based on his on-ice impact and postseason heroics. In March 2025, the Rangers organization profiled his famous triple-overtime goal in Game 6 of the 1971 semifinals against the Black Hawks—one of the most iconic moments in franchise history. This goal, which extended the series, has been frequently cited in hockey histories for its dramatic flair and Stemkowski's performance. As a representative of the 1967 champion , Stemkowski joined surviving teammates to accept the NHL Alumni Association's Man of the Year Award in February 2024, an honor bestowed on the team for exemplifying perseverance, leadership, and community service. In November 2025, during the Rangers' centennial season celebrations, Stemkowski was among the alumni honored at the "Milestones & Moments" ceremony at , where broadcaster Sam Rosen presented tributes to his career highlights, including the 1971 overtime winner. Media profiles have often portrayed Stemkowski as a "hockey lifer," emphasizing his seamless transition from player to broadcaster and his enduring involvement in the sport over five decades.

Broadcasting career

Early broadcasting roles

Following his retirement from professional hockey after the 1978–79 season in the AHL, Pete Stemkowski transitioned into broadcasting in the early 1980s by attending announcing school to develop his media skills. He quickly secured a role as a hockey game commentator for the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN), where he provided color analysis for NHL coverage starting in early 1982. This marked his entry into national television broadcasting, leveraging his on-ice experience as a center to offer insights into gameplay and team dynamics during ESPN's emerging cable hockey telecasts. In May 1982, Stemkowski expanded his radio presence by joining WDJZ-AM in , as a morning , sports director, and traffic reporter. The position involved a demanding daily commute of 65 miles from his home, earning him $200 per week, which highlighted the modest beginnings and logistical challenges of his early media career. Despite these hurdles, Stemkowski's energetic style and hockey knowledge helped him build a foundation in local broadcasting, blending music hosting with sports updates to engage audiences. Stemkowski also contributed part-time color commentary for select New York Rangers games during this period, drawing on his familiarity with the team from his playing days (1970–1975) to enhance radio and TV broadcasts. His early roles emphasized practical analysis rooted in his physical, hard-nosed playing style, allowing him to break down plays with authenticity and detail.

San Jose Sharks commentary

Stemkowski began his broadcasting tenure with the shortly after the franchise's entry into the NHL in 1991, serving as the television from 1992 to 1996 alongside play-by-play announcer . This period encompassed the team's formative years, including their first playoff appearance in 1994 against the . His insights drew from his extensive playing experience, offering viewers a grounded perspective on the expansion franchise's growth. In 2000, Stemkowski returned to the Sharks as radio color commentator, partnering with longtime play-by-play voice Dan Rusanowsky through the 2004–05 season. During this radio stint, he covered key moments such as the team's 2004 Western Conference Finals run, where the Sharks advanced past the and before falling to the . His commentary was noted for its enthusiasm and depth of player knowledge, enhancing the broadcasts' appeal to Bay Area listeners. Stemkowski's multi-year association with the solidified his role in West Coast hockey media, spanning both television and radio over more than a decade. As of 2025, at age 82, he remains active in NHL broadcasting, though his primary focus has shifted to serving as an occasional radio color analyst for the .

Family and personal background

Pete Stemkowski was born in , , to parents of Polish descent. He married Gail Stemkowski, a lifelong New York resident, in 1974, and the couple soon purchased a home in . By 1982, they resided in , with their two children. Post-retirement, Stemkowski maintained strong ties to New York, which he continues to call home as of 2025, residing in the Long Beach area. He spent time in during his broadcasting tenure with the in the 1990s (television, 1991–1996), early 2000s (radio, 2000–2005), and mid-2000s to 2010s (television, 2005–2014). Following that period, he returned to the New York area, where he remains active in alumni events. Stemkowski's Polish heritage is a significant aspect of his personal identity, reflected in his 2004 induction into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame, which honors achievements by individuals of Polish descent. As of November 2025, at age 82, Stemkowski recently attended the New York Rangers' centennial milestones ceremony at on November 8. In his later years, he has engaged in through the Alumni Association, participating in community outreach efforts. Outside of hockey, Stemkowski maintains connections with former teammates and enjoys time with family, though he keeps much of his personal life private.

Criminal conviction

In March 1982, Pete Stemkowski was arrested at his home in , and charged with attempted grand by and criminal after offering $20,000 to an undercover Nassau County police detective to break the wrists and ankles—and potentially cause —of a former associate who owed him money from a failed deal. The dispute originated from an initial $35,000 debt, which Stemkowski demanded be repaid as $70,000 due to delays, though no violence or harm occurred as the target was never contacted and the scheme was uncovered during a broader investigation into unrelated criminal activities involving Stemkowski's brother-in-law. On May 10, 1982, Stemkowski pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of criminal in Nassau County Court. He was sentenced on June 22, 1982, by Nassau County District Judge X. Clavin to three years of and required psychological therapy, avoiding the maximum possible penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine; the judge cited Stemkowski's financial difficulties and prior athletic achievements in opting for leniency per the district attorney's recommendation. At the time of his , Stemkowski was employed as a hockey game announcer for , but by the time of sentencing, he had shifted to radio work in while seeking further opportunities in hockey broadcasting, reflecting a brief professional disruption from the incident.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Pete Stemkowski appeared in 967 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season games across 15 seasons from 1963–64 to 1977–78, split among the , , , and , where he recorded 206 goals, 349 assists, 555 points, and 864 penalty minutes. His production peaked during his New York Rangers tenure, including a career-high 70 points in 78 games during the 1973–74 season.
SeasonTeam(s)GPGAPtsPIM
1963–6410000
1964–65365152033
1965–66564121655
1966–676813223575
1967–68Toronto/Detroit7310213186
1968–697121315281
1969–7076252449114
1970–71Detroit/New York7818314969
1971–725911172853
1972–737822375971
1973–747825457074
1974–757724355963
1975–767513284149
1976–7761213158
1977–788013183133
Total967206349555864
In 10 NHL playoff appearances, Stemkowski played 83 games, scoring 25 goals and 29 assists for 54 points while accumulating 134 penalty minutes. He contributed 12 points in 12 games during Toronto's 1967 Stanley Cup-winning run, including an assist on the Cup-clinching goal in of the finals. With the Rangers, he posted 12 points each in the 1971–72 and 1973–74 postseasons amid deep playoff advances. In the 1970–71 playoffs, Stemkowski recorded 5 points in 13 games, highlighted by two overtime goals in the semifinals against that aided series wins in Games 1 and 6.
SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM
1964–6560335
1965–66400026
1966–6712571220
1969–7041126
1970–71133256
1971–7216481218
1972–73104266
1973–7413661235
1974–75310110
1977–7821012
Total83252954134

International and junior statistics

Stemkowski began his junior hockey career in his hometown of , playing for the Monarchs in the (MJHL) before transferring to the in the (OHA), where he developed under the ' sponsorship system. His early seasons showcased emerging offensive talent, with consistent goal-scoring and playmaking, though physical play was evident in accumulating penalty minutes. By his final junior year, Stemkowski emerged as one of the top scorers in the OHA, leading in points and demonstrating the two-way potential that would later influence his NHL transition from scorer to checking-line forward. The following table summarizes Stemkowski's regular-season junior statistics across his MJHL and OHA seasons:
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPtsPIM
1960–61Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL3122163829
1961–62Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL40313465100
1962–63Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL56398
1962–63OHA2316274344
1963–64OHA51426110389
Sources: Statistics compiled from Hockey-Reference.com and HockeyDB. Over his junior career spanning 150 regular-season games, Stemkowski amassed 258 points (117 goals, 141 assists) and 270 penalty minutes, reflecting a blend of scoring prowess and physicality that honed his competitive edge. His breakout 1963–64 OHA season, where he topped the league with 103 points, highlighted rapid development and positioned him for a professional debut, though his NHL role emphasized checking over pure offense, building on the robust style evident in his junior PIM totals. Stemkowski had no significant senior international appearances, such as World Championships or Olympics, during or immediately after his junior eligibility, focusing instead on domestic development. However, he contributed to Canada's junior success in the playoffs with the Marlboros, recording 14 goals and 15 assists in 12 games en route to a championship, underscoring his clutch performance in high-stakes junior competition.

References

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  4. https://thehockeynews.com/news/pete-stemkowski
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  9. https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1964_debut.html
  10. https://www.hockey-reference.com/boxscores/196704150CBH.html
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  12. https://www.vintagedetroit.com/remembering-the-blockbuster-trade-between-the-red-wings-and-maple-leafs-in-1968/
  13. https://www.hockey-reference.com/allstar/NHL_1968_roster.html
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  29. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1982/03/25/penalty-box-looms-for-ex-nhler/3b1b3649-e2eb-46d9-93de-90e0fb68109a/
  30. https://www.statscrew.com/minorhockey/leaders/l-OHA/y-1963
  31. https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/memorial-cup/stats/1963-1964
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