Harry “Apple Cheeks” Lumley NHL Legend

Honouring Harry “Apple Cheeks” Lumley — A Goalie Legend from Owen Sound

On my walk last summer through Greenwood Cemetery in Owen Sound, Ontario, I visited the grave of one of hockey’s greats — Harry Lumley.

Known affectionately as “Apple Cheeks”, Harry was born in Owen Sound and quickly rose through the ranks of minor league hockey with the Barrie Colts, making his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings. He played a crucial role in guiding Detroit to the Stanley Cup in 1950.

Detroit beat the New York Rangers in the 1950 Stanley Cup finals. Lumley’s playoff performance was 8-6 record, 1.85 GAA, 3 shutouts in 14 games.

But it was a smart trade on September 11, 1952, that truly cemented his legacy. The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired the reliable 6-foot netminder from the Chicago Black Hawks in exchange for Cal Gardner and Gus Mortson. That season, Harry’s brilliance between the pipes earned him the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goalie, posting a jaw-dropping 1.88 goals-against average.

His record-setting 13 shutouts during the 1953-54 season stood as an NHL milestone until Tony Esposito broke it in 1969-70.

Beyond the ice, Harry was co-owner of the Orangeville Raceway and a pioneer in goalie equipment, being the first to wear pads designed to prevent rebounds—a game-changer for goaltending technique.

Harry Lumley was also the first NHL goalie to win 300 games, a feat that underscores his consistency and dominance. His incredible contributions to hockey were recognized with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1980.

Harry passed away on September 13, 1998, at the age of 71.

1926-1998