Gardiner, "Chuck" (Charles R.)
Hockey
b. Dec. 31, 1904, Edinburgh, Scotland
d. June 13, 1934
Although Gardiner said he became a goalie because he was a poor skater, he was known as the "Wandering Scotsman" because he was the first goaltender who consistently moved out of the net to cut down the shooter's angle.
His family moved to Canada in 1911 and Gardner began playing intermediate hockey in 1919. He became a professional with the Winnipeg Maroons in 1926 and he joined the Chicago Black Hawks the following year. He won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender in 1932 and 1934, and was a first-time All-Star both years.
In the 1934 Stanley Cup final against Detroit, Gardiner won the first two games and had a shutout after two periods of the third game when he suddenly became shaky and allowed five goals. There was concern about his health, but he insisted on starting the fourth game. Gardiner held Detroit scoreless in regulation, then was replaced by Mush March when the game went into overtime. Chicago won the game and the Stanley Cup. Less than two months later, Gardiner was admitted to a Winnipeg hospital, where he died of a brain tumor.
Gardiner had 43 shutouts and a 2.13 goals-against average in 316 regular season games. In 21 playoff games, he had 5 shutouts and a 1.67 average.