Rayner, "Chuck" (Claude E.)
Hockey
b. Aug. 11, 1920, Sutherland, SAS
d. Oct. 6, 2002
Although he never won a Vezina Trophy, Rayner was an outstanding goalie, particularly strong in the playoffs, who had the misfortune to play for weak teams during most of his career.
He joined the New York Americans for twelve games in 1940-41 season and remained with them when they moved to Brooklyn the following season. After serving in the Canadian Royal Navy during World War II, he went to the New York Rangers in 1945.
Rayner won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in 1950, when he nearly led the Rangers to the Stanley Cup. They lost the seventh game to the Detroit Red Wings, 5-4, in the second overtime period.
Released by the Rangers after the 1952-53 season, Rayner played in the minor leagues for a couple of seasons. He later coached amateur and minor-league teams.