Dean Prentice

Dean Sutherland Prentice (October 5, 1932 – November 2, 2019) was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 22 seasons between 1952–53 and 1973–74. He had 10 NHL seasons with 20 or more goals. Over his NHL career, Prentice played for the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Minnesota North Stars.

Early life Prentice helped the Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters win the 1952 Memorial Cup. At the time the Mad Hatters were the New York Rangers' farm team, and Prentice made the jump to the parent club the following season.

Playing career

In the 1950s, Prentice, while on the NY Rangers, skated on a line with Andy Bathgate and Larry Popein. Prentice was 10th in the league with 358 points (163 goals)from 1955-56 through 1961-62.

On February 4, 1963, Prentice was traded to the Bruins for Don McKenney and Dick Meissner.

Personal life Prentice and his wife June had two daughters, Kelly and Kerry.

His brother, Eric, played five games for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1943–44 NHL season. Former Alberta premier Jim Prentice was Dean's nephew (and Eric's son). Prentice died on November 2, 2019, at the age of 87. Grandsons Phil and Dan Brewer were also hockey players, with Phil reaching the ECHL and AHL level.

Following his career, Prentice moved back to Ontario in 1977 and became Ayr's director of recreation.

Legacy In the 2009 book 100 Ranger Greats, the authors ranked Prentice at No. 37 all-time of the 901 New York Rangers who had played during the team's first 82 seasons.

Career statistics

Awards Prentice was named to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 1960 after finishing with NHL career highs in goals (32) and points (66). He appeared the NHL All-Star Game five times (1957, 1961, 1963, 1970), the final time at age 37.