Johnny Peirson

John Frederick Peirson (July 21, 1925 – April 16, 2021) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who was a winger for 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Boston Bruins from 1946 to 1958. After retiring he became a commentator for the Bruins, serving in that role for more than two decades.

Peirson played one season of university hockey with the McGill Redmen and was part of their Queen's Cup-winning side in 1946. He was signed by the Boston Bruins and played for two of their minor league affiliates until 1947 when he made his NHL debut. After spending eight seasons with the organization and making two All-Star appearances and the 1953 Stanley Cup Final, he briefly retired in 1954 before returning the following year. He went on to play three more seasons and reached two more Stanley Cup Final before retiring for good in 1958.

Early life

Peirson was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on July 21, 1925. Peirson served in the Canadian Army during World War II and was stationed in the European theatre.

After his stint in the military, Peirson was accepted into McGill University in 1945, He was part of the team that won the Queen's Cup. Peirson scored a goal and had an assist in the championship game, in which the Redmen defeated the Toronto Varsity Blues 4–1 in an upset. It turned out to be McGill's final Queen's Cup for more than 60 years until they won it once again in 2008. They extended an offer to him for a pro tryout at the end of the season. Peirson, who was keen to earn some extra money for his education, accepted the opportunity and intended to return to school if his hockey career did not work out. but lost each time. He retired for a second and final time in 1958, which kept him sidelined for three weeks and necessitated his wearing a steel protective mask upon his return. He finished his NHL career with 153 goals and 173 assists for 326 points in 545 games. The pair would work together in that capacity for 18 years and notably covered the first four games of the Summit Series for American viewers. He finished in a tie for 51st at the 1950 Canadian Open held at Royal Montreal Golf Club.

In 2023, he would be named one of the top 100 Bruins players of all time.

Personal life Peirson married Barbara Ann (Hunt) around 1951, and they were married for 70 years until his death. Together, they had four children: Robert, John Jr., Pamela, and Susan.

Peirson died on April 16, 2021, at his home in Wayland, Massachusetts. He was 95 years old, Regular season Playoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 1943–44 Montreal Jr. Canadiens QJHL 15 1 2 3 4 3 2 0 2 8 1945–46 McGill Redmen MCHL 6 13 5 18 — — — — — — 1946–47 Boston Bruins NHL 5 0 0 0 0 — — — — — 1946–47 Boston Olympics EAHL 10 5 10 15 24 — — — — — 1946–47 Hershey Bears AHL 26 11 11 22 32 11 3 2 5 10 1947–48 Boston Bruins NHL 15 4 2 6 0 5 3 2 5 0 1947–48 Hershey Bears AHL 36 14 26 40 39 — — — — — 1948–49 Boston Bruins NHL 59 22 21 43 45 5 3 1 4 4 1949–50 Boston Bruins NHL 57 27 25 52 49 — — — — — 1950–51 Boston Bruins NHL 70 19 19 38 43 2 1 1 2 2 1951–52 Boston Bruins NHL 68 20 30 50 30 7 0 2 2 4 1952–53 Boston Bruins NHL 49 14 15 29 32 11 3 6 9 2 1953–54 Boston Bruins NHL 68 21 19 40 55 4 0 0 0 2 1955–56 Boston Bruins NHL 33 11 14 25 10 — — — — — 1956–57 Boston Bruins NHL 68 13 26 39 41 10 0 3 3 12 1957–58 Boston Bruins NHL 53 2 2 4 10 5 0 1 1 0 NHL totals 545 153 173 326 315 49 10 16 26 26