Harvey Bennett, one of the winningest goaltenders in AHL history and a Calder Cup champion with the Providence Reds in 1949, died Sunday at the age of 79.
Bennett, who ranks fourth on the league’s all-time list with 260 career victories, saw his AHL career span 13 seasons from 1946-59.
In 1946-47, Bennett was named a Second Team AHL All-Star after going 34-15-11 in 60 appearances with the Hershey Bears. He was injured late in the season and watched from the sidelines as the Bears captured the Calder Cup.
Two years later, Bennett went 43-18-6 and led the Providence Reds to a Calder Cup championship of their own.
In 540 career AHL games, Bennett compiled a record of 260-239-41. He trails only Johnny Bower, Gil Mayer and Marcel Paille on the all-time wins list.
One of the best left-handed goaltenders of his era, Bennett settled in Rhode Island after his playing career, and saw two of his sons — Harvey and Bill — follow his path into the AHL as well.
