Gus Mortson

Angus Gerald "Gus" Mortson (born January 24, 1925, in New Liskeard, Ontario, Canada) is a former NHL defenceman.

Junior career

Gus Mortson graduated from the St. Mike's Majors of the OHA in 1945 after two seasons. He turned pro the following year and joined the Tulsa Oilers of the USHL to serve the customary apprenticeship of the day.

The NHL

The following year, Maple Leafs GM Conn Smythe launched a rebuilding campaign on behalf of his club. He brought names like Howie Meeker, Gaye Stewart, Gus Bodnar and Joe Klukay into the fold. He also elected to take a chance with a couple of young defenders, Jim Thomson and Mortson. The two caught on, Thompson the stay-at-home defender and Mortson the flashier, whirling rusher who had a nose for trouble and abrasive play. The two became known as "The Gold Dust Twins."

Over the six years that followed, the "Twins" served as a defensive foundation during a great run for the Leafs as they captured Stanley Cup victories in 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1951. In 1952, however, the Leafs were in need of a first-string goaltender. They managed to pry Harry Lumley away from the Black Hawks in exchange for Cal Gardner, Al Rollins and Mortson.

In the Windy City, Mortson continued his rough-house ways, lasting with the club for a total of six campaigns. By the close 1956–57 season, his villainy was confirmed as he led the league in penalty minutes for the fourth time in his career. In 1958, he was traded to his arch rivals, the Detroit Red Wings, where he concluded his NHL career at the end of the season.

The Minor Leagues

Afterwards, he embarked on a lengthy minor-league stint with stops in Buffalo, Chatham and Oakville. He finally called it a day in 1966.

Awards and achievements

*1947 Stanley Cup Championship (Toronto)
*1948 Stanley Cup Championship (Toronto)
*1949 Stanley Cup Championship (Toronto)
*1951 Stanley Cup Championship (Toronto)
*1947 NHL All Star (Toronto)
*1948 NHL All Star (Toronto)
*1950 NHL All Star (Toronto)
*1951 NHL All Star (Toronto)
*1952 NHL All Star (Toronto)
*1953 NHL All Star (Chicago)
*1954 NHL All Star (Chicago)
*1956 NHL All Star (Chicago)

External links

* [http://www.hhof.com/html/exSCJ05_29.shtml Picture of Gus Mortson's Name on the 1948 Stanley Cup Plaque]
* [http://www.hhof.com/html/exSCJ05_17.shtml Picture of Gus Mortson's Name on the 1949 Stanley Cup Plaque]
* [http://www.hhof.com/html/exSCJ05_24.shtml Picture of Gus Mortson's Name on the 1951 Stanley Cup Plaque]
* [http://www.hhof.com/html/exSCJ05_34.shtml Picture of Gus Mortson with Frank Mahovlich and the Stanley Cup]