Who was Joe Turner? By Sal J. Barry Webmaster      A young goaltender from Ontario, Canada, Joe Turner showed a lot of promise to become an NHL star. From the mid-1930s to the early 1940s, Turner played very well in junior hockey, leading the now-defunct Ontario Hockey Association in goals-allowed-average (GAA) in 1934, 1938 and 1940.      In 1942 Turner was promoted to the Indianapolis Capitals of the American Hockey League—the farm team of the Detroit Red Wings. Turner had a remarkable season, winning 34 games, and leading his team to the Calder Cup championships. That year, Turner also played in the AHL All-Star game, as well as the league’s best goaltender.      That season also marked the first—and only—NHL game for Turner. At that time, teams only had one goaltender on their roster. Detroit Red Wings goalie Johnny Mowers was injured, and Joe Turner got his shot in the NHL. Tuner did well, earning a 3-3 tie against the Toronto Maple Leafs.      Turner then spent the next three years in the service of the United States Marines Corps. At the start of Canada’s involvement in the war, troops were not sent overseas, but instead were kept “at home” for defense of their country. Turner opted to fight overseas, and although Canadian, served in the U.S. Marines for three years. Sadly, he was killed in action in Holland in 1945.      That year, the International Hockey League was formed. In memory of Joe Turner, the trophy awarded to the IHL championship team—the Turner Cup—was named in his honor. The Columbia Chronicle would like to hear your opinion on this topic. Note: If your browser does not support multiple windows, click here. Back to top   |   Home Copyright © 2001, Columbia Chronicle Columbia Chronicle articles, photos, and graphics are the property of the Columbia Chronicle and may not be reproduced or published without written permission from the staff, editors, or faculty advisor. The Columbia Chronicle is a student produced publication of Columbia College Chicago and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of Columbia College administrators, faculty or students.

April 23, 2001 This week in Sports: Shooting for three:IHL preview Who was Joe Turner? Waiting on Waveland Ball Hawk tradition faces new obstacle Hanging with...Ms. Isaacson Search our archive: The Columbia Chronicle is an award-winning college newspaper written and distributed weekly by the students at Views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Journalism Department or the college. Visit the Columbia College Chicago Web Site