Johnny Peirson obit

Former Bruins Winger, Broadcaster Johnny Peirson Passes Away

 

 He was not on the list.

Former Bruins forward and broadcaster Johnny Peirson passed away on Friday at the age of 95.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native played for the Black & Gold from 1946-54 and again from 1955-58 after a brief retirement. He spent his entire 11-year career with Boston.

During the 1945–46 season, Peirson was scouted by the Boston Bruins. They extended an offer to him for a pro tryout at the end of the season. Peirson, who was keen to earn a bit of extra money for his education, accepted the opportunity and intended to return to school if his professional baseball career did not work out. He began his career with the Boston Olympics, the Bruins farm team that were members of the Eastern Hockey League. There, he amassed 15 points (including five goals) in just 10 games in 1946–47. He was promoted to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League that same year. Meanwhile, the NHL was engulfed in a gambling scandal that resulted in the expulsion of several players. This enabled elite young prospects like Peirson an opportunity to play in the NHL. 

Peirson scored 20 goals four times, including in 1949-50 when he notched a career high 27 goals (fifth in the NHL) and 52 points (eighth). He helped the Bruins to the Stanley Cup Final three times (1952-53, 1956-57, and 1957-58).

He was twice named an NHL All-Star (1950 and 1951) and finished his career with 153 goals, 173 assists, and 326 points in 544 games.

It was when his playing days were over, however, that he endeared himself to a whole new generation of Bruins fans. In 1969, he joined WBZ radio as a color commentator and teamed up with the legendary Fred Cusick. After two seasons, he transitioned to television and called games on Channel 38 first with Don Earle before reuniting with Cusick.

Peirson and Cusick served as the soundtrack for a golden era of Bruins hockey that was highlighted by the emergence of Bobby Orr and the Big, Bad Bruins and included Stanley Cup championships in 1970 and 1972.

Peirson moved to the studio in 1985 before retiring from broadcasting following the 1994-95 season.

Born in 1925, Peirson went on to serve with the Canadian Army in World War II.