Camille Henry, known affectionately as "The Eel" for his slippery playing style, was a Canadian professional ice hockey player whose career spanned two decades. Born on January 31, 1933, in Quebec City, Quebec, Henry was a left winger who played the majority of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL). His journey in professional hockey began when he joined the New York Rangers, a team with which he would become closely associated.
Henry's NHL debut came in the 1953-54 season with the Rangers. Despite his relatively small stature for a hockey player, standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing around 160 pounds, he quickly demonstrated his skill and agility on the ice. His ability to maneuver around larger opponents and his knack for scoring goals made him a valuable asset to the team. In his first full season with the Rangers, Henry's performance earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's most outstanding rookie.
Throughout his career, Henry was known for his scoring ability. He had a particularly strong wrist shot, which he used to great effect against opposing goaltenders. During the 1957-58 season, he achieved a personal best by scoring 32 goals, a testament to his offensive prowess. His consistent performance helped the Rangers remain competitive during his tenure with the team.
Henry's career with the Rangers was marked by several memorable moments. One of his standout performances came during the 1960-61 season when he scored four goals in a single game against the Chicago Blackhawks. This feat highlighted his capability to dominate a game and contribute significantly to his team's success.
In addition to his time with the Rangers, Henry also played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues. His tenure with the Blues was particularly noteworthy as he helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 1968. Although the Blues did not win the championship, Henry's experience and leadership were invaluable to the team during their playoff run.
Henry's career statistics reflect his skill as a goal scorer. Over the course of his NHL career, he played in 727 games, scoring 279 goals and providing 249 assists. His ability to find the back of the net and set up his teammates made him a respected player among his peers.
After retiring from professional hockey, Henry remained involved in the sport. He took on various roles, including coaching and scouting, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger generations of players. His contributions to the game were recognized in 1988 when he was inducted into the New York Rangers Hall of Fame, an honor that celebrated his achievements and dedication to the team.
Camille Henry passed away on September 11, 1997, in Quebec City.
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