Worters began his NHL journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1925-26 season. His agility and quick reflexes quickly earned him a reputation as a reliable goaltender. In an era when goaltending equipment was rudimentary and scoring was high, Worters' ability to keep the puck out of the net was remarkable. He played with the Pirates until the team folded in 1930, showcasing his talent in every game.
Following the dissolution of the Pirates, Worters joined the New York Americans. It was with the Americans that he achieved some of his most memorable accomplishments. In the 1928-29 season, Worters became the first goaltender in NHL history to win the Hart Trophy, awarded to the league's most valuable player. This accolade was a testament to his outstanding performance and the respect he commanded from players and fans alike.
Worters' tenure with the New York Americans was marked by consistent excellence. He was known for his acrobatic saves and his ability to remain calm under pressure. His style of play was characterized by a low crouch, which allowed him to cover the lower part of the net effectively. Despite his size, Worters was fearless in facing some of the era's most prolific scorers.
In addition to the Hart Trophy, Worters was named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 1931 and the Second All-Star Team in 1932. These honors reflected his status as one of the top goaltenders of his time. His career goals-against average (GAA) was consistently among the best in the league, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier goaltender.
Worters' career with the New York Americans continued until 1935, after which he briefly joined the Montreal Canadiens. However, his time with the Canadiens was short-lived, and he retired from professional hockey in 1937. Over the course of his career, Worters played in 484 NHL games, recording 66 shutouts and maintaining a GAA of 2.27.
In recognition of his achievements, Roy Worters was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1969.
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