Aud Tuten

Audley Kendrick "Tut" Tuten may have had an "Aud" name. But this Chicago Blackhawks defenseman during the World War II years had an even odder birthplace for a hockey player - Enterprise, Alabama!

Well this Alabama Slammer grew up in Saskatchewan, which explains his love for the game on ice. He graduated from the Saskatoon Tigers and Regina Pats to play a lengthy professional hockey career, mostly in the minor leagues.

Tuten played primarily in Hershey and Kansas City of the AHL and it's predecessor the EAHL. Three times in four years he led the league in penalty minutes, giving us a hint at his preferred style of play.

During World War II NHL rosters were depleted by the call to join the military, which allowed minor league vets like Tuten a chance to play in the big leagues. The Chicago Blackhawks twice came calling for Tuten's services. In 1941-42 he played 5 games, scoring 1 goal and 1 assists. The following year he played most of the season in Chicago, scoring 3 goals and 10 points in 34 games.

After his stint in the NHL Tuten found himself sent to the west coast to play in the PCHL. He suited up with Los Angeles, San Diego and Oakland, later serving as a referee.