Phil Hergesheimer

Phil Hergesheimer was a high scoring American Hockey Leaguer for many seasons who also played in 125 NHL games in partial seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins from 1939 to 1943.

Nicknamed Phantom for his magical ability to appear from nowhere when a scoring chance became possible, the Winnipeg native became prominent in the late 1930s with the AHL's Cleveland Barons/Falcons. The AHL was the best league aside from the NHL at the time, and Phil was an All Star who led the league in goals in both the 1937-38 season (25 goals) and 1938-39 season (34 goals).

By 1939-40 the world was at war in World War II. The NHL too was effected as many of its players enlisted in the army to fight for their country. The NHL talent pool was becoming increasingly thin as many players began enlisting. This was good news for players like Phil Hergesheimer as he got the opportunity to play in the National Hockey League.

The Blackhawks acquired Hergesheimer in 1939 from Cleveland and Phil would play all but 3 of his 125 NHL games in the Windy City. He spent the entire 1939-40 and 1940-41 seasons with the Hawks but by 1941-42 was used sparingly, and eventually loaned to the Bruins where he appeared in 3 games. He was returned the following season but only appeared in 9 games before being demoted back to the AHL where he would finish the season and the next one, before he too served military time.

Phil scored 21 goals and 41 assists for 62 points. He also appeared in 6 NHL playoff games.

Upon his return from military service in 1945, Phil would play 6 more seasons in the AHL, 4 times being named an All Star.

The 5'10" 175lb right winger retired from pro hockey to play senior hockey in the British Columbian interior, first in Kelowna and later in Kamloops.

Phil's brother Wally was a more prominent NHLer, playing throughout the 50's with New York and Chicago for 351 games.