Curt A. Bennett (1975) - Hall of Fame - Brown University Athletics

Curt A. Bennett

Induction:
1975
Class:
1970

Curt A. Bennett '70
Hometown: Providence, RI
Sport: Ice Hockey
Year Inducted: 1975

Curt A. Bennett '70 was given the "can't miss" tag by Coach Jim Fullerton the first time the tall rangy blond skated on the ice at Meehan Auditorium. "He'll be an All American just as sure as you're born," Fullerton said. The 6-3, 210-pounder who developed his hockey skills on the ponds and lakes of Rhode Island made a prophet of his coach. Bennett came to Brown from Cranston East High, where in 1966 he had led his team to a 29-1-1 record and the New England title. In four years at Brown, the Providence Journal Honor Roll Boy played both defense and the front line, scored 50 goals and 85 assists for 135 career points, and ended fourth on the University's all-time scoring list. He was a two-time All-Ivy and All-East performer and a first team All-American. Offered a contract with the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League after his sophomore season, Bennett waited until he graduated before turning pro. In his second NHL game with the Blues in the spring of 1971, he scored two goals, including the game-winner, in a 4-3 decision over Pittsburgh. He was Atlanta's second leading scorer last season, set a new NHL record for most single-season goals by a U.S. citizen, and was picked to play in the All-Star game. The son of Harvey Bennett, former goalie for the Boston Bruins, Curt Bennett is the complete hockey player. He constantly back checks, uses his long reach to poke check effectively, and often draws the assignment of covering the team's best player. Two years ago in the Boston Garden, Bennett prevented Phil Esposito of the Bruins from getting a single shot on cage in the entire game. Above all, Bennett has the right attitude for the game and should be a NHL star for some years to come.