Dean Prentice was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Western Hockey League (WHL). He was born on September 5, 1932, in Schumacher, Ontario, Canada, and began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) with the Barrie Flyers in 1949.
Prentice was known for his offensive skills and was a prolific scorer throughout his career. He played for several teams in the NHL, including the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Minnesota North Stars. He also played for the Vancouver Canucks and the San Diego Gulls in the WHL.
Prentice's best season in the NHL was in 1961-62 when he scored 32 goals and 40 assists for the Rangers. He was also a key player for the Bruins during their Stanley Cup-winning season in 1970. In total, Prentice played in 1,378 NHL games, scoring 391 goals and 469 assists for a total of 860 points.
After retiring from playing, Prentice became a coach and worked with several teams in the minor leagues. He also served as a scout for the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Islanders.
Prentice was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. He passed away on November 2, 2019, at the age of 87.
Overall, Dean Prentice was a talented and respected player who made significant contributions to the sport of hockey during his career. His offensive skills and ability to score goals made him a valuable asset to any team he played for, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow players alike.
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