Cec Hoekstra

Cec Hoekstra was a big-bodied center out of Winnipeg. He was often criticized for not using his size to his advantage well enough, but the good nature Hoekstra did not have even a hint of a mean streak in him.

Perhaps that kept Hoekstra out of the NHL more than anything. He only played four NHL games in his lengthy hockey career. In the 1959-60 season Hoekstra appeared in four games for the Habs, scoring no points.

Hoekstra would enjoy a lengthy career, winning at every level.

Before turning pro Hoekstra was a junior star, first with the St. Boniface Canadiens, challenging for the Memorial Cup in 1953. He moved to St. Catherines, Ontario the next season, helping the TeePees win the Memorial Cup as Canada's national junior champions.

Hoekstra would go on to play 900 total games in the pros, most notably with the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League. He helped the Barons win the Calder Cup in 1964. He had previously won the WHL Presidents Trophy championship in 1956.

Before he retired he returned to amateur hockey, winning the Allan Cup as Canada's senior amateur champions with the Galt Hornets in 1971.

Cec's younger brother Ed played a full season in the NHL with the expansion Philadelphia Flyers.