Versatile Alex Motter played both defense and center, though mostly up front as a pro. He was noted for his relentless backchecking defensively, and his ability to crash the slot for scoring chances offensively. Not that Alex Motter ever scored a lot of goals. But his coaches and fans appreciated his effort level.
The Melville, Saskatchewan native first came to fame with the Regina Pats, helping them to the Memorial Cup final in 1933. The Pats came up short against the Newmarket Redmen from Ontario, losing both games 2-1 The rivalry over-boiled in the final game when the game ended in a controversial triple overtime (dubbed "a thrilling struggle") which led to four Pats players (not including Motter) to be suspended for roughing up the referee.
Motter would spend one more year is Saskatchewan, playing senior hockey with the Prince Albert Mintos before turning pro in the Boston Bruins organization. He was used sparingly by the Bruins, mostly as a farmhand for four seasons. He did get in a total of 26 games wearing black and gold, scoring one goal and five points.
Just days before Christmas 1937 the Bruins would trade Motter to Detroit in exchange for Clarence Drouillard. By 1939 he became a regular on the Red Wings roster. Over six seasons with Detroit he scored 38 goals and 98 points in 230 games.
His days in Detroit ended on a high note as the Wings hoisted the Stanley Cup in the spring of 1943, defeating Motter's old team, the Boston Bruins.
Motter's NHL career came to an end thanks to military duty. He would return to the pro ranks upon his discharge in 1946. He would play three more seasons all in the AHL.
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