Charlie Gardiner was a
hockey goaltender for the Chicago Black Hawks in the late 1920’s and early
30’s…during the 28-29 season, Gardiner had a rough go of it and nearly
retired…but he didn’t…he went on to win the Vezina trophy twice, the Stanley
Cup once (1934), and was voted to be enshrined in the Hockey Hall of
Fame…however his career was not to last too long…he developed a tonsil-related
infection which was left untreated as he continued the season…it gradually
overtook him as he suffered from near blackouts during games… Gardiner died at
age 29, on Wednesday, June 13, 1934, from a brain hemorrhage thought to be
brought on by the infection. A lesson to take care of the big while it is still
small, as recommended by the Tao Te Ching.
