Sid Abel
The 'Old Bootnose' who anchored Detroit's Production Line to three Stanley Cups.
Sidney Gerald Abel (February 22, 1918 – February 8, 2000) was a Canadian Hall of Fame hockey player, coach, and general manager, best known for his tenure with the Detroit Red Wings. Born in Melville, Saskatchewan, he joined the Red Wings in 1938 after playing junior hockey with the Saskatoon Wesleys and senior hockey with the Flin Flon Bombers. Known affectionately as "Old Bootnose," Abel was a central figure on Stanley Cup-winning teams in 1943, 1950, and 1952. His career spanned from 1938 to his sale to Chicago in 1952, during which he became the team captain in 1943 and led the legendary "Production Line" alongside left winger Ted Lindsay and right winger Gordie Howe.
- Role
- Center
- Affiliation
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Career Span
- 1938–1952
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Famer
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Sid Abel's defining moment came in the 1946–47 season when coach Jack Adams paired him with rookie right winger Gordie Howe and left winger Ted Lindsay, creating the famed "Production Line." Although Abel missed time late that season due to pleurisy, the trio led Detroit to a playoff berth. The line's dominance peaked in 1949; despite injuries hampering Howe and Lindsay, Abel finished fourth in NHL scoring while leading the league in goals. That year, he won the Hart Memorial Trophy as MVP and earned a spot on the First All-Star team. In 1950, the trio achieved the rare feat of finishing in the top three in league scoring, matching the Boston Bruins' "Kraut Line" record from 1939–40.
In Their Own Story
Abel's career was interrupted by World War II when he left the Red Wings to serve with the Royal Canadian Air Force, skating for the RCAF team in Montreal. He returned late in the 1946 season just in time for the playoffs to regain his captaincy. Upon his return from military service at the end of the 1945–46 season, Abel wore number 9 because Joe Carveth had taken his usual number 12 during the war; he reclaimed number 12 only after Carveth was traded to Boston. Under his leadership, the Wings achieved seven playoff appearances and a first-place finish in 1964–65, though they lost four Stanley Cup Finals (1961, 1963, 1964, 1966).
Reader's Guide
Sid Abel's legacy is cemented by his versatility on the ice and leadership off it. He wore numbers 4, 7, 9, 12, 14, 19, and 20 throughout his career before settling on number 12, which Detroit retired on April 29, 1995. His accolades include two First All-Star team selections (1949, 1950) and two Second Team selections (1942, 1951). Beyond playing, he served as a color commentator for Red Wings broadcasts in the 1970s and 80s alongside Bruce Martyn. Abel was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1969 and ranked 85th on The Hockey News' 100 Greatest Players list in 1998. In 2017, he was named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in history.
Did You Know?
- Abel was known by the nickname 'Old Bootnose' during his playing days.
- In 1950, Abel and his line mates Lindsay and Howe became only the second group in NHL history to finish in the top three in league scoring.
- He served as a player-head coach for the Chicago Black Hawks from 1952 to 1954, but was not the last full-time player-head coach in NHL history—Milt Schmidt held that distinction through the 1954–55 season.
- There is no verified familial relationship between Sid Abel and Greg Abel, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.
- Abel died on February 8, 2000, exactly fourteen days before his 82nd birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sid Abel?
Sid Abel was a legendary center from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, who spent his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings from 1938 to 1952. He is celebrated as one of the most consistent and reliable players in league history, earning induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
What was Sid Abel's role on the ice?
As a complete two-way forward, Abel anchored the Red Wings' dynasty by excelling in face-offs while maintaining strong defensive responsibility. He was known for his grit and consistency rather than just raw scoring, making him the backbone of the team's golden era.
How did Sid Abel's career end?
Abel retired in 1952 after a fourteen-year tenure with Detroit, leaving as the franchise's all-time leader in games played at that time. His departure marked the end of an era for the team, though his legacy remained intact through his Hall of Fame status.
Why is Sid Abel important to Red Wings history?
He was a cornerstone of Detroit's mid-20th-century dynasty, embodying the identity and work ethic that defined the club during its most successful years. His loyalty to wearing only one jersey throughout his career set a standard for future generations of players.
What is Sid Abel's most notable record?
Upon his retirement in 1952, Abel held the Red Wings' franchise record for the most games played. This achievement highlighted his incredible durability and status as a mainstay on the lineup for over a decade.