R.I.P. "Bones"

I was stunned. I had finished dinner and sat down to write a story about Bill Moe and the news came across the wire that Don "Bones" Raleigh had passed away at the age of 86. So another piece of my life story has left me. I never knew Raleigh. Never had the pleasure of even an accidential meeting. But he was about as blue as any Blueshirt was, is or ever will be. He played ten years with the Rangers and no other NHL team.

He was 5'10" and weighed 150 pounds. They must have weighed him soaking wet after a game, with his skates on and his stick in his hand. He was the key force in the 1950 run to the Cup, playing all seven games on the road. The Rangers had two home games in Toronto. Raleigh had nine points in seven games and had two OT winners.

Listening to that game and the finish was the biggest disappointment of my hockey life. I still hear "our shot' ringing off the crossbar and somebody named Peter Babando score the Cup winner.

But nothing detracts from Raleigh, his perfortmance in that series and his performance as a Ranger. He had a good a run as any Ranger had or will have for a long, long time. We will not see the likes of a Don "Bones" Raleigh for a long time, if ever.

Our sincere condolences to the Raleigh family. Rest In Peace Don Raleigh, we will miss you.

God Bless You.

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