For young Dick Gamble, Moncton, New Brunswick was a great place to grow up and play hockey as an amateur or a minor pro. But the city was, for the most part, uncharted territory for NHL scouts. Fortunately for Gamble, though, fellow Moncton native Gordie Drillon returned from the NHL wars to scout for the odd east-coast gem, which he found in Gamble.
So, "Grumps," as he was known, was sent west to hone his skills with the Oshawa Generals of the OHA where he became a prolific scorer. But the Maple Leafs, who held his NHL rights, felt he was too small to be of use. Instead, Punch Imlach brought Gamble to the Quebec Aces where in 1950-51 he notched 94 points in 77 games.
Dick Irvin, Sr. took notice, bringing the young ace to Montreal in 1951. During his first full season, Gamble potted 42 points and a chance to skate with Rocket Richard and Elmer Lach. But injuries and illness took their toll, taking the steam out of his scoring touch. By 1953, after an All-Star game appearance, Gamble was traded to the Blackhawks, returned to the Canadiens and then sent back to Imlach and his Aces.
By 1957, Gamble joined the AHL where thirteen seasons with the Buffalo Bisons and the Rochester Americans established him as one of the most prolific and durable scorers in league history. He nailed down eleven 30-goal plus seasons and is ranked fifth among all-time point scorers and fourth in all-time goals.
