The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-10-25
'DIT' CHAPTER TO QUIT HOCKEY POSITIVELY
By JACK FROST IUnllea Prasa snaraa NNrliArl

United Press Sports, Writer)
 Boston, oct. 26- (Up) Aubrey
 Victor Clapper of the Boston Bruinl
 who has played more National League Hockey than any other man
 announced today-off officlaily (caps) --that this would be his final season on the ice.
 At exactly s:S4 ?. m. CEsT) last night Clapper handed father time his stiffest board check by skating out on the Boston Garden rink to begin his 10th consecutive playing season.
 But said Clapper-who has been s'retired' at least three tlmes-hell make 1t stick this year and not to try for %.
 "I have to shave twice a day to keep the white whiskers from show ing" grinned the 3e-year-old de- kenseman despite the fact that the opening of the Bruins 22nd and earliest season was lnarred by 0 s to { loss ct the hands of the Chi- cago Blackhawks.
 T wanted to try it again this year because all the old team would be back, you know, the Kitchener kids and all. But I'm not going to try and play every game. Don't know whether could or not. If I'm any value to the team I'll stay right in there. If I'm not I'll turn in my skates. Just put 1t down that I'll stay if I'm needed and get out if I'm not.">
 Perhaps those words best picture the Rangy Canadian who hopes to "stick with the Bruins" when his playing days are done and who has virtually been assured the job of oosSing the club when he racks up his skates and stick.
 At i3 Clapper played on c junior sextet in his native NewMarket, Ont, c contender in the ontario Hockey Association.
 He was 10 when he signed with the Boston Tigers of the Canadian. American league in 1928. A year later he came up with the Bruins s-as Q wing-and he's been there ever since. Teaming with Cooney Weiland and Dutch Qainor, tho trio formed the most formidable line 0 fthe depression years. Six years he remained in the Hruin frontier then dropped back to de. Eense to become . bulwark that saved many c Boston game,
 A year ago he shattered the record Of Reginald (Hooley) Smith who played i7 consecutive years. Smiths lifetime record was 100 goals. Clapper scored his 200tht against Toronto in January io4I. His record to date Is 22e goals, 243 assists for 400 points with Q total of AZ minutes in the penalty box.
 Except for being named on an Rll-star team Clapper never has won . National Hockey award. Twice however, in ie30-40 and i040. | q he was given the Elizabeth Du. 9resne trophy by Boston sports- | writers as the most valuable Bruin. |
 Married since 1888 with Q son Donald, i2, and daughter Marllyn, ', Clapper is Q family man who | likes to Sit ct homo with the radio | or roam the woods and fields with | dog and gun. His nickname "Dit" was his contraction aS Q baby of | victor.
 T guess I've been able tos play co long becauce I keep myself in cons dition," said Clapper who in most other sports long since would have been sheived. "Of course 1t takes e little longer now to get in shape muscles don't stretch 90 good.
 But think good hard work, especially on c farm, will keep you In as good shape as anything else. Take this summer on the farm I pitched a good part of tho 07 tons of hay harvested. Let me tell you after that pitching, hockey just Q good rest"