Wayne Connelly

Wayne Francis Connelly (born December 16, 1939 in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec) is a Canadian former right winger who played in the National Hockey League with the Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota North Stars, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and Vancouver Canucks and finished his career in the World Hockey Association (WHA).
==Playing Career==
Connelly played a total of 543 games in the NHL with 133 goals and 174 assists for a total of 307 points. In addition, he played 366 games in the WHA for the Minnesota Fighting Saints, Cleveland Crusaders, Calgary Cowboys, and Edmonton Oilers with 167 goals and 162 assists for 329 points.
Connelly won the Red Tilson Award in 1959–60 as the Ontario Hockey League's most outstanding player while with the Peterborough Petes. Connelly scored 235 points in 4 seasons with the Pete's (1956–1960).
On October 19, 1966, Bobby Orr recorded his first NHL point when he assisted on a powerplay goal by Connelly in Boston's 6–2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.
In the NHL's first year of expansion, 1967–68, Connelly led the Minnesota North Stars with 35 goals and 21 assists and received the Hockey News West Player of the Year award.
On April 9, 1968, Connelly became the first player to score a goal on a penalty shot in the NHL Playoffs when he beat L.A.’s Terry Sawchuk in a 7–5 victory for his Minnesota North Stars.
==Gallery==
1961-62-Connelly_Bassen_Young.jpg|Wayne Connelly shooting on Hank Bassen while Howie Young looks on in 1961-62 season action.
10Oct66-Watson_Connelly_Cherry_Lonsberry_Orr_Ted_Rodgson.jpg|Joe Watson, Wayne Connelly, Ross Lonsberry, Bobby Orr and Ted Rodgson at Bruins training camp, October 10, 1966.
1966-67-Connelly_Cheevers.jpg|Wayne Connelly, Glen Sather, Dave Balon, Gerry Cheevers, December 28, 1966.
==Video==
Nearly 10 minutes of random clips from the 1966-67 season set to Mexican horn music. At 1:45, Boston's Wayne Connelly scores, assisted by Ron Schock, which tied the December 28, 1966 game versus the Montreal Canadiens at 1-1.
Blades and Brass
==External Links==
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Category:Born in 1939
Category:Boston Bruins players
Category:Detroit Red Wings players
Category:Edmonton Oilers (WHA) players
Category:Minnesota North Stars players
Category:Montreal Canadiens players
Category:Peterborough Petes alumni
Category:St. Louis Blues players
Category:Vancouver Canucks players
Category:Montreal Royals players
Category:Hull-Ottawa Canadiens players
Category:Kingston Frontenacs (EPHL) players
Category:San Francisco Seals players
Category:Minnesota Fighting Saints players
Category:Cleveland Crusaders players
Category:Calgary Cowboys players
Category:Retired in 1977