Orillia Author Publishes Book on NHL Gambling Scandal
Fred Addis, a former curator at Leacock Museum, recently released a new book focusing on what he calls “the worst gambling scandal in the history of the National Hockey League.” The book, titled Gallinger A Life Suspended, delves into the story of Don Gallinger, a former Boston Bruins player who was suspended from the NHL for life due to his involvement with gambling.
Addis, who grew up in Port Colborne, the hometown of Gallinger, was drawn to the story due to its local connection. According to Addis, Gallinger’s hockey career was off to a promising start, as he made the Bruins’ team at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest player in the league at the time.
However, Gallinger’s career took a turn when he and a fellow Bruins player, Billy Taylor, were suspended for associating with gamblers. This suspension lasted 22 years, effectively ending Gallinger’s hockey career. Despite various appeals to the league, Gallinger’s reputation was tarnished, and he struggled to recover from the fallout of the scandal. Even after his suspension was lifted in 1970, the damage had been done.
Addis spent nearly a year documenting Gallinger’s story, with the support of Gallinger’s two sons. He hopes that his book will present a different perspective on the suspension, shedding light on the impact it had on Gallinger’s life.
The book, which was released on November 2 in Boston, is available for purchase at the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) as well as online for $26. Addis will also be speaking at OMAH on Thursday, November 30, at 5 p.m. to share more about Gallinger’s story. According to Addis, Gallinger’s life serves as a cautionary tale with no redemption, as he struggled to recover from a lost reputation until his death in 2000.
