From his early days within the Bell Island minor system to his Herder Memorial Trophy time with the Conception Bay Ceebees and the Corner Brook Royals, Gerry Lahey always displayed exceptional ability, especially as a stick handler, puck carrier and playmaker. His 11-year provincial senior hockey career was overflowing with exceptional games and performances.

He began his extraordinary career in his native Bell Island as a star forward with St. Kevin’s High School and continued to shine at home in the Island senior league. His rookie season produced 45 goals in 27 games and this continued as he completed four Island seasons with more than 125 goals, winning two scoring titles, a Most Valuable Player award and one championship. He was also a valuable member of the Bell Island Miners in provincial play. He moved to the Conception Bay Ceebees for the 1963-64 season and remained there for six years, contributing greatly to Herder Memorial Trophy teams in 1965 and 1967.

He was in Corner Brook with the Royals for the 1969-70 provincial senior season. When an injury forced him out of senior hockey in 1975 at 31, his Herder Trophy totals for 257 games included 437 points from 232 goals and 205 assists. The sportsmanship aspect of his career is clearly demonstrated by his low penalty minutes, only 86.

He returned to hockey in 1971 playing with the Huskies in the St. George’s Senior League and quickly displayed the prowess that had made him a great senior player. Naturally he was selected as the Most Valuable Player when he scored 40 goals and earned 36 assists for 76 points in only 14 games. He was certainly the leader as the Huskies won the provincial intermediate title. Quiet by nature, Gerry Lahey let his ability speak for him on the ice. He was the dominant scorer on each and every team for which he played and in every league in which he performed. His stick work was amazing and his ability to baffle opponents made him a wonder to fans who marvelled at his skill.

He enjoyed hockey, worked hard at practice and during games and while he didn’t relish the rough aspects of the game, he had the skill and determination to perform well in all types of games despite his size. When he was scoring all his goals and earning all his assists, he was 5’9’’ and 140 pounds.