Gil Burford

Gilbert Burford (February 29, 1924 – July 10, 2022) was a Canadian-American ice hockey right wing who played for Michigan in the late 1940s and early 1950s.[1]

Gil Burford
Born (1924-02-29)February 29, 1924
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Died July 10, 2022(2022-07-10) (aged 98)
Redford, Michigan, U.S.
Position Right wing
Played for Michigan
Playing career 1944–1952

Career

Burford was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario.[2] After World War II Burford made a name for himself in the local league (the nascent IHL) helping his team reach back-to-back finals in 1946 and '47.[3] He began attending University of Michigan on a hockey scholarship in the fall of 1947 and, after a year on the freshman team, joined the varsity squad. Burford swiftly became one of the team's top scorers, notching 56 points in his sophomore season, finishing just 4 points behind senior captain Gordon MacMillan for the team lead. Burford exploded in his second season, scoring 40 goals and earning 69 points, both new team records. Michigan reached the tournament for the third consecutive season in 1950 but they were stymied in the national semifinal for the second straight year. Burford took his frustration out on Boston College in the consolation game with a 5-goal effort.[4]

Burford was named team captain for the 1950–51 season and the Wolverines were, once again, a major force in college hockey. Burford raised his points total to 71 but finished second behind fellow senior Neil Celley. Michigan received the top western seed in the tournament and this time they did not let the opportunity slip through their fingers. Burford recorded two assists in both tournament games and while he only scored one goal, it turned out to be the game-winner in the championship match. Burford was named as both an AHCA First Team All-American and to the NCAA First All-Tournament Team.[5][6]

When Burford ended his college career he was the all-time NCAA leader in both goals (103) and points (196). His goal total stood for only one year while he was passed on the scoring list by John Mayasich in 1954. Burford's 40-goal season in 1950 is still tied for the fourth-best total in Michigan history as of 2020 (despite many players playing in nearly twice the number of games).[7]

Burford was inducted into the Michigan Dekers Club Hall of Fame in 1970. He died at his home in Redford on July 10, 2022, at the age of 98.[8][9]

Statistics

Regular season and playoffs
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1944–45 Windsor Gotfredsons WinCHL 122314370 —————
1945–46 Detroit Auto Club IHL 21230 —————
1945–46 Detroit Bright's Goodyears IHL 43470 24150
1946–47 Detroit Bright's Goodyears IHL 2517173412 53254
1947–48 Detroit Bright's Goodyears IHL 291615314 23034
1948–49 Michigan NCAA —263056— —————
1949–50 Michigan NCAA 27402969— —————
1950–51 Michigan NCAA —373471— —————
1951–52 Detroit Hettche IHL 1439126 —————
NCAA totals —10393196— —————
IHL totals 7440478722 9103138

Awards and honors
Award Year
AHCA First Team All-American 1950–51 [5]
NCAA All-Tournament Second Team 1951 [6]
Michigan Dekers Athletic Hall of Fame 1970 [1]

References
  1. "Gil Burford". University of Michigan. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  2. "3 leap year babies, 1 family". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. March 1, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  3. "International Hockey League [1945–2001] history and statistics". Hockey DB. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  4. "'M' Sextet Blasts Boston College 10–6". The Michigan Daily. March 19, 1950. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  5. "1950–1951 All-American Team". The American Hockey Coaches Association. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  6. "NCAA Frozen Four Records" (PDF). NCAA.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 17, 2012. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  7. "Michigan men's ice hockey Record Book" (PDF). Michigan Wolverines. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  8. "Gilbert Burford Obituary". Dignity Memorial.
  9. "Gilbert Burford". The Detroit News. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
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