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David William BauerAnandian hockey player
Date of Birth: 02.11.1924
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Hockey Career
- Priesthood and Coaching
- National Team Development
- Leadership and Accomplishments
- Honors and Legacy
Early Life and Education
David Bauer, a Canadian ice hockey player, was born on November 2, 1924, in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. His younger brother, Bobby Bauer, played professionally in the NHL. At the age of 16, David declined an offer from the Boston Bruins to attend St. Michael's College School in Toronto. He later played for the University of Toronto.
Hockey Career
In 1944, the Oshawa Generals selected Bauer to play for the Memorial Cup after the University of Toronto lost in the playoffs. After World War II, Bauer decided to pursue a career in the priesthood instead of professional hockey.
Priesthood and Coaching
In 1953, Bauer returned to his alma mater as a teacher and coach of the St. Michael's College School hockey team. Under his leadership, the team won the Memorial Cup. Bauer mentored future NHL stars such as Dave Keon and Gerry Cheevers.
National Team Development
In 1962, Bauer played a pivotal role in the creation of the Canadian national ice hockey team. The team consisted of amateur players from across Canada, including Brian Conacher, Roger Bourbonnais, and Marshall Johnston. They competed at the 1964 Olympics in Innsbruck, winning a bronze medal.
Leadership and Accomplishments
Bauer served as coach and general manager of the Canadian Olympic hockey team in 1968. He was also general manager at the World Championships in 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1969, and at the Olympics in 1980. He received numerous awards, including an Olympic bronze medal in 1968, World Championship bronze medals in 1964, 1966, and 1967, and a Memorial Cup victory in 1944 as a player and 1961 as a coach.
Honors and Legacy
David Bauer was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1989. He was also vice-president of Hockey Canada, chairman of the Canadian Olympic hockey program, and a recipient of the Order of Canada in 1967. A hockey arena in Calgary is named in his honor. Bauer passed away in November 1988, at the age of 64, and was buried at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener.
