Derek Sanderson

Derek Michael Sanderson, born on June 16, 1946, is a celebrated Canadian former professional ice hockey centre, renowned for his pivotal role in transforming the culture of professional athletes during the 1970s. Nicknamed 'Turk', Sanderson's legacy is highlighted by his contribution to the Boston Bruins, particularly the iconic overtime goal set up for teammate Bobby Orr that clinched the 1970 Stanley Cup Final, a moment often hailed as the greatest goal in NHL history.

Over the course of his thirteen-season NHL career, Sanderson showcased his exceptional skills, amassing two hundred and two goals, two hundred and fifty assists, and nine hundred and eleven penalty minutes across five teams in five hundred and ninety-eight games. His prowess on the ice was further exemplified by his mastery of the sweep check, a technique that became his trademark.

In a remarkable turn of events, Sanderson briefly held the title of the highest-paid athlete in sports history when he signed a deal worth two million six hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars with the Philadelphia Blazers of the World Hockey Association in August 1972. Unfortunately, a back injury limited his play to just eight games during the 1972-73 season, leading to a one million dollar buyout of his contract.

Sanderson's legacy includes setting the record for the most career short-handed goals in the NHL, surpassing the legendary Dave Keon with his thirty-second short-handed goal during the 1975-76 campaign. He held this record for eight seasons and still shares the Bruins' playoff record for most career short-handed goals with Ed Westfall. As of the 2021-22 season, Sanderson ranks third in the franchise's history for regular-season short-handed goals, with twenty-four to his name.