Garth Rizzuto

Garth Rizzuto
Born	(1947-09-11)September 11, 1947 Trail,British Columbia,Canada
Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position	Centre
Shot	Left
Played for	Vancouver Canucks Winnipeg Jets(WHA)
Playing career	1967–1974

Garth Alexander Rizzuto(born September 11, 1947) is a Canadian former professionalice hockeycentrewho played in theNational Hockey League(NHL) and theWorld Hockey Association(WHA) during the 1970s. He played 37 games for theVancouver Canucksof the NHL in1970–71and 110 games for theWinnipeg Jetsof the WHA between 1972 and 1974, as well as several years in the minorCHLandAmerican Hockey League.He retired in 1974.

Playing career

A hard-working center, Rizzuto came up through the system of theChicago Blackhawks,turning pro in 1967. He spent three solid years in the minors with theDallas Black Hawksbut never saw an NHL game in Chicago. In the1970 NHL Expansion Drafthe was claimed by theVancouver Canucks.

Rizzuto spent most of the1970–71season on the Canucks' roster as a utility player, recording 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 37 games. He is the first player born and trained inBritish Columbiato suit up with the Canucks and score for the team. For the1971–72season, he was sent to the minors.

For the1972–73season, Rizzuto signed on with theWinnipeg Jetsof the rival upstartWorld Hockey Association.He was his best professional season, recording 10 goals and 20 points, helping a team led byBobby Hullto theAvco Cupfinals. In1973–74,however, his role would be reduced and he finished with 3 goals and 7 points in 41 games. He retired after a brief stint as a player-coach of the Nelson Maple Leafs of theWestern International Hockey Leagueat the start of the 1974-75 season.

Post-playing career

He now resides inLangley, British Columbiaas the owner of Rizzuto Construction and is a bo xing trainer.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1965–66	Moose Jaw Canucks	SJHL		22	5	11	16	16		5	0	2	2	14
1966–67	Moose Jaw Canucks	SJHL		55	24	31	55	133		14	7	16	23	59
1967–68	Dallas Black Hawks	CHL		47	5	14	19	17		5	2	1	3	4
1968–69	Dallas Black Hawks	CHL		72	30	29	59	71		11	2	4	6	10
1969–70	Dallas Black Hawks	CHL		72	20	42	62	55		—	—	—	—	—
1970–71	Vancouver Canucks	NHL		37	3	4	7	16		—	—	—	—	—
1970–71	Rochester Americans	AHL		22	8	12	20	56		—	—	—	—	—
1971–72	Rochester Americans	AHL		36	6	8	14	11		—	—	—	—	—
1971–72	Seattle Totems	WHL		23	4	15	19	36		—	—	—	—	—
1972–73	Winnipeg Jets	WHA		61	10	10	20	32		14	0	1	1	14
1973–74	Winnipeg Jets	WHA		41	3	4	7	8		—	—	—	—	—
1974–75	Nelson Maple Leafs	WIHL		6	4	7	11	34		—	—	—	—	—
WHA totals				102	13	14	27	40		14	0	1	1	14
NHL totals				37	3	4	7	16		—	—	—	—	—

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics fromNHL,orEliteprospects,orHockey-Reference,orThe Internet Hockey Database