Ehrhardt Heller


Ehrhardt Henry "Ott" Heller was a Canadian ice hockey defenceman. Originally a right wing, Heller learned to play as a defenseman early in his career.

Career

Heller started his National Hockey League career with the New York Rangers in 1931, signing with the team as a free agent on November 2, 1931. He would his entire career with the Rangers and retire after the 1946 season. In 1941, he was a member of the NHL All-Star Team. He won 2 Stanley Cups in 1933 and 1940. He served as Captain of the Rangers from 1942 to 1945.

Coaching

After leaving the Rangers in 1946, Heller had several head coaching stints in the minors, where he often had the dual role of player-coach. He led the Indianapolis Capitals to the Calder Cup as a player-coach during the 1949-50 AHL season, a team that had future Hockey Hall Of Fame goaltender Terry Sawchuk in net for 61 out of a possible 70 games.
Heller finished his career with the Chatham Sr. Maroons in 1956, scoring two assists in seven games.

Death

Heller died on June 15, 1980 in his hometown of Kitchener, less than two weeks after his 70th birthday.

Legacy

In the 2009 book 100 Ranger Greats, the authors ranked Heller at No. 25 all-time of the 901 New York Rangers who had played during the team's first 82 seasons.

Awards and accomplishments