Moe Benoit

Defenceman Moe Benoit, a gold medallist for Canada at the 1959 IIHF World Championship and silver medallist at the 1960 Olympics, passed away in Dayton, Ohio, on December 10. He was 81 years old.

Benoit was born in Valleyfield, Quebec, and played three years of senior hockey with the Belleville McFarlands (1956-59). It was during this period that he won the Allan Cup (in 1958). The McFarlands then went to Czechoslovakia to play at the World Championship, winning seven of eight games and the gold medal!

The following year the Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen qualified to represent Canada at the Olympics in Squaw Valley, California. Benoit was asked to join the team as an add-on to bolster the blue line. The hard hitting, hard shooting Benoit helped Canada to the silver medal.

Professionally Benoit played in the IHL for decade before settling in Dayton and getting into the insurance business.