In a trip to the THN archives, in 1958, to of the most noted players in AHL history had transitioned from player to linesmen
Two of the most famous players of past years. Les Cunningham and Freddie Thurier are now linesmen for the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League. Thurier holds the AHL record for most all-time goals, 519, and total points, 744.
Up till last season he also had the most assists for a career with 425, but this was surpassed by Jackie Gordon, the present playing coach of Cleveland who set a new record of 428 assists. By a strange turn of events.
Thurier was an official in the game when Gordon established the new assist record. Thurier also has the most assists for playoff hockey, 5-3, and the most points, 85 for post-season play.
During his long career, spent mostly as a player for Cleveland, Cunningham had 233 goals and 346 assists for 579 points; In the playoffs he added another 29 goals and 33 assists for 62 points.
He is thought of so highly by AHL officials that the trophy awarded each season to the league’s most valuable player is called the Les Cunningham Trophy.
There are other former playing stars working as officials throughout the AHL in addition to Thurier and Cunningham. Hy Buller is the extra linesman in Cleveland to replace either Thurier or Cunningham if necessary.
Buffalo has Ed Slowinski and Mike McMahon, former AHL and NHL stars. Walt Russell who confined his playing to amateur ranks in the Eastern is in Hershey. Providence uses Art Lesieur former defense great, and Walter (Ants) Atanas calls the offside plays in Spring.
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