A Hall of Fame defenseman who helped the Rangers to Stanley Cups in 1928 and 1933, Ching Johnson retired after the 1937-38 season. Eventually, the toughie who was feared for his thunderous bodychecks, returned to the ice lanes as a lineman in the Eastern Amateur Hockey League. Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG The problem was that Johnson never forgot that he was a Ranger and retained his instinct for body contact. This was evident one night at Uline Arena in Washington when Ching was handling a game between the New York Rovers and Washington Lions. A Washington player sped free on a breakaway when Ching, in a sense, lost his mind. Here's how one reporter saw the play: "Johnson suddenly forgot himself. For a split-second he wasn't an official anymore; he was a Rangers defenseman and his goal was in danger. Johnson cut over in front of the fast-skating Lion forward and laid him low with a bodycheck that was as hard as any you'll ever see" Later Ching was asked by a newsman what he had in mind. "I can't explain it," said Johnson. "Here was that guy racing for the goal and I just had to stop him. Why? Instinct, I guess. The old habit was too deep within me, and for a second I completely forgot where I was and what I was doing!"
