Joseph “Gypsy Joe” Hardy

 

Born December 5, 1945 in Kenogami, Quebec, Canada
Height: 6’0”. Weight: 185 lbs

Joe’s modest scoring, 11 goals – 27 assists, during his 1969-70 season with the Reds was just a hint as to the scoring prowess of this honoree in the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame.

He signed as a free agent with the Oakland in 1969 at a time when Reds were the Seals’ AHL affiliate. In 1971, his scoring touch improved as he helped lead the Nova Scotia Voyageurs to the AHL’s Calder Cup title.

Joe would enjoy one NHL campaign with the California Golden Seals before being tagged with his “Gypsy Joe” nickname skated for 6 teams over the following seven years. His 1966 season, however, would be historic.

With Beauce Jaros of the North American Hockey League he would tally 60 goals and 148 assists for an unprecedented 208 points – the first North American hockey player to eclipse the 200-point plateau.

He retired after the 1978 season, having led the AHL with 68 assists with the Binghamton Broom Duster franchise, which previously operated as our Providence Reds.

Joseph “Gypsy Joe” Hardy