Butch Goring – New York Islanders: The Key Acquisition in the Dynasty Years
When hockey fans discuss the dynasty years of the New York Islanders, one name stands out as the catalyst that transformed a good team into a great one. Butch Goring arrived via trade from the Los Angeles Kings in March 1980, becoming what many consider the final piece of the championship puzzle. The Islanders went on to win four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1980 to 1983 with Goring playing a crucial role as their second-line center.
Standing at just 5’9″ and 170 pounds, Goring’s impact far exceeded his physical stature. The four-time Stanley Cup winner brought a two-way game that perfectly complemented the Islanders’ system, contributing both offensively and defensively. During the 1981 playoffs, Goring’s excellence earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, cementing his legacy in Islanders lore.
Goring’s career with the Islanders showcased his consistency and reliability. He posted solid numbers throughout his tenure, including 11 seasons where he scored 20 or more goals across his NHL career.
His distinctive helmet and number 91 became iconic symbols of the Islanders’ greatest era, representing a player whose intelligence and work ethic helped establish one of hockey’s greatest dynasties.
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Early Life and Junior Career
Robert Thomas “Butch” Goring was born on October 22, 1949, in Canada, and would eventually become an integral part of hockey history. His journey from a young hockey enthusiast to a professional player showcases his dedication and natural talent for the sport.
Beginnings in Hockey
Goring developed his love for hockey at an early age, growing up in the hockey-rich environment of Canada. His childhood was marked by countless hours spent on frozen ponds and local rinks, honing his skills with a dedication unusual for someone so young.
Young Butch quickly caught the attention of local coaches with his natural skating ability and hockey sense. Unlike many of his peers, Goring exhibited an unusual two-way playing style early on, showing prowess on both offensive and defensive ends of the ice.
His distinctive helmet and relatively small stature (by hockey standards) made him stand out visually, but it was his work ethic that truly separated him from others. Coaches often noted his willingness to put in extra practice time.
Performance in Junior League
In junior hockey, Goring emerged as a standout performer with the Dauphin Kings before moving to the Winnipeg Rangers. His junior career demonstrated the skills that would later make him valuable in the NHL – reliable scoring touch combined with responsible defensive play.
During his time in juniors, Goring’s statistics revealed his all-around capabilities:
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967-68 | Winnipeg Rangers | 45 | 27 | 33 | 60 | 24 |
| 1968-69 | Winnipeg Rangers | 43 | 31 | 38 | 69 | 26 |
Scouts took notice of Goring’s unique playing style – he wasn’t the flashiest player but demonstrated tremendous hockey intelligence. His ability to anticipate plays and position himself effectively became hallmarks of his game.
The junior years served as the perfect foundation for what would become a stellar professional career, showcasing the skills and determination that would later make him a four-time Stanley Cup champion with the New York Islanders.
NHL Playing Career
Butch Goring carved out a successful 16-year NHL career spanning from 1969 to 1985. His journey took him from the Los Angeles Kings to becoming an integral part of the New York Islanders dynasty, where he cemented his legacy as one of hockey’s most reliable two-way centers.
Los Angeles Kings Tenure
Goring began his NHL journey when the Los Angeles Kings drafted him 51st overall in the 5th round of the 1969 NHL Draft. The St. Boniface, Manitoba native quickly established himself as a consistent performer in Los Angeles, playing 11 seasons with the Kings.
The 5’9″ center became known for his remarkable consistency and two-way play. Goring reached the 20-goal mark in eight consecutive seasons with the Kings, demonstrating his offensive reliability.
What made Goring particularly valuable was his disciplined play. Despite his smaller frame, he maintained an extraordinarily low penalty minute total throughout his career, showcasing his clean but effective approach to the game.
During his Kings tenure, Goring’s best statistical season came in 1977-78 when he recorded 37 goals and 48 assists for 85 points.
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977-78 | LA | 80 | 37 | 48 | 85 | 2 |
| 1978-79 | LA | 80 | 36 | 45 | 81 | 4 |
Trade to New York Islanders
The defining moment of Goring’s career came on March 10, 1980, when the Kings traded him to the New York Islanders. This move would forever be remembered as one of the most impactful trades in NHL history.
Islanders general manager Bill Torrey acquired Goring in exchange for Billy Harris and Dave Lewis. The trade immediately paid dividends as Goring perfectly filled the second-line center role the team desperately needed.
Often referred to as the final piece of the Islanders puzzle, Goring’s acquisition transformed a talented team into a dynasty. His arrival provided essential forward depth, penalty killing expertise, and championship experience that the Islanders had previously lacked.
Goring’s impact was felt immediately. After joining the team late in the 1979-80 season, he helped propel the Islanders to their first Stanley Cup championship that spring.
Stanley Cup Achievements
Goring’s arrival in New York coincided with the beginning of one of hockey’s greatest dynasties. The Islanders won four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1980 to 1983 with Goring playing a crucial role in each title run.
During this historic stretch, Goring exemplified consistency and clutch performance. His two-way play, hockey intelligence, and leadership proved invaluable as the Islanders dominated the NHL.
The 1980-81 season was particularly memorable for Goring. He posted 60 regular-season points and then elevated his game even further in the playoffs, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the Islanders’ second championship run.
Goring’s four Stanley Cup rings place him among hockey’s elite champions. His contributions to the Islanders dynasty went beyond statistics, as his hockey IQ and ability to perform in crucial moments made him irreplaceable.
Playoff Performance and Conn Smythe Trophy
Goring’s playoff excellence reached its peak during the 1981 Stanley Cup playoffs. His outstanding performance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason.
During that championship run, Goring recorded 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 18 playoff games. His clutch scoring, defensive awareness, and leadership proved decisive as the Islanders secured their second consecutive title.
Throughout his career, Goring demonstrated an ability to elevate his performance when the stakes were highest. His playoff statistics with the Islanders were consistently impressive, particularly during the championship years.
Goring’s playoff success stemmed from his complete playing style. He killed penalties, won critical faceoffs, scored timely goals, and provided veteran leadership in pressure situations—all qualities that made him the prototypical playoff performer.
End of Professional Playing Career
After six successful seasons and four Stanley Cups with the Islanders, Goring’s playing career began winding down in the mid-1980s. During his time with New York, he compiled 87 goals and 195 points through 332 regular-season games.
Goring briefly joined the Boston Bruins for the 1984-85 season, his final campaign as an NHL player. He appeared in 39 games for Boston before retiring from playing at age 35.
His career NHL totals stand at 375 goals and 513 assists for 888 points in 1,107 regular-season games. Perhaps most remarkably, Goring amassed only 102 penalty minutes throughout his entire 16-year career, highlighting his clean, disciplined playing style.
Following retirement as a player, Goring transitioned to coaching, including a stint as head coach of the Islanders. His hockey knowledge and championship experience made him a natural fit for coaching and broadcasting roles after his playing days.
Coaching and Management Career
After his playing days ended, Butch Goring transitioned to coaching where he continued his hockey journey with several teams across different leagues.
Transition to Coaching
Goring’s move to coaching began while he was still playing. He served as a player-coach for the Islanders from 1981-85, showcasing his leadership abilities both on and off the ice. This dual role highlighted his deep understanding of the game and ability to communicate effectively with teammates.
His first major head coaching opportunity came with the Boston Bruins during the 1985-86 season. This position marked his official entry into the coaching ranks after retiring as a player. The transition wasn’t entirely smooth, but it laid the groundwork for his future coaching endeavors.
Goring later returned to the Islanders organization in a coaching capacity, eventually becoming the head coach of the New York Islanders from 1999-2001. His connection to the franchise where he achieved so much as a player came full circle.
American Hockey League Success
Goring found considerable success at the American Hockey League level. He coached the Capital District Islanders, based in Troy, NY, for three seasons from 1990 to 1993. This role kept him connected to the Islanders organization while developing his coaching style.
The AHL provided Goring with an opportunity to work with developing players and prospects. His experience as a former Stanley Cup champion made him an ideal mentor for young talent hoping to reach the NHL.
During his tenure with the Capital District Islanders, Goring helped nurture several players who would later contribute at the NHL level. His coaching philosophy emphasized the same work ethic and team-first mentality that defined his playing career.
Coaching in Other Leagues
Goring’s coaching journey extended beyond the NHL and AHL. After his time with the Capital District Islanders, he ventured into other hockey leagues, including the International Hockey League.
He served as the general manager and head coach of the Utah Grizzlies in the IHL, taking on dual responsibilities once again. Before that, Goring also coached the Las Vegas Thunder, demonstrating his willingness to guide teams at various levels of professional hockey.
His coaching resume also includes international experience with the Krefeld Penguins in Germany. This global dimension to his coaching career showcased his adaptability and passion for the game beyond North American shores.
Goring’s coaching style typically reflected the tenacious, intelligent approach that characterized his playing days, emphasizing fundamentals and team cohesion regardless of which bench he stood behind.
Broadcasting Career
After hanging up his coaching whistle, Butch Goring found a new way to stay connected to the game and the Islanders organization through broadcasting.
From the Bench to the Broadcast Booth
Butch Goring’s transition to broadcasting began after his coaching days. Eventually, he landed a permanent spot in the Islanders’ broadcast booth. He joined MSG Networks in 2007 as a hockey analyst. In 2010, he was named the full-time color commentator for New York Islanders broadcasts.
Goring’s journey to the broadcast booth included a successful stint on Hockey Night Live. This helped showcase his broadcasting talents. His deep knowledge of the game and connection to the Islanders’ glory days make him particularly valuable to viewers.
Since the 2010-11 season, Goring has been a fixture on Islanders telecasts. He currently works alongside play-by-play announcer Brendan Burke. The pair has developed strong chemistry in the booth.
Islanders fans have embraced Goring’s broadcasting style. His style combines technical hockey knowledge with the perspective of someone who lived through the franchise’s dynasty years. His authentic approach resonates with the fanbase, who appreciate his connection to the team’s history.
Legacy and Impact
Butch Goring’s arrival to the New York Islanders in 1980 transformed not just the team but hockey history itself. His contributions extend far beyond statistics, shaping an organization’s identity and setting standards for future generations.
A Leader On and Off the Ice
Goring wasn’t just skilled with a stick—he was the compass that guided the Islanders through pressure-filled playoff runs. His calm demeanor during tense moments earned respect from teammates and opponents alike.
“He was the final piece we needed,” former goaltender Billy Smith once remarked about Goring’s arrival.
What separated Goring from others was his remarkable hockey IQ. He could read plays before they developed, positioning himself perfectly to capitalize on opportunities or thwart opposing attacks.
His distinctive helmet and unusual skating style became instantly recognizable to fans. More importantly, his work ethic set the standard in practice and games.
When the Islanders needed direction in crucial moments, it was often Goring who spoke up, delivering the right message at the right time.
The Islanders Dynasty
The Islanders’ transformation after Goring’s arrival wasn’t coincidental—it was causal. The team captured four consecutive Stanley Cups (1980-1983) with Goring playing a pivotal role.
As the No. 2 center behind Bryan Trottier, Goring provided offensive depth that made the Islanders nearly impossible to defend against. His performance in the 1981 playoffs was particularly remarkable.
| Playoff Year | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 21 | 7 | 12 | 19 |
| 1981 | 18 | 10 | 10 | 20 |
| 1982 | 19 | 9 | 11 | 20 |
| 1983 | 20 | 6 | 10 | 16 |
Goring’s wise words powered the 1980 Cup run. This brought an outside perspective that helped overcome previous playoff disappointments.
The Islanders’ 19 consecutive playoff series wins remains an NHL record unlikely to be broken.
Recognitions and Awards
Goring’s trophy case reflects his excellence during the Islanders’ dynasty years. His crowning achievement came in 1981 when he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
His number 91 was rightfully retired by the Islanders in 2020, recognizing his status as a franchise cornerstone.
Beyond his playing days, Goring continues contributing to the Islanders legacy as an analyst. Since 2007, he has served as the Islanders voice on MSG Network‘s Hockey Night Live.
Often described as the most important acquisition in team history, Goring’s impact extends through generations of Islanders hockey.
His legacy isn’t measured merely in awards but in how he changed the franchise’s trajectory forever.
Personal Life and Off-Ice Interests
Beyond his remarkable hockey achievements, Butch Goring has maintained a balanced life away from the rink with various interests that showcase his character beyond the boards.
Butch Goring’s Life Away from Hockey
Robert “Butch” Goring, born October 22, 1949 in St. Boniface, Manitoba, has always been known for his humble demeanor off the ice. His humble demeanor reflects the same qualities that earned him respect as a player.
His commitment to family has been a cornerstone of his personal life. Despite the demands of professional hockey and later broadcasting, Goring prioritized time with loved ones throughout his career.
The four-time Stanley Cup champion has remained connected to the Long Island community long after his playing days ended. His continued presence with the Islanders organization speaks to his loyalty to the team that defined the peak of his career.
Goring’s gentlemanly approach to life mirrors his playing style that earned recognition. Though he never won the Lady Byng Trophy (awarded for sportsmanship), his conduct embodied its spirit with his clean play and respectful attitude.
In retirement, he’s embraced broadcasting, becoming a beloved analyst for Islanders games. His insight and straightforward commentary have made him a fan favorite.
