WHA Profile: Tom Webster, New England Whalers

A long-time Bruins farmhand,  Tom "Hawkeye" Webster's NHL career come to life in 1970-71 when he joined the Detroit Red Wings.  Webster scored 30 goals, assisting on 37 others for a highly productive 67-point season. 

After a stint with the Californa Golden Seals, he joined the WHA's England Whalers in 1972 and enjoyed six WHA productive seasons. In his first WHA year, Webster scored 53 goals and 50 assists for 103 points playing on a line with Terry Caffery and Brit Selby.  The Whalers went on to win the WHA championship that year, led by Webster's 12-14-26 performance in 15 games.

Webster was chosen to play for Team Canada in 1974 in the Summit Series vs. the Soviet Union.  He played sparingly but is remembered for a spectacular end-to-end rush and goal in game three.  He also played in the 1973, 1974, 1975 and 1976 WHA All-Star games.

Webster's brilliant WHA career was plagued by injuries.  In 1977-78, Webster played on a line with Mark and Gordie Howe and and amassed 15 goals in his first 20 games.  But his ailing back faltered
and he never played another WHA game.

In 352 WHA games, he amassed 220 goals, 205 assists and 425 points. He added 28-26-54 in the playoffs.

Note:  The 1971-72 Californaia Golden Seals wore white skates.  Webster took those skates to New England's training camp where he posed for the above photo.