Butch Goring — Canadian NHL center and four-time Stanley Cup winner
Overview of Robert 'Butch' Goring, a Canadian NHL center who played 16 seasons, won four consecutive Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders, and later worked as a coach and broadcaster.
Robert Thomas "Butch" Goring (born October 22, 1949) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player best known for his puck‑playing intelligence, defensive reliability and pivotal role in the New York Islanders' championship dynasty. Over a 16‑season career in the NHL he played for several teams and became widely regarded as a consummate two‑way center who could be relied upon in tight games and playoff pressure.
Image gallery
3 ImagesProfessional career and teams
Goring's NHL tenure included significant stints with the Los Angeles Kings, the New York Islanders and the Boston Bruins. He combined steady scoring with defensive responsibilities, often taking important faceoffs and appearing on penalty‑killing units. His versatility made him a valuable piece in both regular season and postseason play.
Stanley Cup era and impact
Goring is most frequently remembered for joining the Islanders at a decisive moment and helping them capture four consecutive Stanley Cup championships. His arrival is commonly described by teammates and commentators as providing the veteran stability and playoff experience necessary to elevate the club in tight series. He was noted for smart positioning, passing in traffic and a willingness to play tough defensive minutes.
Coaching, broadcasting and later roles
After retiring as a player, Goring remained in hockey as a coach and broadcaster. He has held coaching positions, including head coaching assignments with both the Boston Bruins and the New York Islanders, and later moved into television work. In broadcasting he served as a color commentator for Islanders coverage alongside play‑by‑play colleagues, translating in‑game decisions for viewers.
Style, recognition and legacy
Goring exemplified a prototype of the dependable, two‑way center: not always the highest scorer, but consistently effective in faceoffs, defensive zone coverage and transitional play. His role in a dynasty era, plus subsequent contributions behind the bench and in the booth, have made him a respected figure in hockey circles. He is often cited as an example of how role players and veterans can change the course of a championship run.
- Nationality: Canadian
- Position: Center
- League: NHL
- Teams: Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins
- Championships: Four consecutive Stanley Cups with the Islanders
For additional information, consult team histories and league records or follow contemporary broadcasts and retrospectives that examine Goring's career and the Islanders' championship years.
Questions and answers
Q: Who is Butch Goring?
A: Butch Goring is a retired Canadian ice hockey player who played for 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders and Boston Bruins.
Q: How many Stanley Cups did Butch Goring win?
A: Butch Goring is a four-time Stanley Cup winner with the Islanders.
Q: What did Butch Goring do after retiring as a player?
A: After retiring as a player, Butch Goring served as head coach of both the Bruins and Islanders.
Q: What is Butch Goring's current role in the NHL?
A: Butch Goring currently serves as the Islanders TV color commentator alongside Islanders play by play announcer Brendan Burke.
Q: How long did Butch Goring play in the NHL?
A: Butch Goring played for 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Q: What teams did Butch Goring play for during his career?
A: Butch Goring played for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders and Boston Bruins during his career.
Q: When was Butch Goring born?
A: Butch Goring was born on October 22, 1949.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Butch Goring — Canadian NHL center and four-time Stanley Cup winner Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/115797
Sources
- legendsofhockey.net : legendsofhockey.net profile of Butch Goring
- sentex.net : "Lengths of Hockey Players' Careers Through the Ages"