Larry Aurie

Playing career

Aurie played as a right wing, a role that emphasized both scoring and board play in his era. Across eleven NHL seasons he was a regular on Detroit clubs that underwent several name changes and reorganizations. His tenure covered the franchise when it was known as the Detroit Cougars and later identities that evolved into the modern Red Wings. He was part of the club’s formative decades as the organization established itself in the league.

Style and reputation

Contemporaries and later writers describe Aurie as tenacious and energetic on the ice, combining quick skating with a competitive edge that earned his nickname. As a right winger, his responsibilities included attacking down the wing, supporting teammates offensively, and engaging physically when needed. Players of his generation often played both ends of the rink more uniformly than specialist roles common in later eras.

Legacy and historical context

Aurie’s career took place in an era when the NHL was still developing its identity and the style of professional hockey differed markedly from today’s game. He remains part of early Detroit franchise history and is cited in historical accounts that trace the growth of hockey in the American Midwest. While not a household name today, Aurie is remembered by hockey historians and fans of classic-era teams.

Notable facts

• Full name: Harry Lawrence Aurie; commonly known as Larry or "Little Dempsey".
• Born in Sudbury, Ontario and died in Detroit.
• Played 11 seasons in the National Hockey League with Detroit franchises.
• Position: right winger, noted for energetic play and competitiveness.

Further reading

For additional context on Aurie’s era and the teams for which he played, consult historical summaries of early Detroit hockey and general histories of the NHL. Team histories and archived game reports provide deeper detail on individual seasons and the shifting identities of the franchise from the Detroit Cougars onward.