Overview
Robert Larry Mickey (October 21, 1943 – July 23, 1982) was a Canadian ice hockey player who spent eleven seasons in the National Hockey League. He played as a right winger and appeared for a sequence of NHL clubs during a professional career that spanned the 1960s and 1970s. Known as a reliable depth forward, Mickey combined experience in both major and minor professional leagues and is remembered for on‑ice contributions as well as difficult personal events that affected his life.
Playing career
Mickey reached the NHL after developing his game in lower professional ranks. During his time in the league he wore the uniforms of several franchises as team rosters evolved and as he moved between major and minor assignments. The NHL clubs with which he is associated include the Chicago Black Hawks, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Buffalo Sabres. Across these teams he served primarily in a forward role, valued for skating, positioning and veteran presence.
Minor leagues and the 1966–67 season
Mickey achieved notable success at the minor‑league level. While a member of the Omaha Knights in the Central Hockey League (CHL) he was selected to the league's first All‑Star team for the 1966–67 season, and his club advanced to the Adams Cup final series that year. Performances in the CHL and similar circuits were important in helping players like Mickey obtain or retain opportunities in the NHL during that era.
1967 automobile accident
On April 16, 1967, during the CHL postseason, Mickey was involved in a serious car accident on a rural road near Seward, Nebraska. Visibility on the road was reported to be extremely poor because of dust blowing from a nearby field. As a result of the crash Mickey suffered a broken left arm and other injuries, including cuts and bruises. The collision proved fatal for his wife, Eleanor, who was a passenger in the vehicle. The accident interrupted Mickey's playing career and was a defining and tragic event in his personal life.
Later career and retirement
After recovering from injury, Mickey continued to play professionally for a number of seasons, moving between NHL clubs and minor‑league affiliates as many players of his era did. His later years in hockey included efforts to remain active in the sport and to transition away from full‑time playing. Public accounts describe him as a journeyman professional whose contributions were appreciated by teammates and coaches who relied on experienced forwards to fill roster needs.
Death and legacy
On July 23, 1982, Mickey died in Buffalo, New York. His death was ruled a suicide. The circumstances surrounding his passing prompted reflection among those who knew him and among observers of professional sport about the challenges some athletes face after retiring from competition. While his life included moments of achievement on the ice, it also encompassed profound personal loss and struggles that affected his later years.
Context and remembrance
Larry Mickey's career offers a view of mid‑20th century professional hockey life: movement between major and minor leagues, the role of depth forwards on multiple franchises, and the distinct pressures of a sporting life. For readers seeking more information, contemporary newspaper accounts, team histories and hockey reference publications contain season records, transaction details and game summaries that document his playing days.
Further reading and resources: general team pages and archives may be consulted for rosters and season summaries. Examples include franchise histories and hockey reference collections linked here for convenience: Canadian hockey sources, ice hockey references, player position summaries, NHL records, Chicago Black Hawks, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, information on mental health and athlete transitions, local Buffalo archives.