Church Russell

Churchill Davidson Russell (March 16, 1923 – March 31, 1999) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. Russell played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Rangers. Over the course of his career, he played over 300 pro games, with 74 goals, 101 assists, 175 points.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Russell played junior hockey for the Winnipeg Rangers from 1940 to 1943. In his final season, Russell helped his team win the Memorial Cup junior ice hockey championship. Russell played one season for the Victoria Navy team, then served in the military during World War II.

Upon his return in 1945, Russell was signed by the New York Rangers organization. He started with the New York Rovers but played 17 games for the Rangers in 1945–46. The following season, he played for the Rangers, scoring 20 goals and 8 assists. In 1947–48, he played only 19 games for the Rangers.

In 1947, the Rangers traded him to the Cleveland Barons for George Johnston. Russell played two seasons for the Barons, then moved on to the Pittsburgh Hornets for one season and the minor-league Vancouver Canucks for a season. He played in some playoff games the next season for the Winnipeg Maroons. He did not play for two seasons, then played a final eight games for the Brandon Wheat Kings senior ice hockey team in the 1954–55 season to finish his playing career.