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Larry Aurie

1905–1952 · ice hockey right winger

Small, tough right winger who played eleven seasons for Detroit's NHL club, won two Stanley Cups and had his No. 6 retired by owner James Norris in 1938.

Born

Sudbury, Ontario
Died

Detroit, Michigan
aged 47
Birth name
Lawrence Henry Aurie
Also known as
Little Dempsey
Detroit years
1927–1952
Field
Sports

01 / The Detroit story

The Detroit story

Aurie joined the Detroit Cougars in 1927, the season the club moved into the new Olympia on Grand River Avenue, and he stayed with the franchise as it became the Falcons and then, in 1932, the Red Wings. Only about five and a half feet tall, he was nicknamed "Little Dempsey" after the boxer for his willingness to fight bigger men. A skilled two-way winger, he was a key part of the Red Wings teams that won the franchise's first Stanley Cups in 1936 and 1937, and in 1936–1937 he led the NHL in goals. After the 1937–1938 season owner James Norris retired his No. 6, one of the first retired numbers in the league; the number hung at the Olympia but was later left out of the display at Joe Louis Arena. Aurie coached in the minors and stayed in the Detroit area until his death in 1952. He is buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

Highlights

  1. Played eleven NHL seasons for Detroit, 1927–1938
  2. Stanley Cup champion in 1936 and 1937
  3. Led the NHL in goals in 1936–1937
  4. No. 6 retired by owner James Norris after the 1937–1938 season

02 / Their Detroit places

Their Detroit places 2

Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.

  1. Played here · 1927–1939

    Olympia Stadium

    Demolished · 1927–1979

    The "Old Red Barn", his home rink, where his retired No. 6 jersey was displayed in the lobby in the 1960s; demolished in the 1980s.

    5920 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48208Map ↗Place page →Source ↗

  2. Buried here · 1952

    Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

    Aurie's grave is in this Catholic cemetery in Southfield.

    25800 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48034Map ↗Source ↗