Norm Ullman

Hockey Athlete — Inducted 1998

Norm Ullman built one of the most consistent and productive careers in National Hockey League history, becoming one of the top offensive centres of his generation.

Born December 26, 1935, in Provost, Alberta, Ullman developed his game in eastern Alberta where he won provincial championships at the bantam, midget, and juvenile levels. He later starred with the Edmonton Junior Oil Kings, helping lead the team to the Memorial Cup finals before turning professional.

Ullman began his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1955 and quickly established himself as an elite scorer. Over a remarkable 22-season professional career, he played 1,516 NHL games, scoring 520 goals and adding 792 assists for 1,312 points. He was named to both the NHL First and Second All-Star Teams during his career and was one of the league’s most reliable offensive producers.

In 1964–65, Ullman led the NHL in goals with 42, becoming one of the league’s premier scorers during an era dominated by Original Six teams. In 1970, he became only the seventh player in NHL history to reach the 400-goal milestone.

Ullman was also involved in one of the most significant trades in NHL history. In 1968, the Detroit Red Wings traded Ullman, Paul Henderson, and Floyd Smith to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Frank Mahovlich, Garry Unger, Pete Stemkowski, and Carl Brewer — a blockbuster deal that reshaped both franchises.

After his NHL career, Ullman finished his professional playing days with the Edmonton Oilers of the World Hockey Association for two seasons.

Widely respected for his durability, consistency, and scoring touch, Norm Ullman was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.

Career Highlights & Honours

• 1955–1977 — 22 Professional Seasons
• 1,516 NHL Games Played
• 520 Goals, 792 Assists, 1,312 Points
• 1964–65 — NHL Goal-Scoring Leader (42 goals)
• 1970 — 7th Player in NHL History to Reach 400 Career Goals
• NHL First Team All-Star
• NHL Second Team All-Star
• Played for:
  • Detroit Red Wings
  • Toronto Maple Leafs
  • Edmonton Oilers (WHA)
• 1982 — Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee
• 1998 — Ranked #90 on The Hockey News 100 Greatest Players
• 1998 — Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Inductee