Tony Demers

Tony Demers made some big headlines over his lifetime. Unfortunately the biggest were for all the wrong reasons.

Born in Chambly Basin Quebec, Tony's professional career actually began in Britain of all places. He played with the Southampton Kings in the top British league in 1937-38 after playing very little junior hockey in the Montreal area.

The following year Tony returned to Quebec, playing in the QPHL as well as 6 games with the Montreal Canadiens. It wasn't until 1940-41 that Tony made the Habs full time. He scored 13 goals and 23 points in 46 games in his only full NHL season.

Tony's NHL career was interrupted by World War II as he enlisted in 1942. Based in Quebec, Tony was able to get short leaves to play a total of 15 games in the NHL with the Habs during his 2 full seasons lost to the War.

Upon Tony's discharge from the army, Tony found himself in a New York Ranger jersey, as he was sent to the Big Apple in exchange for Phil Watson. Tony's stay in New York was brief, just one game, as he spent most of the 1943-44 season in the minors with the Providence Reds (AHL)

Tony returned to Quebec the following year to play in the QPHL. He dominated the "Q" over the next 5 seasons, scoring a league leading 50 goals and 62 goals in 1945-46 and 1947-48 respectively. He also was a standout in the playoffs, and the 1949 Most Valuable Player.

However that great 1949 season was his last. Late in 1949 he was convicted of beating his girlfriend to death. Tony served 8 years of his 15 year sentence at St. Vincent de Paul Penitentiary before being granted parole in 1959.