Paul Henderson

Paul Henderson – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the life of Paul Henderson — the Canadian hockey legend known for “The Goal of the Century” in the 1972 Summit Series, his journey from athlete to speaker, and his reflections on life, faith, and legacy.

Introduction

Paul Garnet Henderson (born January 28, 1943) is a celebrated Canadian former professional ice hockey player, best known for scoring the series-clinching goal in the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union. That goal immortalized him as a national hero. Beyond his hockey fame, Henderson has led a life of faith, motivational speaking, writing, and public influence.

Early Life and Family

Paul Henderson was born in Kincardine, Ontario, Canada.

He is the eldest of several siblings. His father, Garnet, was serving in the Canadian military during World War II, so he did not meet his son until almost age three. Lucknow, Ontario where Henderson grew up.

As a child, he had modest means. He later recalled that he did not own skates until age nine, and some of his early hockey gear was improvised from old catalogues.

He met his future wife, Eleanor, while handling work at a grocery store in his youth; they married in 1962.

Hockey Career & Achievements

Early and Junior Years

Henderson first attracted attention as a young player in the Ontario junior system. Hamilton Red Wings in the Ontario Hockey Association and was part of the team that won the 1962 Memorial Cup.

He was a prolific scorer in juniors, including a season in which he led the league with 49 goals in 48 games.

Professional Career in NHL & WHA

Henderson’s major league career spanned both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the World Hockey Association (WHA).

• In the NHL, he played 13 seasons with teams including Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and briefly for the Atlanta Flames.

• In the WHA, he played with the Toronto Toros and Birmingham Bulls.

• Across both leagues, he played over 1,000 major league games, scoring 376 goals and totaling 758 points (goals + assists) in his career.

• He was selected for NHL All-Star Games in 1972 and 1973.

One key turning point in his NHL career was being traded from Detroit to the Toronto Maple Leafs in March 1968, as part of a multi-player deal.

The 1972 Summit Series – “The Goal of the Century”

The defining moment of Henderson’s legacy is his involvement in the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union. In that eight-game showdown, Henderson scored the winning goal in each of the final three games.

• His goal in Game 8, scored with just 34 seconds left, clinched the series for Canada 4–3–1.

• That moment is often called “The Goal of the Century” and remains an iconic sports moment in Canadian history.

• The photograph of Henderson celebrating that goal has become one of the most reproduced in Canadian sports history.

That goal elevated Henderson to near-mythic status in Canada, giving him a place in national memory.

Later Years and Retirement

After the Summit Series, Henderson’s career continued:

• He moved to the WHA in 1974, where he played with the Toronto Toros and later Birmingham Bulls.

• Later, he had a brief return to the NHL with the Atlanta Flames.

• He retired from professional play in 1981.

• After retiring, he attempted to enter broadcasting, but conflicts with Maple Leafs ownership prevented it.

Henderson was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (1995 individually, and again with the 1972 Summit Series team in 2005) and IIHF Hall of Fame (2013). Member of the Order of Canada (2013) and later Order of Ontario (2014).

Despite public calls, Henderson himself has said he would not have voted for himself for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, because he believed his career did not meet the criteria.

Personal Life, Faith & Later Career

After hockey, Henderson embraced faith and leadership roles:

• In 1975, he became a born-again Christian.

• He studied in seminary and later founded a men’s ministry in Ontario under the umbrella of Power to Change Ministries (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ Canada) called LeaderImpact.

• He has become a motivational speaker, author, and spiritual mentor, speaking to corporations, churches, and audiences across Canada.

• Henderson is married to his high school sweetheart, Eleanor, and they have three daughters and multiple grandchildren.

• Together with his wife, he has participated in marriage conferences and produced media such as a 12-week DVD series, Talking Faith.

• He holds honorary doctorates, including a Doctor of Divinity, in recognition of his spiritual contributions.

• He has faced health challenges: in 2004, a heart blockage was discovered, and in 2009 he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Through his life, he has often spoken about balancing fame with humility, facing trials with faith, and focusing on values beyond athletic success.

Personality, Character & Philosophy

Paul Henderson is known for his humility, faith-based worldview, perseverance, and servant leadership. He has expressed that contentment does not come from achievement but from one’s relationship with God.

He is candid about struggles, failures, and the heavy burden of expectations. In his later years, he frames his life’s journey as more than sport — as a testimony of faith, identity, and mission.

He often emphasizes living each day, refusing to waste time in worry, and staying grounded in purpose.

Famous Quotes of Paul Henderson

Here are several poignant quotes attributed to Paul Henderson:

“My philosophy is I take today, live it the best way I can and if I wake up I’ll take another shot at tomorrow.” “I get up every morning and it’s going to be a great day. You never know when it’s going to be over so I refuse to have a bad day.” “Contentment does not come from achievement. It comes from a relationship with the Lord.” “When you have hope, and you have peace, you can handle anything.” “You can say what you want about me, but don’t mess with my wife.” “We grew up very poor, and I hated being poor … I never got a pair of skates until I was nine.”

These quotes reflect his blend of faith, gratitude, humility, and resolve.

Lessons from Paul Henderson’s Life

1. A single moment can define but not confine — the 1972 goal was momentous, but Henderson’s subsequent life shows his identity extends beyond a single event.

2. Humility amid fame — he never glorified himself and often emphasized that achievements are not the source of ultimate contentment.

3. Faith as foundation — his conversion and spiritual journey shaped his post-athletic life in meaningful service.

4. Resilience through adversity — financial challenges, health issues, and identity transitions were part of his journey.

5. Purpose beyond sport — he transitioned from athlete to speaker, minister, mentor, showing that life after sport can have deep purpose.

Conclusion

Paul Henderson’s legacy lies not only in a storied goal that electrified a nation, but in decades of integrity, spiritual commitment, and influence. From modest roots in rural Ontario to hockey legend, and on to being a voice of faith and encouragement, his life story weaves athletic triumph with personal transformation.