Guelph Madhatters Star Eno Kraft
Carl "Eno" Kraft played with and against some of the greatest hockey players of his time. As a junior player with the Guelph Biltmore Madhatters, Kraft called Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert teammates. Kraft faced the likes of Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Dave Keon while playing Junior "A."
At the time Guelph was a farm team of the New York Rangers. While many of his teammates made it to Broadway, Kraft had to settle for New Haven. Although there were stops in Philadelphia and Toledo, Kraft's most successful season playing center for the New Haven Blades of the the Eastern Hockey League.
The Elora, Ontario native remains in the New Haven area where he plays golf with a few of his former Blades.
posted by World of Hockey @ 5:32 PM
10 comments
10 Comments:
As a person from Elora Ontario and the proud nephew of this man. It is great to find this info about a great hockey player and a small town Canadian hero. I will definitely pass this info on to his family.
My only regret is that his number one fan is no longer with us to see this ( his sister Dorothy).
Tim Bergin...
Eno was a rough gutsy player while playing for the New Haven Blades in CT..He was also a good friend of my dads ( New Haven Arena Manager ) Joe ( joe dill ) DeLeone.
Is Eno still with us. Where is he hiving now
Yes, he lives in North Branford
I used to drive up with the Long Island fellows for Wednesday night practice was never a very good player but between Eno and John Sherban they were two of the nicest fellows I've ever met in my life
Eno is still living in North Brantford Connecticut
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I had the pleasure of watching the epic fights between Eno and Roger Cote which everyone KNEW would take place whenever the Marlies came to the Guelph Memorial Gardens.
Eno was a fan favorite and a vital contributor to the Toledo Blades 1967 Turner Cup playoff championship in the old IHL. He was a "sparkplug" and pound-for-pound one of the toughest guys of that era. We loved him! RIP, Eno!
Eno Kraft played for the New Haven Blades in the 1960s at the old arena. I was fortunate enough to attend each home game thanks to primo-free tickets from Tony's dad, a limo driver. Our neighborhood was filled with immigrants, including myself, and it indeed was a magical time as our gang ruled the East Rock area.
We all played soccer at Wilbur Cross and Eli Whitney. I played for Whitney, and in ninth grade, I was on the varsity team, leading us to the playoffs. Eno was hilarious and a true hockey encyclopedia. He was the best player the Blades had for several years, and he was an exceptional skater.
I wish I could have stayed in touch with Eno, who remained in Connecticut. Sadly, it seems that Eno has passed away, and now, at 73, I am waiting to be reunited with him. I know he followed Lionel Messi, which has been a joy for many. Eno Kraft was a hero to many children, and that legacy continues. He had the talent to go pro but chose to enjoy life instead. I call that a complete life, and his achievements will be remembered. He loved Pepe’s Apizza Pie.
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