The hardest hitter in Detroit Red Wings history — two Stanley Cups as the toughest defenceman of the 1940s.
John Sherratt Stewart was born in Pilot Mound, Manitoba in 1917. He spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Red Wings — winning two Stanley Cup championships (1943, 1950). He was named to six All-Star teams and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1964. He was considered the most physically punishing defenceman of the 1940s — his body checks were so devastating that opponents specifically prepared for them before games. He accumulated well over 1,000 career penalty minutes in an era when record-keeping was incomplete. He served in the Canadian military during World War II — missing the 1943-44 and 1944-45 seasons. His nickname Black Jack reflected his appearance and his playing style. He was part of the Red Wings' defensive core alongside Bill Quackenbush that was considered the finest in the league during the late 1940s. His physical imposing presence was as important to Detroit's championship teams as his offensive talent.
Stanley Cup 2x (1943,1950)
Career Honours
- Stanley Cup 2x (1943,1950)
- All-Star 6x
- Hall of Fame (1964)