The Complete World Hockey Association
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Ron Chipperfield
Ronald James Chipperfield
Height: 5-11
Weight: 180
Shoot: R
Born: 28 Mar 1954, Brandon MB
 
Regular Season & Playoff Scoring Record (key)
 
Excerpts from Pro Hockey, WHA 1975-76 (by Dan Proudfoot)
Teen-aged hockey players, just like any other teens, are brimming with confidence. Ron Chipperfield was no different in 1974, joining the Vancouver Blazers after an outstanding junior career with the Brandon Wheat Kings.
By January, 1975, though, Chipperfield was 20 and depressed. He had accumulated only 12 goals, far off his junior pace that brought him 90 goals in the 1973-74 season.
"I really underestimated the goaltending in this league," he said. "I've lost my confidence. My shot isn't good enough here."
Chipperfield scored only 19 goals in his first full year as a professional. He's returning with a new, determined attitude, which should pay off with a more realistic approach and increased scoring.
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Excerpts from Zander Hollander Complete Hockey Handbook, 1975-76 (by Reyn Davis)
Learning fast ... Very reasonable young man who brought character and talent to pro hockey ... Must be half a step faster, says coach Joe Crozier, to be fully effective ... Born in Brandon, Manitoba, where he captained Rudy Pilous's junior Wheat Kings, scoring 90 goals in 62 games in his graduating year ... Seven of his nineteen goals in 1974-75 were scored on power plays ... Becomes conspicuous only when he sniffs a goal in the making ... A child sensation in the small town of Minnedosa, Manitoba, whose scoring exploits attracted junior scouts ... Left home to play junior hockey when he was 15.
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Excerpts from Pro Hockey, WHA 1976-77 (by Dan Proudfoot)
There was considerable criticism of Vancouver Blazers' big-bucks rookies, Ron Chipperfield and Pat Price, when they didn't immediately produce in 1974-75. Well, Pat Price switched to New York Islanders of the NHL and continued having problems getting the knack of playing big league defense.
But Chipperfield regained his confidence and emerged as a top center with Cowboys in 1975-76. Chipperfield earned 42 goals and 41 assists in the regular season and added nine more points in the post-season tourney.
"Here's our future," says scout Al Millar, undoubtedly remembering the years that Chipperfield was the points leader with the Brandon Wheat King junior team. "He's just 22 but he's a leader."
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Excerpts from Zander Hollander's Guide to Pro Hockey, 1978-79 (by Reyn Davis)
Spent the summer of 1977 wondering if he would ever play again ... Contracted Reiter's Syndrome, in inflammation of the joints ... Weak as a kitten at training camp, he battled back to lead Oilers in assists (52) and points (85) and never missed a game ... First-round choice in both leagues in 1974 ... Eleven of his goals were scored during power plays ... Has worked hard on his skating ... All the moves are there
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