Quick Facts
PiscesBiography
George Francis "Duke" Harris (February 25, 1942 – August 2, 2017) was a professional ice hockey right winger who played in the National Hockey League during the1967–68 season with the Minnesota North Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs.He also played in the WHA from 1972–75 with the Chicago Cougars and Houston Aeros. He died in 2017 after a six month battle following heart surgery.
Background
Harris grew up in Point Edward, Ontario.
Junior Hockey Career
St. Catherine's Teepees
Harris played 5 seasons with the St Catherine's Teepees starting his first season in 1958 at the age of 16. In the 1960 season with the Teepees Harris helped the team win the Memorial Cup against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Guelph Royals
Harris only played for the Guelph Royals during the 1961-1962 season.
St. Louis Braves
In 1962-63 he scored 28 goals as a rookie pro with the EPHL's St. Louis Braves.
NHL Career
Right-winger George Francis "Duke" Harris played 26 NHL games in 1967-68, mostly with the Minnesota North Stars. He was best known as a reliable goal scorer in the minors and the WHA.
Minnesota North Stars / Toronto Maple Leafs
Harris played one season with the Minnesota North Stars, during which he was traded to Toronto. Harris saw spot duty in 22 games for the expansion club then was sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of the package used to acquired winger J.P. Parise. He only played four games for his new club then was relegated to the minors.
Western Hockey League
Vancouver Canucks
1968-1970. Harris played two seasons with the Vancouver Canucks of the Western Hockey League. In the 1968-1969 season Harris scored 23 goals and had 17 assists earning a total of 74 game points that year.
World Hockey Association
Houston Aeros
In 1972 Harris joined the Houston Aeros of the newly founded WHA. He scored 30 goals for Houston during the 1972-1973 season.
Chicago Cougars
Harris played two seasons with the Chicago Cougars before retiring in 1975.
American Hockey League
Harris played 3 non-consecutive seasons with the Rochester Americans, 1967-1968, 1970-1971, 1971-1972.
Personal Life
Harris was married for 55 years, until his death, to Eleanor Marie Harris. They have two children, Kimberly Marie Harris and Robert Harris.
After retiring from professional hockey Harris worked as a crane operator in Sarnia, Ontario.