Eric Nesterenko

Eric Paul Nesterenko (October 31, 1933 – June 4, 2022) was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League from 1951 until 1972. Born in Flin Flon, Manitoba, to immigrant parents from Ukraine, he moved at the age of 16 and attended North Toronto Collegiate Institute, playing junior hockey as a member of the Toronto Marlboros.

Nesterenko began his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing five seasons from 1951 until 1956 before being traded to the Chicago Black Hawks for cash. He spent the next 16 years in Chicago, from 1956 to 1972, appearing in 1,013 games, a total that ranks seventh in franchise history. Known more for his speed on the ice than for goal-scoring, he was regarded as a superb penalty killer and earned the nickname "Elbows." He led the league in shorthanded goals in both 1965 and 1967.

Nesterenko was named an NHL All-Star in 1961 and 1965, and was a key part of Chicago's 1961 Stanley Cup championship. He made twelve additional playoff appearances with the Black Hawks over the course of his career.