Wayne Rutledge

Wayne Rutledge (born February 17, 1945, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender. He played primarily in the World Hockey Association (WHA) during the 1970s, and also had a National Hockey League (NHL) career spanning parts of three seasons.

Rutledge began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) before joining the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings in the 1967-68 season. He later played for the New York Rangers before finding greater success in the WHA.

In the WHA, Rutledge was a standout goaltender. He played for the Houston Aeros, where he won two Avco World Trophies (1974 and 1975) alongside hockey legends Gordie Howe and Mark Howe. He also played for the San Diego Mariners and the New England Whalers in the WHA. He was known for his strong goaltending skills and consistency.

Following the merger of the WHA and NHL, Rutledge briefly returned to the NHL with the Hartford Whalers before retiring from professional hockey.