Frederick John Charles “Buster” Harvey was born April 2, 1950 in Fredericton. He played most of his junior hockey in his hometown.
In 1965-66, his second year, he led the NBAHA in both goals and points. He stayed between Fredericton and Halifax for the next few years, appearing in two Memorial Cup tournaments, before heading off to Ontario and two seasons with the Hamilton Red Wings, where his play earned a spot on the 1970 OHA-Jr. second all-star team.
He was drafted by Minnesota with their first pick, 17th overall, in the 1970 Amateur Draft. He debuted in the North Stars sweater during the 1970-71 season, playing 59 regular season and seven playoff games and totalling 20 points.
He was back in Minnesota full time in 1972-73, when he had his best NHL point totals with 21 goals and 34 assists. He was in double digits in both columns the next year as well, but May 1973 saw him traded to the Atlanta Flames as part of a multi-player deal.
Harvey played one full year in Atlanta, tallying 44 points in 79 games during the 1974-75 season. The 1975-76 season was a busy one for Harvey, who suited up with three different NHL teams. After one game with the Flames, he was traded to the Kansas City Scouts; 39 games later, he was a Detroit Red Wing. During the 1976-77 season, he divided his time between the Wings and the Kansas City Blues of the AHL. The 1977-78 season was Harvey’s last year as a professional player, and he spent it with the AHL Philadelphia Firebirds.
Buster was a member of the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame.
Buster Harvey died November 25, 2007 at the age of 57 years, eight months after being diagnosed with cancer.
The Grant-Harvey Centre in Fredericton is named after him and longtime friend Danny Grant. Originally named after only Grant, he behest that Buster’s name be added as well.
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Legends of Hockey
I was 8 and 9 years old when Buster Harvey played for the Hamilton Red Wings. He was my favourite player on that team. I watched him everywhere he went when he was on the ice. Then kept looking at the bench to see when he was coming out again. When we played ball hockey I would announce “Buster Harvey taking a slap shot”. Yea I was Buster Harvey running around the street playing street hockey. RIP BUSTER HARVEY. Just to let you know Buster you made this kid smile when you were on the ice. Once again RIP.
You should know that the people in that photo are (left to right) – Danny Grant, Lyle Hinds, Harold Joyce, Buster, Tim Scammell, Gilles Gilbert, Richard Scammell. The photo was taken at the Grant Harvey Hockey School in Nashwaaksis around 1974 or 1975