Robert "Buff" McCready

Multi Hall of Fame Ball Stopper

Incredible Offensive Threat

Buff McCready holding Mann Cup

Won by Brantford in 1971

Born in Port Dalhousie, Ontario (near St. Catherines), Bob McCready was an elite goaltender who went onto coach after his playing days (1958-1976). In addition to being a top-notch ball stopper, Bob McCready is credited for transitioning goalies into offensive threats as he possessed sniper passing skills. McCready amassed a total of 15 goals and 608 assists during his career. That is right 15 goals and 608 assists as a goalie! In addition, Buff McCready was known for his overall toughness, a player who did not hesitate to drop his gloves when necessary.

Athletes often are given a nickname. The story behind Bob McCready’s BUFF originated during his childhood days. As a youngster under the age of ten, Bob and his buddies would play games such as Cowboys and Indians. Bob was tagged “Buffalo Bob” which was eventually shortened to “Buff”.  The nickname stuck with him for life.

McCready’s junior career included playing for St. Catherines and Whitby (1958-1960). While playing for Whitby, he backstopped the Redwings to an Ontario championship, although ultimately losing the Minto Cup to New Westminster  Salmonbellies.

Bob was a member of the 1971 Mann Cup winning Brantford Warriors where he was named winner of the Mike Kelley award for his outstanding performance as the Most Valuable Player of the series as Brantford swept New Westminster four straight. Buff was also recipient of the Harry Lumley Award in 1973 given to the outstanding goalie.

Brantford Warriors 

1971 Mann Cup Champions

Management and Coaches:

Morley Kells (Coach), John Moore (Trainer), Keith Martin (Manager), Dr. Barry Cooper.

Players:

Ron Finucan, Ric Dudley, Al Gordaneer, Bob McCready, Paul Suggate, Bob VanSickle, Bob Smith, Ron McNeil, Brian Wilson, Bill Coghill, Ray Simpson, Bob MacGregor, Mark Clark, Jerry McKenna, Gary Moore, Ron Thompson, Zenny Lipinski, Bert Lord.

Buff McCready’s lengthy career saw him play for several teams including the Brampton Excelsiors (Ontario Senior League), Maryland Arrows (National Lacrosse League). Toronto Tomahawks (National Lacrosse League), Brantford Warriors of the Ontario Senior League, St. Catharines Golden Hawks of the National Lacrosse Association, Montreal Canadians of the National Lacrosse Association, Brooklin Redmen of the Ontario Senior League and St. Catharines of the Ontario Senior League.

Other Buff McCready career highlights include:

● In 1968 when he played for the newly formed Montreal Canadians of the National Lacrosse Association and was a Second Team All-Star.

● In 1969, McCready signed with the National Lacrosse Association St. Catharines Golden Hawks where he placed third in team scoring with 3 goals and 81 assists in 35 games.

● In 1974, he returned to professional lacrosse as it reemerged as the National Lacrosse League where Buff scored 53 assists in 36 games with the Toronto Tomahawks

● The next season, McCready’s playing rights were transferred to the Maryland Arrows where he notched 24 assists in 17 games. 

● Bob McCready’s son Pat played seventeen seasons in the National Lacrosse League 

With having been such a stellar career, in 1997, Bob McCready was inducted into both the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame and the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Bob McCready died in 2007 in Brantford, Ontario. In 2009, St. Catharines honoured Bob McCready by inducting him to their Sports Wall of Fame.

Bob “Buff” McCready – Playing Statistics

Source: Wamper's Bible of Lacrosse