Reminiscing with Orland Kurtenbach
By George Grimm
Orland Kurtenbach was a big, burly center who supplied grit, muscle and protection for his teammates during the early years of the Emile Francis era.
Born on Sept. 7, 1936 in Cudworth, Saskatchewan, Kurt began his hockey journey with the Prince Albert Mintos of the SJHL in 1953 and was signed to a “C” Form by the Rangers.
He was named the Western Hockey League’s Rookie of the Year in 1957-58 and made his NHL debut with the Rangers in 1960-61, registering six assists in ten games.