Rod Bloomfield; Reg Dunlop's Stunt Double

Above is one of the only photos of Rod Bloomfield as Reg Dunlop's skating double for the movie Slap Shot, from a 1977 American magazine named "Hockey". In the 2010 book, "The Making of Slap Shot" the details of how Bloomfield got the role are explained; 
"Bloomfield and another player were considered for the job of doubling Newman. Bloomfield was more Newman's size and build but the other guy was chosen and Bloomfield returned home, content to wait until he was called back to play an extra. About two weeks later, he received a phone call asking if he was still interested in being Newman's double. They said 'they made a bit of a mistake. They shot for two weeks and figured out he was shooting right-handed. You and Paul both shoot left. We've had to scrap all the film'
Bloomfield agreed to the demand that his blond hair be cut short and painted - not dyed- grey every day to match Newman's hair.
'That was one of the best experiences I ever had.' he says. 'I think that was the greatest thrill. I had a really good time. Paul Newman was just the greatest guy. He'd sit in the bar every night and drink beer with us. He was really down to earth'."
Bloomfield was a worthy fill-in to depict Newman's hockey skills, not only was he pretty much the same size and build, but he was a hell of a hockey player. After excelling at junior and senior levels, Bloomfield turned pro in 1973/74 with the Binghamton Dusters of the NAHL. He topped the league with 73 assists and his 119 points was four off the scoring title. The following year, his 55 goals was tops in the NAHL, this time five points off the points lead and he was named MVP. After 37 goals and 96 points in 75/76 Bloomfield exploded in 76/77. He was named league MVP once again as well as Hockey News Minor League Player of the Year with 173 points, 46 ahead of second place. 
In 1977/78, the Binghamton Dusters moved to the AHL and Bloomfield had 46 points in 49 games before he was hit in the face with a puck, forcing his retirement.
Interestingly, in his post-hockey career, Bloomfield was an electrical contractor. He worked for IBM in the early 1980's and then for five years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In 1991, through a contract with the US government, Bloomfield helped rebuild Kuwait after the Iraqi invasion, living there for another five years. 
As a native of Bracebridge, Ontario, Bloomfield was elected to the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame in 2011 for his fine hockey career. 
Captain of the Dusters
1967/68 with Junior B Owen Sound







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