The Toronto native played junior with the Galt Black Hawks and Waterloo Hurricanes before debuting as a pro with the Tacoma Rockets of the PCHL in 1951-52. The next year he impressed as an NHL rookie with the Boston Bruins. Godfrey was a regular for three years in Beantown before he was included in a blockbuster deal with Detroit that also involved star netminder Terry Sawchuk.

Godfrey was a mainstay on the Wings' blueline for seven years beginning in 1955-56. His steady play helped Detroit finish first in the regular season standings once and contributed to playoff drives to the finals in 1956 and 1961. In June 1962 he was reacquired by the Boston Bruins at the intra-league draft and helped stabilize their blueline for one year before he was traded back to Detroit. Over the next five years he was more of a role player in Motown and saw a fair bit of ice time in the AHL with the Pittsburgh Hornets and with the CHL's Memphis Wings. The steady veteran retired in 1969 after playing 67 games for the AHL's Rochester Americans.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame