He played for the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Chicago Black Hawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins between 1943 and 1960.
Born in Owen Sound, Ontario, Lumley—known as "Apple Cheeks"—grew up playing local minor sports, but took quickly to hockey and wound up being a top-notch goaltender.
In the 1950 playoffs, Lumley led the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup championship, recording three shutouts and a 1.85 GAA in fourteen games.
After his performance, however, Jack Adams traded Lumley to the Chicago Black Hawks; Terry Sawchuk became the new goaltender for the Red Wings.
Lumley originated the tactic of making a pocket at shin level in goalie pads so pucks would drop straight on the ice instead of deflecting off them to an opponent.
The community centre in his hometown of Owen Sound, where he continued to live after retiring, was renamed in his honour prior to his death.