2012 AAA Bio Thread

[chaosrevolver]

Post all bios here for your players drafted in the AAA draft.

Click to read more...

 

[chaosrevolver]

RW - Haviland Routh

1893 AHAC Leading Scorer
1893 Stanley Cup Champion
1893 Retro Hart
1894 Stanley Cup Champion
1895 AHAC Leading Scorer
1895 Retro Hart​

Sniper. Speedster. Shooter. These three words best describe the city of Montreal's first great goal-getter, Haviland Routh. The thickly-muscled, mustachioed Amateur Hockey Association of Canada (AHAC) winger was the blazing force behind Cup victories in 1893 and 1894. He was the AHAC's leading scorer in 1893 (12 goals in seven games) and again in 1895 (19 goals in eight games).

Although Routh was capable of skating or stickhandling his way through an enemy line, he was apparently one of the least conscientious defensive players of his time.

In 24 contests, Routh scored 39 times.

 

[chaosrevolver]

D - Lidio "Lee" Fogolin Sr.

NHL Statistics
Games: 427
Goals: 10
Assists: 48
Points: 58
Penalty Minutes: 575

Accomplishments
Stanley Cup Winner (1950)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1950, 1951)​

Lidio "Lee" Fogolin Sr. played 427 games in the NHL, mostly in the 1950s. The statistics tell us he played 2 and 1/2 seasons in Detroit before playing 5 and 1/2 seasons in Chicago, where son Lee Jr. was born. Father and son played very similar stay-at-home, hard hitting styles of defense. Lee Sr. scored 10 goals and 58 points in his career. He got into 28 playoff games, scoring 2 assists.

"They always teamed a hitting defenceman with a rushing defenceman," Fogolin explained. Despite strong skating and a hard shot, Red Wings boss Jack Adams welcomed him to the NHL in 1948 saying "Listen, kid, I got enough fancy pants on this team. I need guys who'll stay back there and hit 'em.

Fogolin took the advice the heart, and lasted nearly a decade in the league. He became a feared bodychecker.

Lidio Fogolin was a rugged and solid positional defenceman who played over 400 games in the NHL. He began his career on the powerful Detroit Red Wings' then moved on to the Chicago Black Hawks as they became competitive in the 1950s. During his career, the hard-nosed blueliner dished out more than his share of bone-crunching bodychecks and saw to it that opposition forwards kept their heads up while heading down the ice on offense.

Fogolin saw his first NHL action in the pressure-cooker of the Stanley finals against the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1948. He began the 1948-49 season in Indianapolis before joining Detroit for the last 43 games of the season. The burly rearguard played solidly for the Wings in the playoffs but they came up short against Toronto for the second straight year.

Fogolin was outstanding in 1949-50 as he played tough defense in his own end and was more self-assured moving the puck up ice. He was chosen to the NHL squad in that year's all-star game, then helped the Wings win the Stanley Cup that spring.

The veteran rearguard shifted gears in 1950-51 when he and Steve Black were traded to the weaker Chicago Black Hawks for Bert Olmstead and Vic Stasiuk. He scored 13 points in 35 games and helped solidify the Hawks' blueline. Fogolin was one of the best Chicago players over the next few years but the team's only playoff appearance came in 1953 when they lost a tough seven-game semi-final series to the Montreal Canadiens. He played his last NHL season in 1955-56 then spent a year with WHL's Calgary Stampeders where he broke his elbow twice before retiring in 1957.

 

[Dreakmur]

Petr Sykora !!!


Awards and Achievements:
2 x Stanley Cup Champion (2000, 2009)
6 x Finalist (2000, 2001, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2012)


2 x World Championship Gold Medalist (1999, 2005)
World Championship Bronze Medalist (1998)

Selke – 15th(2001), 3 votes(2000)

Statistical Accomplishments:
721 Points in 1017 NHL Games
74 Points in 133 NHL Play-off Games

Points – 18th(2001), 20th(1999)
Goals – 18th(2003), 19th(2001)

Play-off Points – 4th(2001), 6th(2000), 10th(2003)
Play-off Goals – 3rd(2000), 3rd(2001), 10th(2008)
Play-off Assists – 6th(2001), 7th(2003)

Scoring Percentages:
Points - 84, 72, 67, 62, 59, 57, 53, 48, 46, 45, 42
Goals - 71, 66, 65, 57, 56, 54, 54, 51, 51*, 44, 43
Assists - 77, 67, 64, 58, 52, 49

Best 6 Seasons: 401

Team Scoring:
Points – 1st(1999), 1st(2007), 2nd(2003), 3rd(2000), 3rd(2001), 3rd(2002), 3rd(2004), 4th(2008), 4th(2009)
Goals – 1st(1999), 1st(2003), 2nd(2000), 2nd(2004), 2nd(2007), 2nd(2008), 2nd(2009), 3rd(2001), 4th(2002)

Play-off Points – 1st(2003), 2nd(1999), 2nd(2001), 3rd(2000)
Play-off Goals – 1st(1999), 1st(2000), 1st(2001), 3rd(2003), 3rd(2008)

After playing junior hockey in his native Czechoslovakia, Petr Sykora moved to North America in 1993-94 to play in the IHL. He played for his home country at the World Junior Championships in 1994 and 1995 and was selected by the Devils in the first round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.

Sykora made his NHL debut with the Devils in 1995-96 and split the next three seasons with New Jersey and their AHL affiliate in Albany before playing his first full year in the NHL in 1995-96 where he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team after finishing the year with 42 points. Sykora and the Devils captured Lord Stanley's Cup in the spring of 2000 and headed back to the finals the next year, only to be beaten by the Colorado Avalanche in seven games. Although the Devils fell short in their hopes of repeating as Cup champions, Sykora managed to esablish a career high in goals (35), assists (46) and points (81).

An offensively gifted player, Sykora represented his homeland at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City before being dealt to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the summer of 2002.

In an unexpected twist of fate, Sykora faced off against his former Devil teammates in the 2003 Stanley Cup Final. Despite leading his team with a team-high 13 points, Sykora watched the Devils win the series in a hard-fought seven games. The former first rounder went on to play one more full season with the Ducks before being dealt to the New York Rangers midway through the 2005-06 season.

In 40 games with the Rangers, Sykora totaled 31 points (16-15-31) however was not resigned by the club in the off-season. The Edmonton Oilers signed the free agent on August 11, 2006. In Edmonton, Sykora appeared in all of the teams 82 regular season games, finishing tied for first in scoring on the club with 53 points. For the seventh time in his career, Sykora eclipsed the 20 goal mark while helping shore up the Oiler power play.

Following the regular season, Sykora signed as a free agent with the Pittsburg Penguins in the off-season. In signing with the Penguins, Sykora was re-united with former Magnitogorsk teammates Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Gonchar. This move that would prove fortuitous for both Sykora and the Penguins as the team would go on to win the Stanley Cup that June. Though injuries limited Petr to just 7 playoff games, his leadership was instrumental.

Aside from his World Junior and Olympic appearances, Sykora represented his homeland at the 1996 and 2004 World Cup and the 1998, 1999 and 2005 World Championships.

Scouting Reports:

The Finesse Game
There are only a few things Sykora doesn’t do well technically, but what really sets him apart from other 19-year-old rookies is his intelligence. ..

Sykora is a fine skater. He has a fluid stride and accelerates in a few steps. He is quick on a straight-away, with or without the puck, and is also agile in his turns. He picks his way through traffic well, and would rather try to outfox a defender and take the direct path to the net than try to drive wide.

Sykora has excellent hands in tight, for passing or shooting. He defies the usual European stereotype of the reluctant shooter because he’s a goal scorer, but he does tend to pass up a low-percentage shot to work for a better one. His wrist shot is excellent, but he also has an adequate snap and slap shot.

He sees the ice well and is a heads-up passer with a good touch. He needs to improve on his face-offs.

The Physical Game
Sykora won’t be intimidated. He’ll battle for the puck behind or in front of the net, but he is simply not a big or mean player. He is strong for his size and his skating provides him with good balance. His work ethic is strong.

The Finesse
Sykora has excellent hands in tight, for passing or shooting. He defies the usual European sterotype of the reluctant shooter because he’s a great scorer, but he does tend to pass up a low-percentage shot to work for a better one. His wrist shot is excellent, he also has an adequate snap and slap shot. He is one of the Devils’ better power play specialist.

There are only a few thins Sykora doesn’t do well technically, but what really sets him apart is his intelligence. Playing against men as a 17-year-old in the IHL in 1994-95 obviously spurred his development, and taught him how to survive as a smaller player in the mean NHL.

Sykora is a fine skater. He has a fluid stride and accelerates in a few steps. He is quick in a straight-away, with or without the puck, and is also agile in his turns. He picks his way through traffic well, and would rather try to outfox a defender and take the shortest path to the net than drive wide.

Sykora sees the ice well and is a heads-up passer with great touch. He needs to improve on his face-offs. His defensive play has improved, though he blew a few key defensive assignments at crucial points last season. He as used to kill penalties because of his ability to read the play and his quickness.

The Intangibles
Meshing wonderfully with longtime friend Patrik Elias and center Jason Arnott, Sykora has joined the ranks of the elite forwards in the league with his play-off performance. He is a more consistent player now, still a little moody and prone to the occasional slump, but his lapses are shorter and less severe.

The Physical Game
Sykora can’t muck in the corners or along the boards, but don’t expect him to be intimidated. He’ll battle for the puck behind or in front of the net, but he is not a big or mean player. He is strong for his size and his skating provides him with good balance. His work ethic is strong.

Strengths: A terrific skater, Sykora is fast and agile, moving around the rink in darting shifts that make him an elusive target for defenders. He has a good hockey sense and reads the play well. He knows when to go to the net and when to follow the play into the zone as the late man. Last year, nearly half of his goals came on the power play, and he was good at getting loose in the offensive zone centering passes from his wingers.

Weaknesses: Sykora’s stock rises and falls with injuries. As a predraft pro in Detroit, he was highly respected until a shoulder injury slowed him. Last year, he was one of the NHL’s most exciting youngsters until a back injury shelved him in lat February.

Will… add offensive spark
Can’t … underestimate poise
Expect… solid young star
Don’t Expect… a shy youngster

A finesse player and superb puckhandler. Showed a lot of confidence for a rookie. A creative playmaker. Could become as good a finisher as he is a setup man, but he’ll have to shoot more.

Assets: Gifted with elite-level finesse skills and great hockey sense, Sykora is a fine playmaker and tremendous skater. Will shoot if that’s the best option.

Flaws: Size. Long schedules could have a tendency to drain him. Face-offs. The lack of defensive awareness and discipline has put the Czechin Lemaire’s doghouse.

A good offensive talent, he can flat out fly. An excellent shot. Not the best defensively nor is he physical.

The word “sykora†is Czech for a type of bird, which is appropriate because this Czech can fly. Give him a narrow alley anywhere on the ice and he will be at the goal in the blink of an eye. Once there, he has a keen eye for shooting the puck where the goalie can’t reach it.... Sykora deserves an all-star mention.

Sykora may be the least noticeable member of New Jersey’s “A-lineâ€, which doesn’t mean he can’t light the lamp. Once he has the puck, Sykora loves to fly through opposing defenders and unleash a quick laser on net. He also benefits from playing with countryman Patrik Elias, since most teams focus on trying to stop the latter. That ultimately leaves more openings for Sykora.

Sykora provides the Mighty Ducks with plenty of flash and dash. His speed, deceptive moves and accurate shot make him a threat every time he’s on the ice. He has a tendancy to tone down his work in physical games, though, and can become flustered when shadowed. He needs to bring his “A†game on a more consistent basis.

When on his game, Sykora is purely gifted on offense. He is extremely elusive and creative with the puck, and loads a wicked shot.

There has never been any debate about Sylora’s talent level. The slick Czech has good wheels, soft hands and an ability to find open spaces in the offensive zone.He has been plagued throughout his career, however, with inconsistency. Sykora can play all three forward positions, though he’s at his best when flying down his off-wing. He’ll never be a go-to guy in his own zone, which can at times limit his minutes.

Creative puck-handler with natural offensive gifts, he needs to get stronger to avoid the gradual point decay that he suffered over the 2nd half of last season. He has a good attitude and will mature.

Highly skilled, he is also quick, elusive and versatile.

Fast and versatile, he is a clever puckhandler with keen instincts who excelled while playing on Gilmour’s right wing, however his pure finesse game didn’t satisfy Lemaire’s obsession for size ad strength.

Crafty puckhandler and elusive skater with tremendous speed, his game really took off after moving to right wing in December…

A fast, creative forward with a blistering shot, Sykora can play all three forward spots ad has continued to improve both his corner work and defense.

A deceptively fast sniper with a cannon for a shot, Sykora is very adept at working himself into shooting positions while his ability to operate at a feverish tempo has helped him to develop an intuitive rapport with fast-thinking countryman Patrik Elias.

A versatile, stealth-like forward with a cannon for a shot, Sykora relies on deceptive bursts, strong one-touch skills and a knack for getting his body into shooting position.

Sykor has the ability to play on a scoring line and has the resume to prove it. He possesses an array of offensive skills but needs to be in the right situation to use them.

A stealth-like sniper who lurks in the shadows and slips quietly into open scoring areas to unleash his powerful one-timer… underwhelming skater, relies more on quick bursts of speed and intensity… will shirk defensive duties at times, almost purposely overcommitting in hopes his teammates can advance the puck… also tends to take too many pointless perimeter shots… an extreme scorer who can run very hot and very cold.

​

 

[Dreakmur]

Vaclav Prospal !!!


Awards and Achievements:
2 x World Championship Gold Medalist (2000, 2005)
Olympic Bronze Medalist (2006)

Scoring Accompishments:
735 points in 1060 NHL Games
35 Points in 65 NHL Play-off Games

Points – 15th(2003)
Assists – 4th(2003), 16th(2006)

IIHF Points - 8th(2005), 10th(2004), 11th(2000)

Scoring Percentages:
Points - 76, 75, 67, 62, 61, 59, 57, 53, 48
Assists – 88, 77, 67, 63, 60, 59, 58, 55, 55

Best 6 Seasons: 400

Team Scoring Placements:
1st(2003), 2nd(2002), 2nd(2004), 2nd(2006), 2nd(2010), 2nd(2012), 3rd(2008), 4th(2000), 4th(2009), 5th(2007)

ASSETS: Sees the ice well and gets the puck to an open man effectively. Usually plays with intensity and doesn't back down from challenges. Can play both wing and center.

Vaclav Prospal played his junior hockey with Motor Ceske Budejovice in his native Czech Republic. It was there that the long arm of the Philadelphia Flyers' scouting staff caught a hold of his NHL rights in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.

A two-time member of the Czech Republic World Junior team in 1994 and 1995, Prospal turned pro immediately upon his selection by the Flyers, joining the Hershey Bears of the AHL for three seasons of development. In his fourth year, Prospal played the bulk of the campaign with the Philadelphia Phantoms of the AHL before making his first leap into NHL action with the Flyers just ahead of the playoffs. From that point forward, he has remained an NHL regular.

His big-league status was secured on the strength of his ability to see the ice well and to get the puck to an open man effectively. He also plays with great intensity and rarely backs down from a challenge. In fact, he sometimes promotes the odd challenge himself as a result of his tenacious tendency to attempt to get under the skin of his opponents. He is also noteworthy for his playmaking skills and usefulness on the power play.

In 1998, Prospal was traded to the Ottawa Senators where he experienced some highs and lows. His best campaign came in 1999-00, when he netted 55 points in 79 games. Upon the conclusion of the season, Prospal was traded to the Florida Panthers where he went on to play for one season, before movin on to the Tampa Bay Lightning for the 2001-02 campaign. As a member of the Lightning, Prospal became an elite and valuable player for the team, establishing a career high in assists with 57 and points with 79 during the 2002-03 season.

Following a career year with the Lightning in 2002-03, Prospal signed as a free agent with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the summer of 2003. Upon his arrival in Anaheim, Prospal struggled offensively and subsequently was re-acquired by Tampa Bay in the summer of 2004. After spending a year leading the Czech Extraliga's Ceske B Ceske Budejovice hockey team in scoring during the NHL lockout, he returned to the NHL in 2005-06 and tallied a career high in goals (25) and points (80). After less of an offensive output in 2006-07, prospal recorded 29 goals and 57 points in 62 games during the 2007-08 season with the Lightning before he was dealt to the Flyers at the NHL trade deadline on February 26, 2008. His return to Philadelphia was short lived however, after only 18 regular season and 17 playoff games he was acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning during the day of the NHL draft.

Aside from his two World Junior appearances, Prospal has also represented his homeland at the 2000, 2004 and 2005 World Championships, as well as the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and the 2006 Winter Olympics.

In the summer of 2009, the much travelled Prospal would once again find himself a free agent. On August 17, 2009, he took his act to Broadway, joining the New York Rangers.

Few NHL players react to every great moment on the ice with the sort of enthusiasm and pure joy demonstrated by Rangers alternate captain Vinny Prospal. Whether Prospal himself has made the big play, or he's simply sharing in the excitement generated by a teammate, his facial expression always tells the story.

Rangers head coach John Tortorella has called Prospal one of the best competitors he has coached in the NHL, both with the Blueshirts and before that in Tampa Bay. Indeed, Prospal is so caught up in a nightly pursuit of victory that his intense emotional on-ice displays seem to perfectly reflect what Rangers fans in the stands or at home might be feeling at any given moment in the game.

Scouting Reports:

The Finesse Game
Prospal is a power-play weapon. It’s not an overpowering shot that makes him effective, but his ability to thread the puck through penalty killers to an open man. Already, at this stage in his career, Prospal may be as skilled at this as an NHL veteran.

The Flyers were patient with Prospal, bit calling him up until the end of the season, and in the minors he handled a regular shift, power play and penalty killing. He loves to score (his wrist shot and one-timers are accurate) and loves to make plays. He had to learn to play without the puck, and he’s succeeded. His defensive game took a big step forward last year. He thinks the game well.

The only rap on Prospal is his skating ability, but it’s NHL caliber and his view of the ice and his hockey sense compensate for any lack of pure speed.

The Physical Game
Prospal is tall but lean and needs a little more muscle for one-on-one battles. Right now he gives an impression of being a little smaller than he is, but he’s an eager player who will get involved.

The Intangibles
“Vinny†has a wonderful, refreshing attitude and is well likes by coaches and teammates. The Flyers could have used him in the play-offs (Prospal was injured in practice after the first round).

The Intangibles
…

It was rather surprising that the Flyers let him go, though he probably didn’t rank high enough on GM Bob Clarke’s tough-o-metre.

The Finesse Game
…

Prospal loves to score and make plays. He had to learn to play without the puck, and he’s succeeded. His defensive game has improved. He thinks the game well and is an unselfish player, which makes him a natural fit with Daniel Alfredsson.

…

The Physical Game
Prospal is tall but lean and needs a little more muscle for one-on-one battles. Right now he gives the impression of being a little smaller than he is, but he’s an eager player who will get involved. He didn’t do this enough on a nightly basis last season and has to fire up the intensity level more often.

The Finesse Game
…

Prospal really seems to enjoy the game and is always one of the first players to hit the ice for practice. He has a very lively goal celebration dance which tends to tick off opponents.

The Physical Game
… He got a little too involved when he cross-checked Ottawa’s tough guy Chris Neil and was suspended by the league. Prospal is an emotional, high-energy player.

Assests: A highly skilled offensive player who not only has great size, but a nasty streak to go with it.

Flaws: He’s still a kid. To quote singer Bob Seger, Prospal “is a little too tall, could have used a few pounds.â€

Shifty. Offensively minded, but not very strong.

When Prospal isn’t shooting his mouth off at the opposition, he plays decent hockey. A gifted playmaker, the Czech center has improved his goal-scoring ability as well as his defensive work. Though not a big player despite his 6-foot-2 frame, Prospal ignites the Sens with his hitting ability and in-your-face attitude.

Prospal wore out his welcome in Ottawa last year and wound up ith the Florida Panthers. The fiery Czech center lost his spot on the Senators with the return to the NHL of Alexei Yashin. That didn’t sit well with Prospal, who was coming off his best NHL campaign. The 6-2 190 pounder is a solid playmaking center with the ability to initiate a lot of contact. He has also garnered the reputation for being a dirty player at times.

He combines high energy with solid playmaking skills to form a competent second-line option.

With apologies to Martin St. Louis, Prospal was Tampa Bay’s unsung hero last season. Perhaps playing in the walk year of his contract contributed to his breakout performance. The slick Czech is a two-way asset, and the fact that he can play either center or wing is vital. While Prospal’s goal-scoring talents are not in the class of countrymen Milan Hejduk or Jaromir Jagr, he’s an underrated playmaker that poses problems for opposing defensemen.

While “Vinny†has historically been a player who leaves you wanting more, he hit both 25-goal and 80-point marks for the first time in his career. Prospal also became a triggerman on the powerplay and shot the puck more than ever before. Pretty intense, he won’t kill you defensively.

An elusive skater with quick hands, he adds some much-needed finesse and creativity to the club’s attack.

A creative puckhandler with good skills, he was a reliable physical presence last year, but still lacks speed and consistency.

A creative puckhandler with exceptional playmaking abilities, he has shown that he can be a capable second-line pivot and has worked diligently to raise his skating and defense to acceptable levels.

Prospal has the creativity and passing skills to occasionally flourish on a second line, but lacks the speed and defense to survive on a checking unit.

A slick passer with excellent vision, Prosspal increased his intensity and work rate to compensate for his mediocre skating and quickness, and has worked diligently to upgrade defensively.

A creative passer with excellent vision. Prospal has greatly improved his intensity and defensive work habits over the last few seasons, which has helped compensate for his mediocre skating and quickness.

A talented and creative passer with superb vision… improved his grit and defensive work habits during his first stay in Tampa, but must play an energetic, opportunistic style to compensate for the sloppy skating and average speed.

A talented and creative passer with excellent vision of the ice… strong on the puck, stable on his feet… particularly effective below the goal-line, drawing in checkers before threading nifty feeds into the slot… steadily matured into a consistent worker as he needs to play an opportunistic, high-energy game to help kick-start his merely adequate skating and speed… a liability when his enthusiasm sags and defensive work habits regress.

The versatile playmaker also brings enthusiasm and veteran savvy.

Versatile forward is talented and creative passer with excellent vision of the ice… strong on the puck, stable on his feet… crafty in possession, aided by excellent in-close puck control… excels drawing in checkers and quickly identifying prime playmaking options… steadily matured into a more consistent worker as he needs to play an opportunistic, high-energy game to help kickstart his merely adequate skating and speed.

NHL's Best Celebrator?




​

 

[Rob Scuderi]

Ralph "Scotty" Bowman, D

- 5'11", 190 lbs
- x2 Stanley Cup winner (1936, 1937)
- Placed 10th, 12th in defenseman all-star voting

Led by "Battleship" Leduc, his defense staff, which includes Bert McInenly, "Scotty" Bowman and "Yip" Foster, are working to his satisfaction in practise and, with the rest of the team, appear to be rounding into splendid shape.

news.google.com/newspapers?id=FS9lAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2ogNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3094,85656&dq

He bought Syd Howe, brilliant young left winger, and Ralph (Scotty) Bowman, a defence star, for $50,000 and Teddy Graham, a defence player.

news.google.com/newspapers?id=8HhTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ODgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6593,1843043&dq

Two of hockey's most colorful teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings, clash in the final series for the historic Stanley Cup, emblem of the world's professional hockey championship. Two of the hard checking defensemen who cross sticks in this series are shown flanking the battered mug, with Ralph "Scotty" Bowman, Red Wing bumper on the left, and "Red" Horner, Toronto batterin ram right...

news.google.com/newspapers?id=x7xkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=g24NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1719,3726605&dq

Stopped in the midst of a rise in the National Hockey League standings, Detroit Red Wings get another chance this week-end to gain a place in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Wings drop can be accounted for partly by the loss of Scotty Bowman, stellar defenceman, through a leg injury, forced out of action last week.

news.google.com/newspapers?id=Uh5kAAAAIBAJ&sjid=N3sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3866,1056285&dq

Detroit's injury-ridden Red Wings, who lost the final game of the regular season to Montreal's Maroons, 5 to 1, found Scotty Bowman, star defenseman, on the casualty list.

news.google.com/newspapers?id=60AlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vqsFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5315,3547876&dq

A teammate of Coach Larry Aurie at Detroit when the Red Wings won the 1936 world championship, Bowman was rated one of the best defenseman in the National Hockey League. He has been with the Hornets since 1939.

news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZKE1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=qa8FAAAAIBAJ&pg=6741,1072005&dq

Praise for Bowman
Bowman, who quit the amateur ranks this season, gave one of the best exhibition of defensive play a visitor has staged here in several seasons. His aggressive tactics made him a marked man with the burly Bruins. He and Nels Stewart, Boston center, drew majors, the only penalties of the game, for using their fists after a high-stick exchange.

...the big Boston center was forced against the sideboards by defenceman Scotty Bowman. Both carried their sticks high and when the Senator whacked the Bruin over the head, Stewart drove his fist into his face. This flare-up caused an exciting jam, both teams combined and aided officials in separating the battlers...

The puck was slashed out of Boston ice and after considerable mid-zone scrimmaging, Bowman quit the defence to rush. He carried down center, passed left to Cook, who feinted Tiny Thompson out of position before rapping home the opening tally.

Bowman carried back, and he and Shore bumped each other in rugged fashion when they met in the back of the Boston cage.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...BAJ&pg=1025,790516&dq=scotty+bowman+hit&hl=en

Cy Wentworth, brilliant defence ace of the Maroons, was reclining in his berth, his head covered with heavy bandages, the result of a blow from Scotty Bowman in last night's match. Wentworth had four stitches drawn in the right side of his head and he was very weak from loss of blood.

"Bowman cut down Cy Wentworth and got away with it." said one of the Maroon officials. "He wasn't even penalized...We expect to get our usual share of injuries, but it is disgusting when clean players like Wentworth are given the works."

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...J&pg=1640,565014&dq=scotty+bowman+check&hl=en

Jack [Adams] also had words of praise for his defence, Bucko McDonald, Ebbie Goodfellow, Scotty Bowman, and Doug Young slowed Maroons down a lot with their heavy blasts.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...AJ&pg=5339,2644225&dq=scotty+bowman+hit&hl=en

Bucko McDonald and Young will form one defence pair and Ebbie Goodfellow and Roulston or Bowman the other. Smith is one of the best netminders in the business and those defencemen can really hit, and attack in their spare time.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...AJ&pg=6348,4163377&dq=scotty+bowman+hit&hl=en

Young Norm Smith was subjected to a bitter attack for the remaining 11 minutes, particularly while Scotty Bowman served a penalty for bodying Trottier from behind.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...&pg=6866,3887388&dq=scotty+bowman+check&hl=en

Bowman and Shill were penalized for dueling with their sticks.

One of the most stitched men in hockey, this fellow, Ralph Scotty Bowman, for many a years a regular defenceman with Detroit Red Wings, yesterday passed from the National Hockey League when he was sold by the Detroit Hockey Club to Buffalo Bisons, new entry in the American League.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...&pg=4255,4870407&dq=scotty+bowman+check&hl=en

The game was marked by a scrap between Hal Cotton and Scotty Bowman that threatened to develop into a free for all as Conacher joined in.

news.google.com/newspapers?id=RuNPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0VQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3787,1794956&dq

The Wings ended the first place playoff series in dramatic fashion last night when Scotty Bowman drove home the winning goal while he was on the flat of his back after a spill.

news.google.com/newspapers?id=7lhgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dXENAAAAIBAJ&pg=2234,4641790&dq

 

[Rob Scuderi]

Earl Robinson, RW

- 5'10", 160 lbs
- Stanley Cup (1935)

finishes: 11th, 18th, 21st, 30th, 40th
percentages by seventies method: 76, 74, 61, 55, 50.

what is even more important, is that Robinson came across these points pretty honestly. By that I mean, he was not a coattail-rider:

1934: Robinson was 3rd on the Maroons, behind Northcott and Smith, who definitely played together, with Jimmy Ward. Therefore, Robinson definitely outscored whoever he was playing with.

1935: Robinson led the Maroons in scoring by an 8-point (30%) margin. This team included Herb Cain, Baldy Northcott and Hooley Smith.

1937: Robinson was 2nd on the Maroons behind Bob Gracie, who played with Herb Cain and an undrafted. Therefore, Robinson definitely outscored whoever he was playing with, and by a minimum of five points.

Earle Robinson first made the stats sheets while skating for the Montreal Victorias senior club in 1926-27. He then joined the Can-Am League to play for the Philadelphia Arrows during the campaign that followed. His offensive output was sufficiently solid to catch the attention of the Montreal Maroons of the NHL who brought him on board for the start of the 1928-29 season.

The move marked the start of a nine-year association with the Maroons that provided Robinson with a venue to develop his game from a low scoring journeyman to a respectable forward with some fire in his stick.

During his second campaign in Montreal, the versatile forward was dispatched to the Windsor Bulldogs of the IAHL where he continued to refine his game. During the 1930-31 season, he led the league in scoring with 63 points in 48 games. As such, the Maroons brought him back to Montreal for half a season before returning him to the Bulldogs to close out the campaign.

In 1932-33, however, Robinson finally secured a regular spot on the Maroons' roster. From then on, he became a solid performer who could be counted on for steady offensive production. All of his efforts reached a peak at the close of the 1934-35 season when the Maroons won their second and final Stanley Cup as a franchise.

Robinson remained with the club for an additional three seasons before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. By then, his offensive performance had been in decline for some time. The following year, he was sold to the Montreal Canadiens where he played only eleven games before leaving the NHL for good.

Within two minutes speedy young Earl Robinson scored twice and Hooley Smith once.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pn9ZAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MUkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4457,3087680

The opening tally came on a quick thrust by Earl Robinson when the Amerks left him unguarded for a moment.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=INEgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=w2oFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6268,4156548

Jimmy Ward, Dave Trottier and Earl Robinson played fine hockey for Montreal...

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NkswAAAAIBAJ&sjid=bKgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4914,2734911

Earl Robinson, a real native of Montreal, proved to be the deciding factor in the evenly contested struggle which kept a capacity crowd of more than 15,000 on edge. The speedy youngster scored both Montreal goals in a great comeback after the Rangers had notched the opening counter of the evenly contested game.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dnkuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VIYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3095,3079556

Their first encounter with the Rangers was scoreless with the "breaks" plus the speed and sharpshooting of Earl Robinson enabled them to take the second game and the round, 2-1.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pn9ZAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MUkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4457,3087680

Earl Robinson, sensational Maroon wingman, led his team to an easy 3-1 victory in the second contest.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=999BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AqoMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3660,1663584

 

[Dreakmur]

Mike Bullard !!!


Awards and Achievements:
Pittsburgh Penguins Captain (1984-86)

Scoring Accomplishments:
329 Goals in 727 NHL Regular Season Games
11 Goals in 40 NHL Play-off Games

Points – 11th(1988), 19th(1984)
Goals – 7th(1984), 9th(1988), 18th(1986)

Scoring Percentages:
Points - 79, 76, 67, 63, 56, 50, 49, 43
Goals - 91, 87, 71, 56, 55, 53, 52

Best 6 Seasons: 391

Teamm Goal-Scoring Placements:
1st(1982), 1st(1984), 2nd(1986), 2nd(1987), 2nd(1988), 2nd(1990), 4th(1985), 4th(1989), 5th(1983)
Points: 1st (1984), 2nd (1988), 2nd (1986), 3rd (1990), 4th (1985), 4th (1987), 5th (1982), 5th (1989)

Mike Bullard spent three seasons with the Brantford Alexanders of the OHA from 1978-1980. During that time, he collected 356 points in only 174 games?an impressive result that would have kept a few scouts awake at night, fearing the thought of missing him in the NHL draft. When the big day came in 1980, the Pittsburgh Penguins used their first choice to secure his rights.

Bullard made his NHL debut with the Pens at the end of the 1980-81 season. His return the following year marked the start of a very solid five plus seasons in Pittsburgh highlighted by exceeding the 30-goal plateau three times, including a career-high 51 markers in 1983-84.

Bullard was traded to the Calgary Flames midway through the 1986-87 season. The following year, he put up the best numbers of his career?108 points in one season. But the Flames saw a chance to pry Doug Gilmour away from the Blues, so they used Bullard as collateral.

But he lasted only 20 games in St. Louis before being dispatched to the Flyers where he continued to put up solid numbers. In 1990, however, he decided to try his hand at playing hockey in Switzerland. He liked the experience although the NHL always remained his top priority. So when an opening surfaced with the Leafs, he was quick to traverse the Atlantic for one final season in the big leagues.

After a flat campaign in Toronto, though, Bullard left the NHL for good to pursue a lengthy career in Switzerland and Germany.

Mike broke into the NHL after a very impressive three-year junior career with Brantford of the OHA. He collected an impressive 356 points in 174 games which led to his first round selection in the 1980 Entry Draft (9th overall) by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Bullard made his NHL debut with Pittsburgh at the end of the 1980-81 season and he played parts of seven seasons with the Penguins. Over that period, Mike recorded four 30-goal campaigns, including a career-high 51 goal season in 1983-84. He also played in the NHL All-Star Game in 1984 and he represented Canada at the 1986 World Championships.

Bullard was traded to Calgary midway through the 1986-87 season in exchange for Dan Quinn. He played parts of two seasons with the Flames, including the 1987-88 season when he recorded career-highs in assists (55) and points (103) during the 1987-88 season.

Disappointingly for Mike, Calgary traded the slick scoring center to St. Louis prior to the beginning of the 1988-89 season. Bullard, Craig Coxe and Tim Corkey were traded in exchange for Doug Gilmour, Mark Hunter, Michael Dark and Steve Bozek. It was unfortunate for Mike because the Flames went on to win the Stanley Cup in 1989. Bullard would be traded to Philadelphia after just 20 games in St. Louis.

Bullard playing one more full season in Philly in 1989-90 before going over to Europe to play the 1990-91 season in Switzerland.

His NHL absence was short lived though, as "Bully" returned to the NHL for the 1991-92 campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He scored 14 goals and 28 points in what proved to be his final NHL season. In total Mike played 11 seasons in the NHL. He play in 727 regular season games, totalling 329 goals, 345 assists and 674 points. He added another 44 points in 40 playoff contests.

After his 11 seasons of pro hockey in North America, Bullard continued his hockey career in Europe. He played one season in Switzerland moving to Germany for a number of seasons.

Scouting Reports:

General manager Baz Bastien made a smart choice hen Penguins selected young, all-around center in first round of the 1980 draft… Difficult for opponents to check and doesn’t back away from physical aspecy of play.

Probably the most gifted player on the club… A real work-horse… Very coachable, very likeable… Challenging Pat Boutette for honor of best two-way player on team.

”The Bullt”… “He’s by far our best player,” says GM Ed Johnston… One-man offense for weak, wobbly last-place Penguins in 1983-84… Moves skillfully to net… Needs to utilize his linemates more… Center who could improve playmaking… Suspended briefly last season by coach Lou Agnotti for cerfe violations with teammate Andy Brickley.

Gifted gol scorer, had 51 in 1983-84, but slid back to 32 last year as the trade rumos swirled… Penguins worried about his lack of off-ice discipline.

Promised by management that he was not trade bait, he responded with 41 goals… Benefited, like most of his teammates, by emergence of Mario Lemieux. As second center, often avoided drawing opponents’ best checkers... Team captain.

Had his problems with coach Bob Berry, prompting the trade… Has excellent lateral movement into the slot… Weight has been known to fluctuate… Eats well.

The Finesse Game
Bullard’s skating is exceptional, particularly because of his acceleration and speed which allow him to pull away from defenders (change gears, as it were) once he finds the holes.

He is aided in that ability to find the holes by very good anticipation, something that also serves him well on both the power play and penalty kill units. He is most definitely a threat to score a short-handed goal, so defenses must be aware of him.

Bullard is also a good passer, but doesn’t see the ice as well as expected. Still, he is very valuable on the power play, mostly as the finisher because he is an excellent goal scorer, both with the slapshot and wristshot and his anticipation tells him where to be while his speed gets him there, preferably as close between the circles.

Mike’s puckhandling is good, but the defense game is where he is acking and that’s no secret. Defense, more than anything else, is Bullard’s weakness and probably will continue to be.

The Physical Game
Physically, Bullard is stronger than he looks, but he is not a physical player by any means. He has become more of a hard worker than he’s ever been before and that’s a positive change.

The Intagibles
As far as being coachable, Bullard’s not the most coachable on the team; he’s pretty set in his ways. But again, he had changed to improve his attitude an awfu lot as he’s grown up in the NHL.

Mike Bullard is a very talented and very important part of the Pittsburgh Penguins. If he continues to mature emotionally, befitting his role as captain, he ill improve as a player.

The Finesse Game
…

Bullard is also a good passer, a skill he learned in Calgary because he never passed while a Penguin. His puckhandling is good, certainly good enough to keep uo ith his skating, but his goal scoring ability is excellent.

Mike shoots off the pass very well, especially on hi soff wing. Both his slap shot and wrist shot are effective weapons.

Defensively, Bullard has learned to play positional hockey and will stay with his check into the Calgary zone.

The Physical Game
He is not a physical guy himself, but Bullard ill take his punishment to make his plays. He has good strength and uses it to shrug off defenders along the boards, and he also uses his body very well to shield the puck.

The Intangibles
Bullard has learned the tam concept in Calgary and has changed his attitude about the game. That demonstrates a maturity many though lacking from Bullard’s make-up.

The Physical Game
…

Mike is also taking the body more – at both ends – than he has previously, but he is not a crushing hitter.

The Intangibles
…

Positively, his work ethic remains good (something he learned in Calgary) and that should continue.

The Finesse Game
Bullard is a skilled offensive player, as his almost point-per-game NHL average testifies. With a decade of NHL hockey taking its toll on his body. Bullard’s hands are now his best finesse weapon. He’s a gifted puckhandler and shooter, shooting well off the pass. He has a good selection of shots (especially from his off wing), and he has a goal scorer’s ability to find the scoring position.

Speed has been his primary skating asset, and it was that skill that brought Bullard to those scoring positions. He has a good degree of balance and agility, resulting in good lateral movement. Because of his ability in open ice, Bullard is a natural for power play duty.

Bullard can use his skills to ork well with his teammates, but he is more apt to look to the net than he is to his wings. His defense is no better than average.

 

[Dreakmur]

George Gee !!!


Awards and Achievemnets:
Stanley Cup Champion (1950)

Calder Trophy runner-up (1946)

Scoring Accomplishments:
318 Points in 551 NHL Regular Season Games
19 Points in 41 NHL Play-off Games

Points – 12th(1952), 15th(1953), 20th(1947), 20th(1948), 20th(1951)
Goals – 15th(1953), 19th(1947)
Assists – 8th(152), 13th(1948), 17th(1947), 18th(1953)

14th in Goals per Game in 1946

Play-off Points – 2nd(1950)
Play-off Goals – 8th(1950)
Play-off Assists – 1st(1950), 8th(1949)

Scoring Percentages:
Points - 71, 65, 64, 56, 56, 56, 55
Goals - 67, 58, 56, 55*, 50, 49, 47
Assists - 74, 69, 58, 49, 47, 47, 45

Best 6 Seasons: 368

Likely a penalty killer:
near the end of his career, in 1953, Gee is listed by the Hockey Summary Project as having 2 SHP. Not much, but only 2 players in the league had 3, and 7 other players had 2. A strong indication that Gee was killing penalties more than most.

In the Original Six era, scoring 20 goals was considered more than respectable, and with his 20 helpers he ended up in 22nd place in the league scoring race. With the Bentley brothers dominating the Windy City scoring, he had little chance in getting more than the occasional Player-Of-The-Week honours to his credit. But, he was rated as a spark-plug with the cellar-dwelling Blackhawks.

Needless to say, his name was custom made for the occasional pun! When he regained some of his lost scoring punch as a member of the Detroit Red Wings in 1950-51, a Hockey News headline read: "Gee! Look At Gee Go!" Using a take off from the Howe-Lindsay-Abel "Production Line" nickname, coach Tommy Ivan tagged him and his forward partners, Metro Prystai and Gaye Stuart, the "Reproduction Line"! What may easily be forgotten is the Stratford native's contributions to the Motor City's Stanley Cup win in 1950. With the Rangers poised to break their own 19-year championship drought, the seventh game of the finals had reached the 8:31 minute of the second extra frame. Pete Babando became the season's hero by firing a low shot past the screened Chuck Rayner. But it was Gee who motioned his winger into position, won the faceoff, and slid the biscuit to the waiting forward.

the league's fanciest stickhandler in George Gee...

A fast skater, George is very tricky on the ice and a very difficult man to slow down.

Not a spectacular type of player, but a fast skater and consistent performer on the ice and has proven one of Chicago's most reliable men. He is noted for his tricky style of play.

​

 

[Dreakmur]

Bill Clement !!!


Awards and Achievements:
2 x Stanley Cup Champion 1974, 1975)

2 x NHL All-Star (1976, 1978)

Defensive Accomplishments:
Selke voting – 8th(1978), 15th(1979), 20th(1981)

48% PK usage in 712 NHL Regular Season games for teams 12% better than average
- in 1979, on ice for 81% of PPGA for 2nd best PK in the league
- in 1981, on ice for 73% of PPGA for 4th best PK in the league

Short-Handed Goals – 3rd(1977), 5th(1978), 9th(1980), 16th(1974)
- 28 career shorthanded points

Bill Clement was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, 18th overall. He played three years of major junior hockey with the Ottawa 67's. In his final season in 1969-70,he had 19 goals and 55 points in 54 games.

Compared with most Canadian kids, Clement began playing hockey rather late. Although he did suit up as young as eight, it was as a goalie. It was not until he was 12 years old that Clement left his goalie pads behind to assume the position of center with his local team in Thurso, Quebec. His right wing linemate was none other than Guy Lafleur.
Clement, known as a solid two-way forward, played in 1970-71 with the AHL's Quebec Aces. In 69 games he scored 19 goals and 58 points. The following season, the Flyers felt he needed additional development and he played in 26 games with the Richmond Robins. That year Clement did dress for 49 games for the Flyers, scoring nine goals and 23 points. In 1972-73, Clement had a full-time roster spot with the Flyers, scoring 14 goals and 28 points in 73 games.

The next two years were the biggest in Clement's eleven-year career, as the Flyers won two consecutive Stanley Cup championships. Clement, like most of the other players on that team, believe the first championship was the most special, having beaten Bobby Orr and the mighty Boston Bruins in the finals. Philadelphia successfully defended its championship in 1975, turning back the Buffalo Sabres four games to two.

In 1975-76, Clement joined the Washington Capitals in a trade that sent Mel Bridgman to Philadelphia. He played in 46 games before being traded to the Atlanta Flames. Clement has never hid the fact he hated his time with the cellar-dwelling Capitals. Ironically, it was Clement's best season from a statistical standpoint, scoring 23 goals and 54 points in 77 games between the two teams. Clement played another four years in Atlanta and followed the franchise when it moved to Calgary for the start of the 1980-81 season where he played for two years before retiring at the conclusion of the 1981-82 season.

The next season, he split his time between the Flyers and the AHL Richmond Robins. He became a full-time Flyer in 1973-74 and as a result became forever a member of the immortal "Broad Street Bullies." Although Clement was anything but a bully. He tallied only 383 penalty minutes in 719 contests. Instead, his job was to kill off all those penalties that the Bullies took. He was an excellent penalty killer, combining a superior defensive understanding of the game and good skating skills to carve a niche in the NHL for 11 seasons.

Bill was traded to the Washington Capitals for the 1975-76 season in a trade that saw the Flyers and Caps swap 1st round picks. That trade was seen as brilliant at the time, as the two time defending Stanley Cup champions had secured the 1st overall selection in the draft in exchange for Clement and Don McLean. Unfortunately the player the Flyers took, Mel Bridgman never proved to be a superstar, though he did have a long, serviceable career. On the other hand Clement's stay in Washington was very short. He played in just 46 games before he moved on again. In that short time he proved to be one of the Caps' best players, and was even selected to represent them team in the annual All-Star game.

Clement finished the season with the Atlanta Flames in exchange for a 1st round draft pick (which turned out to be Greg Carroll), Jean Lemieux and Gerry Meehan. It would be the last time Clement changed organizations, although he did find himself moving once again in 1980 when the team transferred from the state of Georgia to Calgary, Alberta. Clement continued to be an effectively nice player for the Flames, and even returned to the NHL All-Star Game again in 1978.

no Flyer was more underrated - or more underplayed in terms of his skills - than Clement... Clement did more with less time on ice than just about any skater to wear the orange and black...
"for one thing, I was not Freddie's type of player in that I wasn't a physical player. I was a team player and I worked hard, but there were other factors to consider."

Scouting Reports:

Caps believe they landed a future star in this smooth skating center-winger...

Acquisition of this powerful, smooth-skating center helped Flames on the ice and in the thinking department... was upset at leaving lowly Capitals because he felt the trade meant Caps were disappointed in his work as captain... Scored clinching goal in finale of 2nd Flyers cup triumph...

Described by Denis Potvin as a "river skater"... a guy who can skate effortlessly without ever seeming to tire... after secondary roles with Flyers and Caps, blossomed into a respected two-way forwad with the Flames... rated one of the best penalty killers in the NHL... Five of his 17 goals came shorthanded... outstanding forechecker and backcheker...

smooth skater made better by hustle and desire... has emerged as one of NHL's top penalty killers...

Cement Clement... kills penalties with concrete defense.. also good skating makes him shorthanded goal threat... valuable on faceoffs... effective checker, never seems to tire...

Carved reputation as one of the league's best penalty killers... also good on faceoffs.

​

 

[Dreakmur]

Greg Adams !!!


Awards and Achievements:
NHL All-Star (1988)

Offensive Accomplishments:
743 Points in 1056 NHL Regular Season Games
42 Points in 81 NHL Play-off Games

IIHF Points - 11th(1990)
IIHF Goals - 4th(1990)

Scoring Percentages:
Points – 68, 63, 52, 49, 45, 44, 40, 40
Goals – 65, 57, 57, 48, 43, 43, 41
Assists – 52, 52, 42

Best 6 Seasons: 321

Team Scoring Placements:
Points – 1st(1986), 2nd(1988), 2nd(1996), 3rd(1990), 3rd(1991), 3rd(2000), 4th(1999), 5th(1992),
Goals – 1st(1986), 1st(1990), 2nd(1988), 2nd(1991), 2nd(1996), 3rd(1992), 3rd(1997), 4th(1999), 4th(2000)

A native of Nelson, British Columbia, Greg Adams played his junior hockey with the Kelowna Buckaroos of the BCJHL. At the age of 20 he enrolled at the University of Northern Arizona, deciding it would be prudent to achieve an education. During his two seasons at the school, Adams became one of the top offensive performers in the ACHA. NHL scouts took note of Adams's scoring prowess, especially during the 1983-84 campaign, when he netted 44 goals and 73 points in just 26 games.

In the summer of 1984, the New Jersey Devils, who offered him a free-agent contract, approached Adams. During his first year as a pro, Adams spent half the season with the Devils and the other half in the minors with the Maine Mariners where he developed into a stronger two-way player. In 1985-86 Adams won a spot on the Devils roster and in his first full season in the NHL responded with 35 goals and 77 points.

After another season in New Jersey, Adams was traded to the Vancouver Canucks along with goalie Kirk McLean. It was in Vancouver that Adams spent the bulk of his NHL career and is also where he enjoyed most of his personal successes. In over seven seasons with the Canucks, Adams was often relied upon to spearhead the offensive charge along with the likes of Pavel Bure and Trevor Linden. Adams was a homegrown boy from Nelson. "In my first game with Vancouver, we played the St. Louis Blues," Adams recalled. "I scored four goals." He potted a career-high 36 goals in 1987-88, when he played in all 80 Canuck games, which was a rarity throughout his career, suffering from an assortment of nagging injuries, which often kept him on the sidelines.

The highlight of Adams's career came in 1994, when the Canucks came within one game of winning the Stanley Cup, only to lose the deciding seventh game to the New York Rangers. Adams is perhaps best remembered for his two clutch playoff goals that postseason. The first was against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Five of the 1994 Conference Finals, the overtime winning goal to complete a comeback from three goals down. The goal sent the Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals. Adams then managed to top that when he scored the winning goal in Game One of the finals against the Rangers, but in the end they came up one victory short of the title.

Adams spent three years with the Dallas Stars, but once again found himself on the sidelines when the injury bug hit on more than one occasion. The Stars traded Adams to the Los Angeles Kings at the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, although he never actually played for them. Wanting to prove he could still play in the NHL, Adams signed a free-agent contract with the Phoenix Coyotes in 1998, and he responded with two consecutive 40-plus point seasons. Adams suited up for his 17th and final season in 2000-01 with the Florida Panthers.

Scouting Reports:

Blossomed into a terrific free agent find… led devils in goals, assists, points, shots… tall and lean, he gained significant bulk prior to last season… engaging personality, he’ll be a quiet leader someday.

Adams rates well in his skating, puck handling and shooting categories. He is strong on his skates and takes long strides, so he is able to out-distance the opposition without having to go 100 mph. He has good hands, and can use his reach effectively, a la Mario Lemieux. That means Adams can hold the puck away from his body and tease the defense with it, but can keep the pick away from them. Adams has excellent anticipation, something every goal scorer must have, and uses that skill to get into position to fire a hard wrist shot and an occasional slapshot from the slot or blueline. Adams’ defensive play is average and he could be a little more involved in his own zone. But he has the ability to be a 40-goal scorer…

Adams is big but rangy, and he doesn’t use his size to his advantage defensively, sometimes being wrestled off the puck by smaller defensemen or forwards. Greg must bulk up his body, eliminate some of the lankiness and replace it with muscle. He’s not a big hitter but offensively he uses his reach well and has strong hands. Adams has a real good attitude, determined to make the most of the chance he’s been given. He works hard and gives a spark to the team with his efforts. Adams also gives the Devils someons the opposition has to pay attention to, a player who can do a little damage offensively and open things up for his teammates.

was slow recovering from a concussion last season… lean and rangy with great stick extension. Dangerous on the PP.

Adams has good to excellent finesse skills that can be put to work fairly well inside the offensive zone. He has a long skating stride and good balance, and he combines good puckhandling ability with that skating skill to penetrate toward the net. He does not have a lot of speed, nor is he particularly agile on his skates, so most of his movement will be up and down, rather than lateral. He uses his outstanding reach to get around the defense, but that became an all-too predictable play on his part and he was easily handled. Greg must learn to move his feet more and he must also think about using the sides of the rink and not just charging straight ahead.

Lack of strength hurts Adams’ game tremendously. He can be taken off the puck by smaller men and so his size – except for his reach – is negated fairly easily. He must develop his strength in order to compete successfully night after night against NHL opposition… last year, as he drifted from one slump to another, he just drifted on the ice as well. He didn’t work to free himself from checks, didn’t work to create opportunities offensively, didn’t work period. All in all, a successful sophomore slump… when he is going, Adams is the closest thing the Devils have to a true goal scorer. Unfortunately, Adams no longer surprised anyone in the NHL last year, and he mist reapply himself and correct his weaknesses to be successful again.

The thing that powers Adams as a scorer is his anticipation. He gets into position to score very well and that sense makes his other finesse skills better. He is a good, but not outstanding skater in terms of speed and agility, but his long stride can carry him past the opposition. Once in the clear his good balance lets him lean and swoop inside and around the opposition, but he is not a very agile player in terms of quick turns or stops and starts. He could improve his skating by improving his foot speed; that way he’d snare more loose pucks around the goal by going for them, instead of reaching for them as he does now… His straight-at-the-goal style is complemented by his puckhandling and reach. Greg carries the puck well when he moves up ice and he uses his reach and balance to lean away from the defense and head to the net. Adams’ shot is good, a hard wrist shot released fairly quickly. He has the strength to blow a few past the goaltender from farther out, but he’s going to move in closer for his goals. That shot and ability to get open make him a power play regular.

Greg doesn’t play a physical game and his lack of strength is one good reason why. He has great size in terms of height and reach, but he lacks the bulk to make a physical game work. Improved strength would be of great benefit to his game. He uses his reach excellently to snare loose pucks, and Adams is very good at shielding the puck with his body. When he works to free himself from his checks, Adams will be successful. His movement creates openings in the offensive zone and the defense has to respect his scoring ability. But Greg’s problem is one of inconsistent effort (especially defensively)

Greg succeeds as a scorer because of his ability to get into scoring position… he’s an unexceptional skater, but he does have very good balance… Greg carries the puck well when he moves up-ice but because he lacks the requisite agility he could not be considered a puckhandling threat; he’ll succeed by keeping the puck away from the defense because of his reach.

Adams has exceptional reach, but his great size is contradicted by his lack of strength… he has no real bulk… his wingspan is almost unmatched in the league (only Mario Lemieux and Joel Otto come to mind)… Adams does this good-year-bad-year thing, so this season is supposed to be a good year. He has certain exceptional things, but Greg hasn’t shown any signs of doing the things necessary to improve his game and raise it to a consistent level. And his defense is so poor, he practically renders his offense useless.

Adams is a goal scorer (sometimes) and he plays like a goal scorer. He shoots the puck with good strength and quickness, and he gets himself into good shooting position near the net. He can also bring the puck from a distance… His defense suffers by virtue of his slow skating and poor reads of the ice… he’s an inconsistent player who has shown no sign of making his game a dependable one.

Adams is a good open ice skater and has some shifty moves. He is very mobile, and can go inside/outside with the puck to set up his shots. Adams likes to shoot, and is very accurate with snap shot that he always uses over the slap. It takes less time to use that weapon, and it complements what speed he has, plus the feints, that force the goalies to react while in motion. He is not, however, a distance threat because the snap loses its effectiveness from long range. Adams is an attentive checker, but as that is not a teamwide trait, he has spent the last few seasons on the minus side of the ledger.

An honest player, Adams stands up for himself. He maximizes his height by using his reach effectively to shield the puck… one of his team’s top players talent-wise, yet the respect is more within the Canucks dressing room than in the quarters of other teams. He isn’t THE Vancouver player that opponents worry about, Linden is. But with more determination and grit, more impact, Adams could lift his team, help it set and attain loftier goals. He would have to stay in the lineup more to achieve that aim, however, and find some way to add bite to a quiet game.

Playing alongside Larionov and Bure for most of the season, Adams quietly piled up 30 goals and seems to be the designated forward to come back into his own zone. He spent a lot of time watching Igor and Pavel dangling with the puck, but his value should not be underestimated. He even put in a relativey injury-free season, losing only 4 games this past year. Not afraid to muck in the corners, Adams has the size to come out with the puck and has some decent moves of his own.

Before leaving the Canucks, Igor Larionov said in his entire career, he had never played with a more unselfish linemate than Adams. There aren’t many higher compliments. Adams has great speed, a hard shot from the wing, and may be the team’s best player at driving to the net. He never takes the easy way, though; instead he takes the straightest path. If there are people in the way, Adams usually takes a checker or a defenseman with him, often ends up bouncing off posts and crossbars, and usually ends up paying some kind of physical price for having attempted the scoring play. While he often gets up a head of steam, steps into the puck and shoots from the wing, that is always a second option. Adams prefers to try to beat the defenseman one-on-one first, get closer to the net and then shoot. Adams was always an attentive checker in the defensive zone, but his play there improved this season.

The way he goes to the net makes Adams anything but a perimeter player. While he is not an eager hitter, his rushes to the net qualify him as a significantly physical player. He is not a fighter, but no opponent is going to intimidate him. He more than accepts the checking attention he receives as the top-scoring LW on the team, but merely works harder to shed the checker rather than getting frustrated into a penalty he has no interest in taking. Adams is a quiet man, easygoing off the ice, so if you want a catch phrase for him, it is “quietly efficientâ€. He is an extremely underrated, extremely important scorer and an extremely important player who is also a gentleman; that makes him no less of a game player, however.

enjoyed a resurgence once he returned home to play for Vancouver… an up-and-down winger, Adams plays with a mixture of conservatism and reliability. He’s an excellent finisher… he has played only one full schedule but has enjoyed excellent production even in a diminished time frame.. despite his large frame, Adans doesn’t play a physical style, and injuries have hampered him. Last year he was on his way to a career year before suffering a charley horse when Nick Kypreos caught him with an open-ice check… Adams is a stedy, if unspectacular winger who works hard every shift and has outgrown an earlier propensity to fall into slumps and doldrums. In a winning environment, he has enjoyed a productive career.

WILL – find the net
CAN’T – play physically
EXPECT – 25 goals
DON’T EXPECT – a grinder

The Canucks missed Adams grievously when he was sidelined twice during the season with injuries. Pavel Bure missed him most of all, since Adams was the lone Vancouver winger who could keep pace with the Russian Rocket. Adams has terrific speed, deceptive because he is such an efficient skater that his skating looks effortless.

He can shoot a hard slap shot on the fly off the wing, but most of his goals come from within five feet of the net. He drives fearlessly to the goal, and he likes to arrive by the most expedient route possible. If that means crashing through defensemen, then so be it. Adams has good shifty moves in deep and is an unselfish player. He played a lot of center early in his career and is as good a playmaker as finisher. One of the few knocks on him is that he should shoot more, but playing with Bure, he doesn’t get as many opportunities. Pavel loves to shoot, and Adams’ job is to get to the net for rebounds. His +/- is no accident. He has worked hard at improving his defensive awareness and has become a complete hockey player.

Adams’ crease crashing style exacts a price, and he is nearly always wearing an ice pack or getting medical attention for a nick or bruise somewhere on his person. Yet he always comes right back for more. He is physical and tough without being an aggressor. Adams does not fight, and considering the checking attention he gets, he remains remarkably calm and determined, seldom taking bad retaliatory penalties. He just gets the job done. Adams is one of the more underrated players on a Canucks squad that has enjoyed some success over the past two seasons. He always shows up for the opening faceoff and is battling through the final buzzer.

reliable yet oft-injured… was invaluable force in playoff drive toiling on 1st line with Linden and Bure. Powerful and aggressive with good scoring touch.

There’s nothing fancy about Adams. He skates up and down his wing and is rarely caught out of position. His linemates always know where to find him with the puck. He has good hands and doesn’t quit on a puck, driving to the net and finishing his plays. He has a good shot and will let fly from the wing, but usually takes the puck to the net. His size makes him effective in the slot. For his size, Adams doesn’t play a physical game and is beginning to spend nearly as much time in the lineup as in the medical room.. whatever Adams can contribute is pure gravy. The deal that landed him in Vancouver continues to be one of the biggest steals in franchise history, considering what he and McLean have provided in turning the Canucks into a winning organization…

WILL – score regularly
CAN’T – dodge the injury bug
EXPECT – 25 goals, when healthy
DON’T EXPECT – a physical player

serious injuries continue to dog Adams. A midseason operation on his hand left it difficult for him to handle the puck, and when he tried gamely to perform, he was compromised by the ailment… he is tougher than he looks.

In Dallas, his size and skating will be valuable… Adams is smart and consistent, and plays his wing conservatively. His ability to hold his ground in the slot makes him an effective PP weapon… the Canucks are a big, crash-and-smash team, and Adams had the size to join in the fun, but he simply couldn’t – or wouldn’t – play a physical game. Despite his size, he has a reputation for spending an excessive amount of time on the injured list… In the 1994 Stanley Cup semifinals, Adams scored a dramatic OT goal that put the Canucks in the finals for the first time in 12 years. He added another OT winner in game one of the final.

WILL – add veteran leadership
CAN’T – find 30-goal range
EXPECT – steady play if healthy
DON’T EXPECT – overly physical play

Adams is a coach’s dream. He’s smart and predictable. He doesn’t take a lot of chances or get caught out of position. He has a goal scorer’s hands around the net and has the size to penetrate the slot and hang tough in front. He shoots well and can fire with mustard from the outside…He fits the Stars’ defensive style but rarely goes out of his way to deliver a hit or send a message. Throughout his career, he has often been criticized for playing “softâ€. He has battled injuries, but in recent times, however, his health has been fine. Adams is a killer in the clutch.

WILL – play a leadership role
EXPECT – smart, clutch game
DON’T EXPECT – a heavy hitter

Adams is faster than he looks because he has a long, almost lazy stride, but covers a lot of ground with an apparent lack of effort… one of his best scoring moves is a high backhand in tight. He always has his head up and is looking for the holes… always appreciated by his coach and teammates because of his attitude and work habits.

Oft-injured winger was starting to hit his stride before breaking hand in March. Big and strong with good speed; however he does tend to lose confidence when things aren’t going well.

a good 2nd line player. Uses his size to his advantage and has soft enough hands around the net to contribute offensively. Biggest knock is that he always seems to get injured just when he gets things going during the season. Staying healthy all season long is a major goal. If he can, he will be an important part of this team. He has a good work ethic and this can rub off on some of the Stars’ young prospects.

Adams has a light frame and always plays hard, which is why he is so vulnerable to injury…

played really well and led the Stars in goals before being sidelined in goals before being sidelined in December… injury prone, 30-goal scorer with somewhat of a power-forward style. Natural goal scorer’s flair and hands. Clutch performer. Often gets his chances close in and has the size, strength and kamikaze attitude required to drive to the net. Reliable defensively. Fragile athlete who’ll miss 20 games per season on average. Mediocre skater.

The injury barrage continued for hard-luck veteran, including Marchment cheapshot #3, and subsequent knee surgery… when healthy, he is a productive winger with good size and speed who isn’t afraid to crash the net looking for seconds. Re-aggravated an old neck injury during the playoffs and risks permanent damage if he continues playing.

He played despite a degenerating disk in his neck, an injury that will probably end his career. For someone who spends as much time getting whacked in the high traffic areas, he has a remarkably long fuse. He remains calm and determined, seldom taking bad retaliatory penalties… He can accomplish so much when he is in the lineup, but you can never count on a full season out of him.

The LW had another solid season and remined virtually injury-free for the first time in years. Has been with several organizations, but has always put up decent numbers. A rangy forward with a nice touch from close in.

proved a valuable 2nd line addition, but could not evade the injury bug that has dogged his career after a nagging groin injury limited him to just three postseason appearances. Strong skating finesse winger has good speed, size and hands, and was a consistent producer throughout the year.

Has excellent hands for re-directions and rebounds – not as good as Joe Nieuwendyk’s, but close… he reads his defensemen’s pinches well and is always back to cover up at the point…

an extremely popular player with his teammates and fans. You keep waiting for Adams to fade, but he keeps coming back with a serviceable season.

stayed relatively healthy for the second straight year, and continued to supply vital offense… smart, strong skating winger with good hands, he plays a steady two-way game and effectively uses his size and speed to drive for scoring positions.

 

[Dreakmur]

Leo Reise, Sr. !!!


Awards and Achievements:
Allen Cup Winner (1919)

OHA First Team All-Star (1920)
2 x OHA Second Team All-Star (1918, 1921)

Offensive Accomplishments:
NHL Points among Defensemen – 4th(1922), 5th(1927), 6th(1923), 12th(1929)13th(1928)

WCHL Points among Defensemen – 6th(1926), 9th(1925), 10th(1924)

Scoring Percentages:
Points – 88, 75, 68, 55, 53, 52

Best 6 Seasons: 391

As a youngster, Leo Reise Sr. suffered a major setback to his pursuit of a career in professional hockey. He lost sight in one of his eyes. The loss did not come as a result of an injury but rather as the result of an optical nerve that simply died.

Nonetheless, Reise pressed on, undaunted in his determination to make it in hockey. He was an excellent skater and had a handy touch as a playmaker as well. He first gained fame with the senior-league Hamilton Tigers of the OHA. He manned their blueline for three seasons until the club hooked up with the NHL. Reise stayed on for parts of four seasons, tying Punch Broadbent of Ottawa for the league lead in assists in 1921-22.

He then headed west to earn more money with the Saskatoon Crescents of the Western Professional League. Three years later, the Hamilton Tigers moved to New York City to become the Americans. Reise rejoined his former club in the Big Apple for parts of four more campaigns before jumping to the cross-town rival Rangers for 14 games.

There are not many chips off the old block who are as identical in style and ability as Leo Reise Sr. and Leo Jr. The younger Reise also was a defenseman, and a much-feared one at that.

Leo Reise, the latest addition to the Yellow Jacket hockey squad, is one of the most unique characters in professional hockey.

Leo is one of the few paid pucksters who doesn’t depend upon spots for a livelihood; he owns a flourishing fruit farm on the outskirts of Hamilton, Ont., where the Mrs. And the little Reises enjoy every comfort Daddy Reise can possibly bestow upon them.

The newcomer has played hockey from coast to coast and, although handicapped by the loss of an eye, this big powerful, broad-shouldered stalwart plays the sort of a game at right defense that is characteristic of his race in any sport.

….

He is the dogged, steady plugger type. He is not a spectacular player – often he actually appears clumsy on the ice – but he does his work to a brown finish and is one of the most consistently valuable men in the International League.

Leo Reise, American defense star, who broke a rib early in the season is still troubled by that injury. Although Reise is playing, he is obliged to retire frequently after a fast skirmish.

The Dominion skters ill have a tough time breaking through the stonewall defense of the locals. There is a saying that goalies are not much better than the defense men in front of them. Albie Cox is regarded as the outstanding goal tender in the league but his burden has been lightened by the spectacular play of Gordy Fraser and Leo Reise, who have been at the defense posts.

Leo Reise is regarded as one of the fastest skaters in hockey. He has beaten Howie Morenz the phantom of the Canadiens in speed contests the have engaged in.

… Leo Reise, the sturdy defense player, is convalescing after being stricken with an attack of tonsillitis.

Paddy Jones, editor of the Hamilton Herald]Under new environments he should dazzle the westerners with his flashy rushes.

…

Reise played wonderful hockey for the Hamilton ‘pros’ last season and earned a steady job. His rushes featured almost every game. He often expressed a desire to be traded or sold to a western club, so, ith his wish gratified, he should play sterling hockey for Saskatoon. Hamilton fans are sorry to see the the big boy go.

 

[Dreakmur]

Doug Lidster !!!


Awards and Achievements:
2 x Stanley Cup Champion (1994, 1999)

Fred J. Hume Award (unsung hero) (1985)
4 x Babe Pratt Award (best defenseman) (1985, 1986, 1987, 1991)

Offensive Accomplishments:
343 Points in 897 NHL Regular Season Games
21 Points in 80 NHL Play-off Games

Points among Defensemen - 7th(1987)

Scoring Percentages:
Points - 78, 43, 40, 40, 39, 34, 34

Best 6 Seasons: 274


Other:
3 Times the top defensive defenseman (ES + SH TOI) for a top-6 defensive team (1989, 1992, 1993)

Doug Lidster was a superior offensive defenceman who played nearly 900 games for three different clubs. He was an excellent quarterback on the power play and constantly helped his team's transition game with his ability to carry the puck out of his own zone.

Born in Kamloops, B.C., Lidster starred for the hometown Rockets in the BCJHL in 1978-79. The next year he began a four-year career at Colorado College and was chosen 133rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks at the Entry Draft. He was a two-time selection to the WCHA first all-star team and was placed on the NCAA first all-American team once. After graduating, Lidster joined the Canadian National Team for the 1983-84 season. He scored 26 points in 59 exhibition matches then represented his country at the Sarajevo Olympics.

Lidster joined Vancouver for the last part of the regular season and first round of the playoffs. He enjoyed a solid rookie year in 1984-85 with 30 points and was named to Team Canada at the World Championships. Lidster was a key playmaker and point man on the power play for Vancouver through the 1992-93 season. He also participated in the World Championships in 1990 and 1991.

In June 1993, the veteran blueliner was traded to the New York Rangers. Ironically, the 1993-94 season culminated in a Stanley Cup finals between Lidster's current and former team. He scored two goals in the playoffs to help the Blueshirts win their first Stanley Cup since 1940. Lidster played the 1994-95 season with the St. Louis Blues then rejoined the Rangers for three seasons. The veteran added some useful experience to the Dallas Stars when they won their first Stanley Cup in 1998-99.

Following the Olympics, Lidster joined the Vancouver Canucks who made him their 133rd overall pick in the 1980 Entry Draft. The Kamloops British Columbia native went on to become arguably the best blue liner in Canuck history to that point.

An exceptional skater and good puck handler, Lidster lacked a good point shot to establish himself as a top NHL defenseman. A hard worker, he relied more on his finesse and skating game than his non-existent physical game, despite his good size (6'1" 200lbs")

Lidster played 9 strong seasons with the Canucks, setting team records with 63 points by a defenseman in 1986-87. Lidster, who would have been a perfect #2 or #3 defenseman on almost any other club at the time, was the Canucks #1 man. He did an outstanding job but got little recognition from the NHL media as his team was so bad.

The NHL community always was impressed by Lidster's play. Twice he was asked to represent Canada at the World Championships, both times winning silver medals. He was also invited to but eventually cut from the 1991 Canada Cup squad.

The summer of 1993 saw Lidster move to New York in a bizarre move that saw the Canucks acquire John Vanbiesbrouck, who was then in turn left exposed in the expansion draft to protect goalies Kirk McLean and Kay Whitmore. Oddly enough, Lidster, who for so many years fought so many battles for the Canucks, found himself fighting his biggest hockey battle against the Canucks in the spring of 1994. In a classic 7 game showdown, Lidster's Rangers narrowly edged out Lidster's former teammates.

Lidster, who became a Mike Keenan favorite while in New York, was traded to St. Louis in the summer of 1994 along with Esa Tikkanen in exchange for Petr Nedved. The deal was used to compensate the Rangers who suspiciously lost coach Keenan to the Blues just days after winning the Cup. The Rangers cried fowl and the league ordered the Blues to compensate the Rangers.

Lidster played only 37 games with St. Louis that season, and the following summer was back on his way to New York where he rounded out his NHL career with three more seasons on the Rangers blue line. "Liddy" then jumped to the national team program before joining the Dallas Stars.

Scouting Reports:

Selected as Vancouver’s defenseman of the year for the second season in a row… Played for Canada in the 1984 Winter Olympics… His Olympic coch, Dave King, called him the most improved player defensivey… A fitness zealot who led his teammates in midseason tests…

Considered te Canucks’ best defenseman… A sickly minus-35 rating was one of the NHL’s worst in 1986-87… Simply put, he played a lot for a bad hockey team… Set the team record for points (63) by a defenseman…

The Finesse Game
Lidster is a good sketer, quick and fairly agile for a bigger man. He has the ability to carry the puck from the zone and will do so, but he prefers to pass the puck quickly and minister to his defensive duties.

He plays his defense potitionally and does so well, applying his knowledge of defensive angles to force the play wide.

Lidstr does occationally make mental mistakes – such as leaving his position to do too much, this creates opening – but he is usually a very steady player and his plus/minus rating proves that; he was the highest rted defenseman on the club for the second straight year.

Offensively, Lidster does have ability, but he keeps it in check.

He can handle the puck well and can certainly get the puck to the open man and his shot has improved; he gets it away quicker and more accurately than previously.

The Physical Game
Lidster is not a bruiser, but he uses his body well. He takes the opposition out along the boards and in the corners and he is also strong in front of the net.

Occasionally, Lidster does only half the job in taking people out and watches as they sneak back into thep lay, but he is improving in that category and is making his play along the boards tougher.

The Intangibles
Lidster is a good listener and very intelligent, making for a determined and successful worker. He is always working at improving his game and brings an enthusiastic attitude to the Canucks.

Berger
Doug Lidster is rapidly becoming one of the most dependable defensemen not only in vncouver, but in the NHL.

The Finesse Game
Though hidden to many because he plays in Vancouver, Lidster is one of the League’s best up-and-coming defensemen, and it is his finesse skills and his application of same that is the reason.

He is a good skate, quick and agile for a bigger man, and he demonstrates excellent mobility in his turns and stops and starts. That’s because he has good foot speed. Doug has the ability to carry the puck from the zone and he does so intelligently and with patience. If a breakout pass is the more efficient way of moving the Cnucks fom their own end, then Lidster will make that pass. But, if the forwards are bogged down, he can rush the puck with authority.

He will join the play as a fourth attacker, again doing so patiently, and he can handle the puck well in motion because of his hands – big and strong. That same ability makes him a fine passer, especially on the power play,and Doug complements that skill with good vision and anticipation.

Finally, offensively, he does not have a great shot from the point and could work to improve it, but Lidster ill sneak toward the net and deliver a good wrist shot from the top of the circle.

Despite his plus/minus, Lidster is a good positional defenseman, applying his knowledge of defensive angles to force the play wide.

He has toned down on his wandering tendancies, the kind that opened up space for the opposition, and he has learned to mix his offensive style with his defensive necessities.

The Physical Game
Lidster plays the body well, but he’ll ever be a bruiser. He generally makes his takeouts effectively, but he can be out-muscled along the boards by stronger forwards.

The same can be said of his play in front of his own net, where Doug ties up the opposition but does not force them from the slot or off the puck. An improvement in his strength would make him more effective defensively.

The Intangibles
Lidster’s a hard worker and an enthusiastic player. He’s also one of the NHL’s most sought-after properties. He is determined to improve his game and will continue to do so, but he’s already the Canuck’s most important – and steadiest – defenseman.

The Finesse Game
Lidtser is a very good skater, and his foot speed and balance ae the keys to his skating skills. He has excellet mobility and gility – especially laterally – and the ability to move in any direction within a step. The only thing he doesn’t have is explosive acceleration ability, but he’ll get to loose pucks before many other players because of his quickness.

…

The Physical Game
Strength and physical play aren’t the highlights of Lidster’s game, as he is basically a finesse player with size. He does take the body well when he can, but he ca be out-muscled along the boards and in front of the net by stronger forwards…

The Intangibles
Lidster’s game took a step backward last year for several reasons. The injury was one, bu Doug is no longer an unknown property around the Leaague and teams know that he has to be keyed on.

So he sa much more checking this year then before and that checking restricted his productivity. That checking also served to affect Lidster’s judgement and he as not as aggressive in his offensive play as he had been; he played much more tentatively.

The Finesse Game
…

He uses his skating to challenge the puck at both bluelines, forechecking and pinching in offensively and stepping up to close the gap defensively.

…

The Intangibles
…

He has to show a desire and intensity necessary to force himself to raise his game

The Physical Game
…

He is always in good physical condition and has a good recovery rate, and that’s important because he’s going to play 30 minutes a game.

The Intangibles
An intelligent and reliable player, Lidster’s on downside is that he plays at the same intensity level at all times. He plays a generally unemotional game and that’s one reason why he’s so reliable, but it’s also the reason why he hasn’t taken greater advantage of his skils.

The Physical Game
Although he probably is the best-conditioned athlete on the team and is strong as an ox, the finesse game clearly is more to Lidster’s liking than the physical. He will be used to kill penalties more because he can get the puck out of the zone than because he is going to keep the front of his net clear through physical intimidation. He depends more on positioning than on muscle to ge the job done

The Finesse Game
Lidster is a dependable two-way player. He has the skating range to cut off the ice on almost any forward in the league and has the hands to get the puck up ice right away on the transition to offense.

While he does not rush as much as he used to, Lidster has a good amount of offensive smarts. Lidster can work the point on the power play and also knows his way around making a rush or joining one. He will hold the puck, and let the defense completely out-think itself as to what Lidster plans. The defense will anticipate and react to what they think he is going to do, then he will do nothing – unless the defense has committed.

Overall, Lidster is a defenseman who can be trusted in the last minute of a period or of a game, when his team is trying to protect a narrow lead. He is not looking for points as much as he is looking to make the safe play, and virtually always gets that job done.

The Finesse Game
…

Defensively, he’s tough to beat one on one. He is agile and can stop and start skating backwards. Lidster holds his position and forces the attacker to make the first move.

When it is crunch time and his team is holding a lead, he will make the safe play.

The Physical Game
Lidtser has good size but does not use it well. He is not very strong in one-on-one battles along th boards or in front of the net. He’s erratic about finishing his checks. Sometimes he will really deck an opponent, while other times he will only give him a push.

The Finesse Game
Generally more effective with the puck than without it, Lidster is a smooth, gifted skater who likes to take advantage of the range this aspect provides and especially likes to step up in the neutral zone to challenge. Unfortunately, Lidster then ends up chasing the play after the puck gets chipped or passed behind him.

The same is also true in the scoring chance area. Lidster will step up to challenge the play, only to be undone by a back-door pass to a player who has broken behind him. He also will, at times, overload one side of the ice when it seems to be under his partner’s control.

Strengths: One of the smartest players in the NHL. Lidtser has carved out an excellent career despite the absence of any single outstanding feature. A steady, stay-at-home defenseman, he is nonetheless quite capable of joining the attack, but uses excellent instincts to pick his spots. Lister is strong and durable and can play tough in the slot, but only once in his career has he earned more than 100 penalty minutes. He’s been the team’s best defenseman for years.

Weaknesses: Lidster’s conservative style and infrequent forays into the offensive zone leave teammates and defensive partners to steal the limelight, which means Doug, even after nearly a decade, tends to be underrated and undervalued.

…

Will…. anchor the D
Can’t…. play nasty
Expect…. a steady job
Don’t Expect…. a puck-rusher.

Strengths: Lidster is a solid performer with lots of two-way talent, although he is primary a defensive defenseman…

…

Will…. guard defensive zone
Can’t…. add much to the attack
Expect…. a smart veteran
Don’t Expect…. an ounce of quit.

Lidster remains a strong, very underrated defender who has the world’s worst shot from the point. No matter what he does it always hits something other than the net and is often blocked.

 

[Dreakmur]

Dale Rolfe !!!


Awards and Achievements:
Stanley Cup Finalist (1972)

All-Star voting - 17th(1968) 19th(1973)

AHL First Team All-Star (1967)

Offensive Accomplishments:
150 Points in 509 NHL Regular Season Games
29 Points in 71 NHL Play-off Games

117 Points in 337 AHL Regular Season Games
5 Points I 17 AHL Play-off Games

Scoring Percentages:
Points - 59, 48, 48, 37, 37

Best 6 Seasons: 257


At 6'4", 210 lbs, Rolfe was actually one of the biggest players of his time. Using the 1971 season, which was the midpoint of his career, only Pete Mahovlich was taller at 6'5" and no other skater was 6'4". Some teams didn't have a guy over 6'1". Only Bucyk, another Bruin, a Golden Seal, an O6 relic in the west division, and Jerry Korab were heavier.

Rolfe was a rough and tumble player but not to the degree you'd have liked to see for a player his size. He wasn't a major fighter, instead preferring stickwork. His most famous fight was of course against Dave Schultz in the 1973-74 season. Rolfe got pummelled but he hung in there a very long time and stuck it out to the end, despite having his hair pulled and receiving a head butt from Schultz. Details and comments about the fight are listed here.

http://www.dropyourgloves.com/Fights/GameEvents.aspx?Game=14978&Fight=21667#Fight21667

- Rolfe averaged 23.89 minutes per game in his 506 post-expansion games, including 23.37 in four seasons with the very strong early 1970s Rangers.

- Rolfe placed very highly on his team's depth chart in his 8 full seasons: 4th, 2nd (behind White), 4th (behind Brewer, Baun, Bergman), 4th (behind Park, Neilson, Seiling), 4th (same), 2nd (Seiling), 3rd (Park, Seiling), 4th (Park, Marotte, Greschner).

- Rolfe was an important part of the NY Rangers' PK, leading the team in PKTOI twice. He killed 46% of penalties for teams that averaged about average on the PK (worse in LA & Detroit, better in New York). At even strength, he has a respectable career adjusted +31.

- Fun fact: Rolfe actually took two of the more famous slapshots leading to injury, in hockey history. In 1972, his shot hit Jean Ratelle, breaking his ankle and derailing his Hart and Ross season (he still won the Pearson). In the 1974 playoffs, his slapshot hit Barry Ashbee in the eye, ending his career prematurely.

Dale Rolfe was a forward until he arrived to play junior hockey with the Barrie Flyers of the OHA in 1956. Under the direction of coach Hap Emms, however, his big, lanky frame was moved back to the blueline to serve and protect his future brother-in-law, goaltender Wayne Rutledge.
Afterwards, Rolfe turned pro with the Boston Bruins' organization in 1959-60. He got a three-game tryout in Beantown, but was sent to the minors by coach Milt Schmidt who questioned Rolfe's commitment to work hard with consistency.

The move proved to be quite a stumbling block to his NHL aspirations. He tumbled his way across the Bruins' minor-league chain with stops in Kingston, Portland, and Hershey until a near-death blow was dealt to his career. He was traded to Eddie Shore's Springfield Indians.

In Springfield, players were taught to play a great defensive game by Shore, a man who was a master of the position in his day. But the price of admission was to be an indentured servant. Players on Shore's team were expected to collect tickets at the turn-styles and to clean up the rink after the game?all for a tiny annual stipend. Rolfe once remarked that the donut sellers made more money than the players did.

On the Indians' blueline, Rolfe was paired with future NHLer and fellow prisoner Bill White. Both players knew that they were better than many of the rearguards who were in the NHL at that time. But Shore wouldn't allow either player to go to the big tent unless he received a small mountain of cash and a pile of minor-league players. No offers came through.

Rolfe endured the situation for four seasons and was contemplating his retirement as a form of escape. In the end, though, the Indians were sold to the expansion L.A. Kings. At last, Rolfe was free to return to the NHL. He joined the Kings' blueline corps in 1967 and lasted until 1970 when he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings. In the Motor City questions about Rolfe's self-discipline continued to be raised. It was observed that he had a tendency to skate like a madman to make the team at training camp and then taper off as the season progressed. As a result, his stay in a Wings' sweater was short. He was traded to the New York Rangers in 1971.

With the Rangers, Rolfe really found his NHL legs. There were no more questions raised about his commitment. He became a pillar on defense, especially during any playoff action.

His most infamous moment came during a playoff game in 1974 against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers were intimidating Ranger players all night. At one point, they were zeroing in on defenseman Brad Park. Rolfe had seen enough. He stepped in to support his defenisve partner when he found himself squared off against Dave "The Hammer" Schultz. Before Rolfe could even react, his knees were already buckling under the weight of a severe beating. None of his Ranger teammates came to his aid.

Rolfe survived the drubbing to play one final season. In the 42nd game of the 1974-75 campaign, however, he crashed into the boards, feet first and suffered a severe ankle break that ended his career.

Rolfe then spent the 1960–61 and 1961–62 season with the Portland Buckaroos of the Western Hockey League. Rolfe then moved to the AHL where he spent the next season with the Hershey Bears and the following four seasons with the Springfield Indians. In the 1967–68 season, he returned to the NHL, playing for the Los Angeles Kings. He played for the Kings until he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings on February 20, 1970. Rolfe stayed in Detroit for the remainder of the 1969–70 season and the majority of the 1970–71 season before being traded to the New York Rangers for Jim Krulicki where he would spend the rest of his professional career, retiring after the 1974–75 NHL season.

Rolfe played a total of 509 NHL regular season games with 25 goals, 125 assists and 556 penalty minutes.

He was recognized by opponents to be a smart defender who uses tremendous reach and strength to play the puck or take a man out of play.

One of the biggest men in hockey at 6-4, 205, Rolfe moves with surprising agility.

Scouting Reports:

tallest defenseman in the league... knows how to ride his man into the corner and pin him there... when stationed at the front of the net, Rolfe is effective at tying up an opponent, even if it means tugging at an arm, stick, or sweater...

one of those steady, defensive types who are often overlooked in all-star voting but are treasured by coaches and goaltenders... long reach enables him to use pokechecks when shorter defensemen would have to take the body...

a perfect complement for Brad Park on the back line...

a defenseman with tremendous strength... when Rolfe put his mind to taking his man and keeping him away from the puck, there was little the opponent could do.

One of the biggest skaters in the NHL... upon his arrival in New York, Rolfe matured as a big-leaguer and played the best defense of his life. His skating ability enabled him to lead many a dangerous rush and his long reach enhanced his defensive capabilities...

And a few great quotes from a great book that captures this era very well:

“Hey, hockey fight, you get a smack in the mouth or you get knocked on your arse, it's over. You go to the penalty box and you come back out, you may hurt a little bit but you're not hurt in a hockey fight. Well, any fight. You get smacked. It's just the punch, it's no big deal. It's part of the game and it's that simple." – Dale Rolfe

… It was Sunday, May 5, 1974 and the New York Rangers had a one nothing lead on the flyers in Philadelphia midway through the first period of game seven of the Stanley Cup semifinals… Park became entangled with Saleski but Dave Schultz stepped in and went after Rolfe. It may have been one of the most one-sided fights ever seen in the NHL. Some writers claimed it was the turning point of the series and that it showed that the Rangers lacked character as a team for not coming to the aid of one of their teammates… So was it as bad as all that? No, absolutely not. In fact, it may have been one of the most overhyped media events ever reported. The fight itself had no effect on the outcome of the game.… Dale Rolfe played during the rest of the game and was not out of the lineup with an injury. New York outshot Philadelphia 15 to 9 in the third period and had 34 shots on net by the end of the night.… Read with the players themselves thought about this fight and the game. It also find the comments from Rolfe, Schultz and Francis in their interview section of this book… Reach your own conclusion on the importance of this fight from the words of the people closest to the event.

Dale Rolfe: "nope I didn't think it was a turning point when it happened. After it happened. I think it was the turning point because Dave Schultz was sent out to get me, get me or Park, one of the other. It was that simple and I'm telling you this from a very good source from Philadelphia. He was on a mission, I said if you want to win this series, get rid of Rolfe. That was that simple. I'm not blowing smoke up my arse or anything, it's a fact… I was playing well and like I say, I’m not bragging, complaining or being indifferent but I know for a fact Schultz was sent out to take me off the ice. (Shero himself said you were playing good.) Yep.â€

Bruce MacGregor: "well, I don't think it helped Dale Rolfe at all. Get into a scrap with a guy like that. I mean, Dale really wasn't a fighter either. He was a big tall guy that could look after himself but I mean, he really wasn't looked upon as much of a fighter.… Schultz went after him, you know, obviously to take him out of the game or whatever.â€

Dale Rolfe: “Parkie and I just seemed to click. I could go up the ice and I’d be there all alone and I got very adept at two on ones and three on ones. I could skate, you know, for a big guy, 6’4, 220, whatever I was at the time… yes, I could skate, I had the long stride and I was a strong skater…. I never had any other memorable fights… I know one thing, my stick has never lost a fight… In those days you could use it. So you got fined $500 for hitting a guy over the head, so what? The club paid it anyway.†(did other players retaliate because of the stickwork, or did they just give you more room on the ice?) Uh, not in the NHL, I’ve had a few stick fights in the AHL, maybe once in the NHL.

 

[Dreakmur]

Harold Snepsts !!!


Awards and Achievements:
2 x NHL All-Star (1977, 1982)

Vancouver Canucks Ring of Honor (2011)
Fred J. Hume Award (unsung hero) (1979)
4 x Babe Pratt Award (best defenseman) (1978, 1979, 1980, 1982)

Offensive Accomplishments:
233 Points in 1033 NHL Regular Season Games
15 Points in 93 NHL Play-off Games

Harold Snepsts played 17 seasons in the NHL and the list of injuries the gritty defenceman suffered is as long as his stats page. He has had cuts, breaks, separations, sprains, and numerous operations--from his eye to his knees--and even some plastic surgery to his ear. But when all was said and done, Snepsts was known as a standup defenceman who played every game with intensity and feeling.

The Vancouver Canucks selected Snepsts from the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings in the 1974 Amateur Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 1974-75 season and in only his third season in the league played in the 1977 All-Star Game. He played in the All-Star Game once again in 1982 when the Canucks made a run for the Cup. They faced the Islanders in the finals but failed to win a game, giving New York their third straight Cup.

Snepsts was traded to the North Stars in 1994 but played only one season there before signing with the Red Wings as a free agent. He helped Detroit get to the conference finals in both 1986-87 and 1987-88, but both times the Detroiters were stopped by the Oilers as the Edmontons headed toward consecutive championships.

While Canuck players like Pavel Bure, Stan Smyl and Trevor Linden may have been flashier, perhaps the most popular Canuck of all time is rugged defenseman Harold Snepsts.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, on October 24, 1954, Harold was a mainstay on the Vancouver Canucks blueline for more than a decade. While his 17-year NHL career included stops with the Minnesota North Stars, Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues, Snepsts will be considered first and foremost a Vancouver Canuck.

He joined the Canucks during the 1974 season, and would remain with the team for the next 10 years. Included in that stint was the Canucks memorable march to the Stanley Cup finals in 1982. Snepsts value to the Canucks didn't go un-noticed by the fans or media.

In voting conducted by the Vancouver media, Snepsts was awarded the Premier's Trophy as the team's top defenseman four times in a five-year stretch, joining Doug Lidster and Jyrki Lumme, as the only four-time winners in team history.

Snepsts was also presented with the Fred J. Hume Award as the Canucks unsung hero in 1979. Snepsts was also one of the last skaters in the league to play without a helmet.

You remember the chant. “Har-old! Har-old!†And who can forget the bushy moustache and icy glare? Never known for his scoring prowess, long-time Vancouver Canucks defenceman Harold Snepsts made an indelible mark on this province with his on-ice leadership, toughness, heart, and grit. To this day he remains one of the most popular players in franchise history.

Drafted 59th overall by the Canucks in the 1974 Amateur Draft, Snepsts’ rugged play with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings attracted the attention of big league scouts. As a clean-shaven, baby-faced 19-year-old, Snepsts made his NHL debut with the Canucks in 1974-75 as Phil Maloney’s troops marched to the franchise’s first-ever Smythe Division title. Establishing himself as a mainstay on the Canucks blueline the following season, the towering Snepsts would remain with the club for a decade, developing into a fan favourite, whose every touch of the puck was greeted by The Chant. He admits that with the tremendous support came tremendous pressure to perform at his best night in, night out, noting, “How could you not want to do well for these fans?â€

Playing the best hockey of his career during the 1981-82 season, Snepsts was a key cog in the Canucks unlikely cinderella run to the Stanley Cup final against the powerful New York Islanders. Although that magical spring remains the highlight of Snepsts’ career, one unlucky picked-off pass that led to Mike Bossy’s winner in Game One continues to haunt him.

In one of the most unpopular moves in team history, Snepsts was traded in 1984 to Minnesota. After three years in Detroit, Snepsts returned to Vancouver for two more seasons, restarting British Columbia’s idolization of ‘Big Harry.’ Although 34 years old, Snepsts could still play with the youth of the NHL. The Vancouver Sun’s Archie McDonald wrote, “There is a hockey expression for guys who embrace the ice like Harold Snepsts. They say he can play defence in a rocking chair.â€

In 1990, he was traded to St. Louis where he eventually retired in 1991, finishing his 17-year career with 1033 games played, 233 points, and 2009 penalty minutes. For the rest of the decade, he remained involved in the game through coaching, as head coach of the Peoria Rivermen (1991-92) and San Diego Gulls (1993-94), the WHL’s Portland Winter Hawks (1998-00) where he was a longtime minority shareholder since his early playing days, and as an assistant with the St. Louis Blues for one NHL season (1992-93). After spending several years with the NHL’s Central Scouting, Snepsts recently returned to the Canucks organization as a western scout.

Amid frequent uniform changes, Snepsts’ hard-working, lunch-bucket play was always consistent, making life miserable for many NHL forwards who dared to venture into the Canucks’ zone. There was never any question about big number 27’s toughness either, playing through innumerable injuries. As one of the last NHL players to play without a helmet, his doctor once advised him to wear a lid to protect against potential damage to the noggin. Displaying his characteristic good nature and humour he replied, “Don’t worry about that, Doc. If it happens, I could always return as a forward.â€

Snepsts’ character and fine defensive play did not go unrewarded. He represented the Canucks at the NHL All-Star Game twice in 1977 and 1982, was named Vancouver’s top defenceman on four occasions, and was awarded the Fred Hume Award once as the team’s unsung hero.

Some players captivate with their skill and speed, while others impress with their size and strength. And then there are those rare few whose character transcends the game they play. Big Harold’s heart touched every corner of this province. The Har-old chants may be rare these days, but they still echo clearly in the memories of many.

While he played in short stops with the Minnesota North Stars, Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues, the mustachioed and helmetless Harold Snepsts will forever be remembered as the robust though anything but graceful blue liner with the Vancouver Canucks for a combined 12 NHL seasons.

Harold was a hugely popular player on the west coast, perhaps the most popular ever. He was a cult hero in the old Pacific Coliseum, where fans would boisterously chant "Haaar-Old! .... Haaar-Old!....Haaar-Old!" over and over. Even in the later years of his career when he would revisit Vancouver as a member of another club, the fans would cheer for their hero.

Snepsts making the NHL was an odd-defying feat. Edmonton Journal writer Mark Spector might have put it best when he wrote "Harold Snepsts was the ultimate diamond in the rough. Light on the diamond, heavy on the . . . well, you get the picture."

Harold had no real finesse skill to speak of. He was a down right terrible skater. He seemingly ran on the ice instead of gliding in strong strides. He had little speed and even less mobility. This made him prone to being beaten one-on-one by a fleet footed enemy. Harold also was an adventure with the puck. Over time he learned to almost avoid handling the puck. If he did have to play it he'd most likely just fire it out of the zone. However because he often played with his back to the play, he was often intercepted.

What Snepsts could do though was extremely valuable. He intimidated the opposition. You would think twice before traveling to the slot in front of the Canucks net, as Harold would punish you with enjoyment. He loved to hit and did so with great aggression and authority. In his younger years he was a willing and good fighter, though. Essentially he was on the ice to add size and aggression, and to keep the other team honest.

One of the reasons why Harold lasted over 1000 games in the National Hockey League was because he was as popular with his teammates as he was with the fans. He had a legendary sense of humour and was a great leader. The great character he showed every day of his career was an immeasurable contribution that far outweighed any amount of goals or bodychecks he collected.

Harold was born and raised in Edmonton. His long road to the NHL began as a simple desire to play indoors during the cold, unforgiving Edmonton winters. As an 11 year old, Snepsts, who like many top bantam players of that day desired to play for the local Maple Leafs Athletic Club.

"I was playing for Beverly Heights (a local club team) and that was the elite - to make it to the Maple Leafs and the indoor rink," said Snepsts. And while he had to scrape and claw his way just to stay on the team.

"After I turned 12 I barely made every team I played on," said Snepsts.

Snepsts graduated from the MLAC to the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League.

"Initially, you were just happy to play Bantam AA. Then as you started playing there, you realized that a good portion of the guys that made the Oil Kings were from the Maple Leafs."

But it wasn't that easy for Snepsts, who was nearly cut from the Leafs juvenile team.

"Harold Snepsts was the worst skater on the team, but he could run like crazy on the ice," said coach Jim Stewart

"It was a fine line between being cut from that team and not making the Oil Kings, to not making professional hockey at all," Snepsts said.

Yet Snepsts persevered and did stick, and did graduate to the Oil Kings.

"He was tough, he had the size and he loved to practice but I still thought he was a long term project. When I look back on my NHL and junior career and all the players played with and against, I would have to say Harold fell into the category of the guy you thought was never going to make it." said junior and NHL teammate Darcy Rota.

But he did. He was brought in for his toughness, and he supplied it amply. In one legendary fight, Snepsts tangled with Clark Gillies, a future NHL power forward. "We fought, we stopped, then we fought again. We both ended up with black eyes," remembers Snepsts fondly. .

Snepsts was a NHL prospect because of his size and toughness, but even he knew he was a long shot.

"All I wanted was to get drafted anywhere and get a tryout." he said. His wish was granted when he became the third-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in the 1974 entry draft.

After his initial training camp with the Canucks he was sent to the minor leagues, though by midseason was recalled permanently to the NHL. He would be a standout in his own style of defense in Vancouver, and twice represented the Canucks in the mid-season all star game, including in 1977 when the game was held in Vancouver. The crowd went wild when they introduced the local folk hero.

"Dirty Harry's" career highlight came in 1982 when the Canucks made an unexpected run at the Stanley Cup. Harold was incredible that spring, but unfortunately is remembered for a mistake that perhaps cost the Canucks a win in game one of the Stanley Cup finals. In overtime, Harold fired a loose puck straight up the middle, in a desperate attempt to clear the puck. Except the puck landed right on the stick of the great Mike Bossy. Bossy, perhaps the best pure goal scorer ever seen in the NHL, quickly put the puck behind Richard Brodeur to clinch game one. The feisty Canucks deserved to win that game, and while it is unlikely that it would have made a difference in the series with the dynastic Islanders, it was too bad they lost as they seemed to lose some momentum as well..

He played 10 seasons with the Canucks before being traded to Minnesota for Al MacAdam in 1984. The Canucks thought Snepsts was dispensable because of age, injuries, and because promising youngsters like Rick Lanz, Michel Petit, Garth Butcher and J.J. Daigneault were in the system.

It is interesting to review the comments of general manager Harry Neale on the day he made the deal. Said Neale: "I think we may have done Harold a favor. If we had let compassion come into our decision and kept him it might not have been best for either party. He is going to a good team that wants him. We haven't exactly sent him to hell . . . It wasn't going to be long before one of the young defencemen nudged him out of here anyway . . . He will get a new lease on life with a new team."

He stayed only one season in Minnesota and had to wait to get to Detroit to become reborn. He signed as a free agent with the Red Wings in 1985, and became a cult hero in Motown as well.

"I learned an awful lot in Detroit what a veteran should do to help turn a club around," he says. "We had about six old guys and it is unbelievable what you can do to help the young players. There is a lot of pressure on them to succeed right away and sometimes they didn't know where to turn. You just have to tell them their time will come. Talk to them in the dressing room and on the road and give them some confidence."

After 3 years in Detroit, he was released of his contract and seemed destined to retire. However he did desire to return to Vancouver, and publicly said he will only play with the Canucks. The Canucks were interested as well, as new general manager Pat Quinn had been critical of the lack of leadership and experience in Vancouver in the previous couple of years.

Snepsts signed and played almost two full years in Vancouver. He was instrumental in teaching one of the brightest youngsters in Canucks history. He was the road trip roommate of 18 year old phenom Trevor Linden. Linden would go on to become one of the best players in Canucks history, and is even better known as one of the nicest guys off the ice. Both accomplishments have a little Snepsts magic in them.

Snepsts, along with Rich Sutter, were unexpectedly traded at the the 1990 trading deadline to the St. Louis Blues. The Canucks were looking for a youth movement and sent the two veterans to St. Louis. Harold enjoyed his end of his season in St. Louis so much that he decided to return for one more year for the 1990-91 season. He had two goals left - to play in 1000 NHL games and to drink from the Stanley Cup.

While his thirst was never quenched, he did become the 70th player to appear in 1000 NHL games. That's an amazing fact for a player who based on his skill level likely never should have played in any.

There was a party for Snepsts on the night of his 1000th game. Snepsts, who scored the game winning goal against Detroit in his 999th game (just his 4th goal since 1984!), said "With this body, I'm just trying to get to 1,001." Ironically, Snepsts hurt his hip in game 1001 and never finished the game.

He ended his career with 1,033 games, 38 goals and 195 assists. He also had 2,009 penalty minutes, the equivalent of 33.5 games in the penalty box.

many of the hundreds of players who have skated for the Canucks during the last 35 years have possessed more talent than Harold Snepsts. But few, if any, had a greater passion for the game than the big defenseman… and few, if any, were more popular with fans or teammates than the Edmonton native with the rock solid blue collar work ethic.

“I think he was truly one of the big strongmen of the game,†says fellow defenseman Paul Reinhart, who played both with and against him. “And when I say strongmen, I’m talking about how he played a good, strong game. He wasn’t just a big, tough-guy fighter. He was a good, strong honest player.â€

“(I came in) at that time when the Broad Street Bullies were trying to intimidate the league and everyone was looking for someone to combat that…â€

…he certainly didn’t shy away from the rough going. But he also worked hard to learn the tough trade of NHL blueliner. He used his 6’3†frame and his penchant for physical contact to his advantage, but he also mastered the art of defensive responsibility. During his first 10 seasons with Vancouver, he was named the club’s top defenseman four times. He represented the Canucks in the NHL all-star game in 1977 and 1982, and was a centra figure in the team’s run to the 1982 Finals.

“The first time I played with Harold, the first thing he said to me was, if you can establish yourself as a reliable person in your own end as a defenseman, there will always be a job for you,†says Doug Lidster, one of two other Canucks to be named the club’s top defenseman on four separate occasions.

…he remains one of the most loved Canucks of all-time, not just by fans but by his fellow players. Asked to name his most memorable teammate, forward Rick Blight didn’t hesitate. “Definitely Sneptsy. He was a lot of fun to be around.â€

“He was a favourite and rightfully so,†adds Lidster. “Everybody pulled for him because of his smile and his laugh. But he always instilled that pride and work ethic and respect for doing the right thing. That was another word that was big for him – respect. He was a guy who played within his limitations, and took pride in that.â€

Snepsts was a huge factor for Vancouver during the 1982 playoffs, when he played 17 games to help the Canucks reach the finals. The team had lost blueliners Rick Lanz, Kevin McCarthy and Jiri Bubla to injuries, so the rest of the crew had to step up. “There were times in Los Angeles, when there were three of us playing probably the last 10 minutes or more of the games. I lost about 15 points during the 1982 playoffsâ€.

“They always talk about Harold’s giveaway,†says former Canucks broadcaster Jim Robson. “They don’t say that he was tremendous in the playoffs that year. He played game after game and was great.â€

…one of the last NHL players to play without a helmet, Snepsts became a comforting, familiar sight for fans in the Pacific Coliseum over his career in Vancouver, giving them a thrill with his unique skating stride and his dark hair flowing behind him whenever he found some open ice that let him move.

…Why does he think he was so popular as a Canuck? “Passion. I loved this game. I would just hope, maybe, that I showed that I cared about winning and losing and not for individual stats. And I think people can relate to a kind of a blue collar person.â€

SCOUTING REPORTS

Nicknamed “Dirty Harryâ€â€¦ almost had an ear severed when struck by an opponent’s stick. Developed into Canucks’ most respected defenseman last season. Plays a bruising, hitting style and specializes in standup bodychecks… especially adept at clearing rival forwards away from the slot…

â€The Hammerâ€â€¦ That hits the nail on the head… tough guy who makes a mission out of dumping opposing players in the slot… not a good skater but specializes in hitting and blocking the puck… jovial and easygoing off-ice, determined on ice.

A solid backliner for seven seasons, needed showcase of playoff success to be appreciated… strong puckhandler but he’s a defensive defenseman who takes care of business in his team’s zone… bad pass gave Islanders OT goal in game 1 of final but he shook it off to play well… jovial, popular player off the ice, very intense on it… size and strength make him one of the best at keeping the front of the net clear of bodies.

Snepsts, never one with great speed to begin with, has lost whatever speed he had and has become very slow. He can not keep up with the play as it moves around him, either by skating forward or backward, and he is increasingly beaten one-on-one by opposition forwards who go around him like he doesn’t exist. He has almost no mobility within the offensive zone either, and matches that with an impotent shot from the point. He will not pinch into the play. The thing Snepsts does best now is move the puck up smartly, but that is contingent on his getting to the puck in the first place and somehow avoiding the forwards checking him in the second place.

Snepsts can clear men out of the slot pretty well because he is big and strong. He adds size to the defense and keeps things honest in his zone and is still effective taking the opposition out of the play along the boards or in the corners – when he can catch them. Snepsts was out injured for much of last year and how he recovers from that injury is a question. The Wings hope he can be a patch on the defense until some youngsters get ready to move in, but at this point, that’s doubtful. He has got to be at the end of his career. He can barely keep pace with the play around him.

The finesse game has never been Harold’s game, and it is less so today than ever before… He is very weak at handling the puck in his own end and frequently has his back to the play, meaning that he’ll make bad, blind passes around the boards or up the middle. But the difference in Harold’s play last year as opposed to previous years is that coach Jacques Demers has minimized Snepsts’ weakness by not having him handle the puck.

Harold puts fear into the opposition and makes them pay for camping in front of the Wings’ net. Snepsts loves to hit and can do so with authority, and he has learned to temper that desire with common sense. Snepsts doesn’t run around the defensive zone in search of prey, but waits for the opposition to come to him. And then he lets them have it. He clears men from the slot well because he is big and strong. He adds size to the defense and keeps things honest in his zone. There are many intangibles with Snepsts’ performance, not the least of which is his obvious inability to play the game at the NHL pace. But because his physical play is so important, the Wings and Demers have found a way to use him so that he does not hurt the team. The key is his play in front of the net, and he played very well last year. He is also a great team guy and has a good sense of humour, so he’s important in the locker room too.

Snepsts makes his play effective by staying away from his weaknesses; he doesn’t, regularly, for example, handle the puck… He showed better than anyone could have hoped for in Vancouver, and he’d like to play at least one more season.

Harold’s time with St. Louis may be limited because of several younger defensemen on the verge of full time NHL duty, but Snepsts can still contribute to a degree.

​

 

[Rob Scuderi]

C Robert Reichel

31 (8+23) PTS in 70 playoff GP

Goals: 19, 24
Assists: 23, 25, 27
Points: 15, 23, 28

x3 World Championship All-Star Team ('90, '96, '01)
Golden Stick Voting: 2 ('90), 3 ('96), 3 ('01), 4 ('98), 7 ('00)
Member of Czech HHOF

x1 Olympic Gold Medal ('98)
x3 WC Gold Medal ('96, '00, '01)
x4 WC Bronze ('90, '92, '97, '98)


NHL Career
Team Scoring: 1 ('94), 1* ('99), 2 (93), 2 ('98), 2* ('97), 4 ('95), 5 ('02), 6 ('03), 7 ('92), 8 ('91), 9 ('04)
(*applies yearly point total to the team more games were played for in instances of mid-season movement between teams)

overpass's adjusted numbers: 830 GP, 222-266-488 ESP (46 per game) / 74-176-250 PPP (24 per game, 49% usage, 1.06)

70s VS #2: 83, 71, 64, 63, 62, 57 = 400 over 6 seasons


Czech League and International Career
Top 10 Czech League Scoring Finishes: 1 in '90, 3 in '01, 5 in '00, 7 in '89, 7 in '07, 9 in '09

World Championship Stats: 77 GP, 24-39-63 PTS
WC Placements (Overall/Team): 4/1 in '90*, 32/2 in '91, 22/6 in '92, 5/2 in '96*, 41/4 in '97, 31/7 in '00, 3/1 in '01*, 13/2 in '02
(* denotes being named to the media's all-star team)

Olympic Stats and Placements: 10 GP, 4-0-0 PTS; 32/4 in '98, 1 point in '02

Canada Cup Stats and Placement: 5 GP, 1-2-3 PTS; 30/2 in '91

World Cup Stats and Placement: 7 GP, 1-0-0 PTS; T1 on team with 1 point in '96, 0 pts in 4GP in '04

While most NHL-only fans won't believe this, there is a significant portion of the hockey loving population that believes Robert Reichel is one of the greatest legends in hockey history. Beyond that they worship him as a decorated hockey warrior and leader.

Don't laugh.

Robert Reichel the NHLer may be remembered by history, assuming he is at all, as a supremely talented but classic underachiever who was usually disinterested unless it was payday.

But Robert Reichel the international player is an absolute legend in his native Czech Republic where he is among the all time hockey greats.

Reichel, the long time national team captain, had his crowning moment in 1998 when he led the what many call the greatest moment in the Czech's glorious hockey history, winning the first ever Olympic gold medal featuring all NHL players.

That medal is the highlight of a trophy case that includes 3 World Championship gold and 4 World Championship bronze medals, and a silver and bronze World Junior Championship medal.

Reichel had all the tools to be a great NHLer, and for a time it looked like he would achieve that destiny. Starting his career in Calgary, he put back to back 40 goal seasons in years 3 and 4 of his career, before the NHL lockout of 1994-95 wiped out half a season. Reichel left for Germany, where he was a dual citizen and where his brother played.

Upon his return to NHL action, Reichel never found his game. His heart may have been back home, as he returned to Germany for the entire 1995-96 season.

Lured back to the NHL by the big dollar contracts, Reichel returned to Calgary before spending time with the New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes and Toronto Maple Leafs, never finding much success in the NHL again.

After such success and status in his native Czech Republic, Reichel decided to go back to his hometown of Litvinov, where he continued to play years after his NHL days were over.

Just as Ryan Smyth goes under the nickname of “Captain Canada” Robert Reichel, who turned 40 this summer, is “Captain Czech”. Even if you include the Czechoslovak era, you need to go back to the days of defenceman Frantisek Pospisil, the skipper of the great CSSR teams of the 70s, to find a national team captain who had an impact and success that matches Reichel’s.

http://www.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/recap/5996.html?tx_ttnews[pS]=1312149600&tx_ttnews[pL]=2678399&tx_ttnews[arc]=1&tx_ttnews[backPid]=187&cHash=15a01937d8

 

[Rob Scuderi]

W Shawn McEachern

Goals: 19, 21, 30
12-25-37 PTS in 97 Playoff GP, x1 SC

Captain of Atlanta Thrashers 2002-2004
Team Scoring Ranks: 2 ('98), 2 ('99), 2 ('04), 3 ('01), 4 ('96), 5 ('00), 6 ('02), 7 ('97), 7 ('03), 8 ('93), 9 ('95)

overpass's adjusted numbers: 911GP, 230-305-534 ESP (47) / 70-81-151 PPP (14, 36% usage, 1.00)
70s VS #2: 75, 63, 54, 53, 52, 51 = 348 over 6 seasons

Left-winger Shawn McEachern has been a reliable scorer and solid defensive player since entering the NHL late in the 1991-92 schedule.

Following the Americans' fourth place finish in France, McEachern joined the Penguins in time to help them repeat as Stanley Cup champions. During his first season, in 1992-93, the talented forward scored 28 goals and helped Pittsburgh finish at the top of the regular season standings before the New York Islanders upset them in the playoffs.

In August 1993, McEachern was traded to the Los Angeles Kings for Marty McSorley. A few months later, he was sent back to the Penguins with Tomas Sandstrom for McSorley and Jim Paek. He continued to produce for the Pens but the club continued to re-tool in its attempt to return to the Stanley Cup finals. After scoring 24 goals for the Boston Bruins in 1995-96 and capturing gold at the 1996 World Cup, McEachern was dealt to the Ottawa Senators.

Upon joining Ottawa, the clever forward became a regular point producer and team leader on one of the league's top clubs. Beginning in 1997-98, McEachern began a run of four straight 20-goal seasons. His speed and scoring touch were important factors in the Sens reaching the 100-point mark in 1999 and 2001.

After six strong seasons in Ottawa, McEachern found a new home with the Atlanta Thrashers in 2002-03 and upon his arrival was a team leader both on and off the ice. During the summer of 2005, the Boston Bruins acquired the veteran forward. He would go on to appear in 28 games with the Bruins throughout their 2005-06 regular season and annouce his retirement from the game in the summer of 2006.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Don "Bones" Raleigh​

Position: Center
Born: June 27, 1926 - Kenora, Ontario, Canada
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 150 lbs
Shoots: Left
Team: New York Rangers​

Points Finishes
86, 26, 36, 30, 16, 4, 50, 12, 19, 77

Points Per Game Finishes (>40GP)
X, 26, 24, 33, 18, 5, 39, 14, 24, X


Regular Season

Season|Age|Team|League|GP|Goals|Assists|Points|PIM
1942-43 |16 |Winnipeg |MJHL|12| 8| 1| 9| 0
1943-44 |17 |Brooklyn |EAHL|26| 23| 20| 43 |6
1943-44 |17 |NYR |NHL |15 |2 |2 |4 |2
1944-45 |18 |Winnipeg |MJHL| 5| 14| 9| 23| 2
1944-45 |18 |Winnipeg Army| WNDHL |4 |3 |1 |4 |0
1945-46 |19 |Brandon |MJHL |10 |24 |24 |48 |2
1946-47 |20 |2 Teams |WSrHL |6 |12 |7 |19 |2
1947-48 |21 |NYR |NHL |52 |15 |18 |33 |2
1948-49 |22 |NYR |NHL |41 |10 |16 |26 |8
1949-50 |23 |NYR |NHL |70 |12 |25 |37 |11
1950-51 |24 |NYR |NHL |64 |15 |24 |39 |18
1950-51 |24 |New York| EAHL| 2| 0| 0 |0 | 0
1951-52 |25 |NYR |NHL |70 |19 |42 |61 |14
1952-53 |26 |NYR |NHL |55 |4 |18 |22 |2
1953-54 |27 |NYR |NHL |70 |15 |30 |45 |16
1954-55 |28 |NYR |NHL |69 |8 |32 |40 |19
1955-56 |29 |NYR |NHL |29 |1 |12 |13 |4
1955-56 |29 |Providence Reds |AHL|13 |4 |20 |24 |0
1955-56 |29 |Saskatoon Quakers|WHL |25 |17 |19 |36 |2
1956-57 |30 |Brandon Regals |WHL|68 |13 |47 |60 |14
1957-58 |31 |Saskatoon Quakers|WHL |40 |10 |23 |33 |8

Playoffs

Season|Age|Team|League|GP|Goals|Assists|Points|PIM
1942-43| 16| Winnipeg |MJHL |2 |1 |1 |2 |0
1943-44| 17| Brooklyn |EAHL |11 |16 |9 |25 |4
1944-45| 18| Winnipeg| MJHL |7 |5 |7 |12 |19
1944-45| 18| Winnipeg Army |WNDHL |2 |1 |2 |3| 0
1945-46| 19| Brandon| MJHL |7 |7 |11 |18 |18
1946-47| 20| Winnipeg| WSrHL |4 |3 |15 |18 |0
1946-47| 20| Winnipeg |Al-Cup |8 |8 |7 |15 |0
1947-48| 21| NYR| NHL| 6 |2 |0 |2 |2
1949-50| 23| NYR| NHL| 12 |4 |5 |9 |4

Awards
MJHL Scoring Champion - 1946
Rangers Playoff MVP - 1950
Rangers Team MVP - 1951
NHL All Star Game - 1951, 1954
Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame - 1998
Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame
Brandon University Hockey Hall of Fame


Achievements
Rangers Captain - 1953-55
Rangers Points Leader - 1951, 1952
Rangers Assists Leader - 1950, 1951, 1952, 1955
Holds Rangers record for fastest 3 assists (1:10, 11/16/1947)

Playing 10 seasons in the N.H.L., all with the Rangers, Raleigh was a fine scorer and playmaker, but he weighed only 150 pounds or so, with a 5-foot-11-inch frame, bringing him the nickname Bones.

Raleigh became the youngest player in Rangers history when he made his N.H.L. debut in 1943 at age 17, when many players were in the military in World War II.

After serving in the Canadian Army, Raleigh returned to the Rangers in 1947 and had a few spectacular games that season, getting three assists in a span of 81 seconds against the Montreal Canadiens and four goals in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

But Raleigh’s signature moments came in April 1950, when the Rangers met the Detroit Red Wings for the Stanley Cup championship. The Rangers had to play all their games on the road — five in Detroit and two on neutral ice in Toronto — with the circus at Madison Square Garden.

Raleigh scored the winning goals in the first overtime period at Detroit’s Olympia arena in Games 4 and 5.

“I’ve always said the best shot in hockey is a one-timer — shooting the puck right off the pass,” he told John Halligan and John Kreiser in the oral history “Game of My Life: New York Rangers” (2006). Raleigh recalled that both his overtime goals came on just that kind of shot.
...
Raleigh’s feat in the finals was unmatched until 1993, when John LeClair of the Montreal Canadiens scored in two consecutive games against the Los Angeles Kings.

By then, Raleigh, known as Bones, was in the latter half of his career, and hockey was changing. Slight players who could dart past or stickhandle around opponents, players like Raleigh — 5 feet 11 inches and 150 pounds “soaking wet,” in the words of his Rangers linemate Pentti Lund — had thrived since the game’s inception.

“I knew how to collapse my body so that when guys hit me, I didn’t get hurt,” Raleigh told John Halligan and John Kreiser in the 2006 oral history “Game of My Life: New York Rangers.”
...
“Bones Raleigh was the quintessential antihero,” said the hockey historian and commentator Stan Fischler... “He was an intellectual; he would write poetry on the Staten Island Ferry,” Fischler said. “He would get the puck behind his net and just wend his way up ice on spectacular rushes. Problem was, Bones being so skinny, by the time he got inside the enemy zone, he was usually body checked. But we didn’t mind because he was our guy.”
...
“You couldn’t hit him,” said Chuck Scherza, who played alongside Raleigh on the wartime Rangers. “He was fast, a great skater and he could stickhandle so well. I knew he’d make it.”
...
Both also recalled him as a dedicated player who convened his teammates at the Belvedere for pregame strategy talks, a quality that helped elevate him to the Rangers captaincy from 1953 to 1955.
...
the emphasis under the new Rangers’ coach, Phil Watson, was being revised away from finesse, as it was throughout the game.

“Watson wanted us to be physical and run around and hit people and get hit,” Raleigh said in 2006. “That wasn’t for me, so after 1955-56, I left.”

Howell said: “We were all disappointed when he left. He’d been our mentor for a couple of years.”

Although Kenora born, Don Raleigh spent his brief junior career with the Winnipeg Monarchs of the MJHL. With the ranks of the NHL having been depleted by the call to enlist for World War II, young players such as 17-year-old Raleigh were called up to fill out the NHL's rosters.

He joined the New York Rangers for 15 games in 1943, although he spent the majority of the year in the minors with the Brooklyn Crescents. But during the campaign that followed, he was unable to return to the Rangers because an unusual wartime law prevented him from crossing the border. Instead, he returned to junior for a brief spell and then joined the Canadian Army until 1945. He then kicked around, skating for the Brandon Elks, the University of Manitoba, and the Winnipeg Flyers before resurfacing with the Rangers in 1947.

During the 1950 playoffs, he played heroically as the Rangers upset the Canadiens in the first round. Then, during the finals against the Wings, Raleigh scored overtime winners against goalie Harry Lumley to claim games four and five of the series. The Wings, however, roared back to take the final two games and the Stanley Cup.

Raleigh remained a steady scorer and playmaker with the Rangers until 1955-56 when he was dispatched to the minors to round out his career with the Providence Reds, Saskatoon Quakers, and the Brandon Regals. He hung up his blades for good in 1958.

A learned man, he was a rarity among the hard-bitten fraternity of hockey players. He was a poet and a philatelist, an admirer of classical music, especially of Mozart. Raleigh even grew a mustache at a time when players were expected to be clean shaven, though he complained no one noticed because his facial hair was a wispy blond.

He stood 5-foot-11, yet weighed no more than 150 pounds, making him one of the leanest players in hockey. His coach Lynn Patrick jokingly called him the toughest body checker in the league. "When he hits them," he said, "he cuts them."
...
The Rangers finished fourth in the 1949-50 season and were underdogs heading into the playoffs. Raleigh centred a line with Pentti Lund and Ed Slowinski, who kept Rocket Richard off the scorecard while netting goals of their own. The Rangers eliminated Montreal to face the Red Wings in the finals.

At 5'11" and 145-150lbs, the slender center was never a physical player. But he was a skilled puck technician. Best known as an elusive playmaker, he was an underrated goal scorer with a knack for scoring big goals.

Born in Kenora, Ontario, Raleigh was raised and became a junior hockey star in the Winnipeg area. His knack for winning championships at the bantam, midget and junior hockey levels assured him entry into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.
...
The Rangers teams sunk back to mediocrity for much of the next couple of decades, but Raleigh emerged as the team's offensive heart until his departure in 1955. In fact, in 1951-52 Raleigh set a team record (since surpassed) with 42 assists, and led the team with 61 points, the 4th best total in the entire league.

In 1945, Raleigh suited up for the Brandon Elks and led the league in scoring. 1946 saw a lot of hockey for “Bones”; he attended Brandon College, playing for them and five other clubs, including University of Manitoba, the Catholic Hockey League’s St. Mary’s / St. Alphonsus and Senior for the Reo Flyers. The 1947 edition of the Flyers fell one goal short of the Allan Cup finals.

“Bones” wore No. 9 for his historic NHL debut but spent the rest of his career wearing No. 7. He was the second-to-last player to wear No. 7 before it went to Rod Gilbert and then was retired in Gilbert’s honor. Raleigh attended the jersey retirement ceremony on Oct. 14, 1979 at the Garden.

One of the most popular players in Rangers history

a true fan favorite... Extremely popular with the fans... His fame boomed during the early 1950s, and in 1952 he became the first winner of the Boucher Trophy, given by the Rangers Fan Club to the team’s Most Popular Player. The nickname “Bones” was given to Raleigh by New York sportswriter Barney Kremenko, who was also responsible for nicknaming baseball legend Willie Mays “The Say Hey Kid”.

[quote="An Ode to Don Raleigh", Stan Fischler]One of the outstanding Rangers playoff heroes of the post-WWII era...

Raleigh's game resembled the smarts we see now in Brad Richards. Plus, "Bones" centered one of the NHL's best lines, doling smooth passes to left wing Ed Slowinski and Pentti Lund.
...
Raleigh gradually worked his way to the big club and emerged as one of New York’s most popular athletes. He was considered something of an oddball since he lived on Staten Island and commuted to The Old Garden on the Staten Island Ferry. The center was “mod” 20 years before his time. He lived alone on the remote New York borough of Staten Island; wrote poetry; grew a moustache; and always gave the impression that one more turn on the ice would be his last.
...
Raleigh got his nickname from the New York Journal-American -- American hockey writer Barney Kremenko. As it happened, Kremenko won some money at Belmont race track betting on a horse named Bag of Bones. That night, Raleigh had a big game and Kremenko decided to call him after his winning horse, shortening it simply to “Bones”. And that’s how the lightweight Ranger was known until he retired in 1956.[/QUOTE]

Commenting on Raleigh, who has been a sensation in pre-season workouts here, Patrick said he was the nearest thing to his former forward line star, Phil Watson, he's seen.

"He moves around in the same helter-skelter fashion as Phil," Patrick said. "And he can also skate like the blazes."

"Raleigh is the sweetest rookie I have looked at for quite a few seasons," Patrick said. "In fact, he's a jewel."

"He's a better player at 17 than Phil Watson was at 20 . . ." the veteran New York manager said. "He really flashes around on the blades, and he's here, there and everywhere. If he doesn't click I'll be very disappointed."

Coach [Frank] Boucher also goes out on the limb for Raleigh...

Don Raleigh, stick-handling expert of New York Rangers team

The surprise of the Canadiens-Rangers series was the work of the Rangers' attacking lines. Don Raleigh looked like one of the league's better pivotmen in that series, and it may be that he inspired both Ed Slowinski and Pentti Lund. Anyway, this line was a standout and if it is half as effective against the Red Wings, it will give the latter plenty of trouble.

"What I remember when we were down 3-2 was that we had a big meeting in Toledo, where we stayed during the playoffs," Pronovost said. "[Sid] Abel was (defenceman Black Jack Stewart’s) roommate. Bones Raleigh was playing for New York and he was Sid’s check. Jack said, ‘Don Raleigh is making a fool out of you.’

"I remember Sid said, ‘I was afraid to go to bed that night.’"

[Rangers coach Muzz Patrick]"Raleigh's forechecking throughout was wonderful. He kept the pressure on Detroit all night. He's done that well for us right along, but last night he played his best game of the season."

Raleigh didn't score any goals or get credit for any assists but the mere fact that he kept a team like the Red Wings off balance for a fair part of the game should be enough to convince the skeptics.

 

[Hedberg]

D/C John Mayasich

6'1, 216 lbs
Shoots L

1960 Olympic Gold Medal
1956 Olympic Silver Medal
Member of the US Hockey Hall of Fame

US Hockey Hall of Fame:

“Mayasich, who was probably the best amateur hockey player in America at the time, added muscle and hustle to the defense…,†so said coach Jack Riley, speaking of the Eveleth-born-and-reared skater, whose addition to the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team helped bring this country its first gold medal.

After playing for coaching legend Cliff Thompson in Eveleth, Mayasich went on to play for another Eveleth coaching legend, John Mariucci, at the University of Minnesota —both of whom are also U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame enshrinees. The silky smooth skater went on to three great years at Minnesota, being named an All American in each year (1953-55). Minnesota made it to the NCAA Tournament in 1954, only to lose an overtime heart-breaker to R.P.I in the championship game. The Gophers lost, but Mayasich scored four goals and five assists in two tournament games, as well as being named to the all-tournament first team.

His 29-49-78 and 41-39-80 scoring logs were good enough to win WCHA scoring titles in 1954 and 1955, as well. Following college, Mayasich was a performer with eight U.S. Olympic and National teams beginning with the 1956 silver medal winner.

It is, of course, the 1960 team which is so well remembered, though. Mayasich, who had by this time been shifted to defense, played brilliantly. His slap shot at Canadian goalie Don Head was quickly converted for a goal, which proved to be the winner in the critical 2-1 victory. Declining professional hockey opportunities, Mayasich devoted his remaining hockey career to the amateur Green Bay Bobcats.

Sports Illustrated (Dec. 13, 1999) - "The Quiet American -
John Mayasich was a wizard on ice but never got a shot to prove it in the NHL "

That Mayasich is little known outside his home state is an accident of time and place rather than the result of any limitation in his skills. "I don't care who you name, John could have played with them," says former Harvard coach Billy Cleary, who starred with Mayasich on the victorious 1960 U.S. Olympic team in Squaw Valley. "If you were to name an alltime American team, he'd be on it, either as a forward or a defenseman."

"Like a lot of great American players of his era, John came along at the wrong time," says Herb Brooks, a former national teammate of Mayasich, who coached the 1980 U.S. Olympic team to the gold medal and, later, the NHL's New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils and Minnesota North Stars. "He had a great shot and was a tremendous playmaker and skater," Brooks says, "but what set him apart was that he was the smartest hockey player I've been around. He was subtle, like a great chess master, and he made players around him better. It was like he saw the game in slow motion."


Mayasich, who played center, never lost a game in his high school career, leading tiny Eveleth High to 69 straight wins and four state titles in a row, from 1948 to '51. No other team has done that. The Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament is the most prestigious of its kind in the country, and Mayasich's name is still all over the record books. He owns 10 tournament scoring records, including most goals in one game (seven); most goals, career (36 in 12 games); most hat tricks, (seven in 12 games); and most points, one tournament (18 in three games).

During college he developed the weapon that was to become his offensive trademark: the slap shot. He learned about it while working in, of all places, Eveleth's open-pit mines during the summer with his friend and teammate Willard Ikola. Ikola had been the goalie on Eveleth's state championship teams. He went to college at Michigan, and every year the Wolverines played an exhibition game against the Detroit Red Wings. Some of the Wings were experimenting with the slap shot—a little-used novelty young players like Boom Boom Geoffrion of the Montreal Canadiens had introduced. Ikola described the shot to Mayasich, who'd never seen it.

This was before the innovation of the curved stick, and few players had the strength and coordination to master the slap shot. "I worked on it quite a bit," Mayasich says. "I had strong wrists from baseball and tennis, and got to where I could really let it go. If I was aiming at the right pipe, I'd come within six inches most of the time. I'd use it when I came down three-on-two, waiting till the defense backed in enough to let me get across the blue line. Then I'd slap it, and if the goalie stopped it there was usually a rebound. If the defense held the blue line, I'd pass off to a wing."

Mayasich became a scoring machine. His career scoring records at Minnesota still stand: 144 goals, 298 points in 111 games between 1951 and '55, a staggering average of 2.68 points per game. ( Gretzky averaged 2.62 points per game in his best four-season stretch in the NHL, 1982-86.) The Gophers' coach was John Mariucci, who had played defense for the Chicago Blackhawks, and he set up an exhibition game between the Hawks and the Gophers, which Chicago won, 5-3. "John scored two goals, and I thought he was the best player on the ice," recalls Jack McCartan, who played goalie for the 1960 U.S. Olympic team and made it to the NHL for a few games with the Rangers. "There's no doubt he could have played in the NHL. He was the best American hockey player I've ever seen."

But Mayasich got no offers to pursue an NHL career after college. The league was made up of only six teams, all with Canadian general managers. College players—especially U.S. college players—were not considered NHL material. Mayasich, who was in ROTC, also faced a two-year military obligation. "It wasn't a source of bitterness, since no college players were being given a chance," Mayasich says now. "But there's still regret, even to this day, not knowing if I could have done it."

International Hockey Legends

John Mayasich is regarded as one of the best amateur hockey players in the history of the United States.

Mayasich returned to international competition in five World Championships - 1958, 1961, 1962, 1966 and 1969. His best tournament was in 1962 when he was named to the All Star team and earned a bronze medal.

Mayasich declined many professional hockey opportunities to remain amateur with the Green Bay Bobcats as a player, coach, and general manager. He also worked as a high school teacher, an encyclopedia salesman and a radio employee.

Vintage Minnesota Hockey

Although Mayasich was a dominant force in the college ranks, he never chose to turn pro. The Iron Ranger had other commitments. "I was in the ROTC program when I was at the U," Mayasich said. "I had a two-year obligation. I played in the 1956 Olympics that was coached by (former Gophers coach John) Mariucci. I took my degree in education. And with three kids in my family and only six teams in the National Hockey League, I accepted a job at Stanley Hubbard (broadcasting). I don't regret any of it."

John Mariucci, in the most hyperbolic hockey quote of all time:

"John brought college hockey to a new plateau," Mariucci once said. "He was the Wayne Gretzky of his time. And today if he were playing pro hockey, he would simply be a bigger, stronger, back-checking Gretzky."

The First Miracle on Ice - Kevin Allen

The 26-year-old Mayasich was a veteran of several international tournaments. To this day, no American player can match Mayasich's record of playing for eight national teams. During the week, he was an advertising executive for a television station, but on weekends he played for the Green Bay Bobcats in the United States Hockey League.

He had been a high-scoring center in college hockey, netting 144 goals in 111 career games at Minnesota. In his senior season, he had 41 goals and 39 assists in 30 games. Opponents simply had no way to shut him down. His moves were too crafty, his shots too hard. He credits former Chicago Blackhawk player Doc Romnes, his coach for just one year at Minnesota, for refining the puck-handling skills that would serve him well for decades.

Playing center on a line with Bill Cleary and John Matchefts at the 1956 Games in Cortina, Mayasich led the Americans in scoring with six goals and four assists. He had a hat trick in the USA's 4-1 win against Canada.

But the Bobcats liked to use Mayasich on defense, because then he could dominate both ends of the ice. Riley, head coach at West Point, also liked Mayasich as a defenseman and let everyone know from the beginning that Mayasich was going to be added to the team right before the Olympics began. Mayasich didn't meet the team until the day before the games began in Squaw Valley.

Yet another product of Eveleth's hockey factory, Mayasich had his own unique calling card -- a wicked slap shot that would have been the envy of any NHLer except Bobby Hull. "He was way ahead of his time on that slap shot," Cleary said.

Mayasich began experimenting with it during college when Eveleth goaltender Willard Ikola, then playing at the University of Michigan, told him how he had seen another player attempt it. With his skills, Mayasich was able to master the concept just based on Ikola's description.

His slap shot was particularly befuddling to international competitors because it was completely foreign to players outside of North America.

 

[Dreakmur]

Dmitri Khristich !!!


Awards and Achievements:
2 x NHL All-Star (1997, 1999)

Scoring Accomplishments:
596 Points in 811 NHL Regular Season Games
40 Points in 75 NHL Play-off Games

Scoring Percentges:
Points – 73, 67, 66, 58, 53, 48, 45

Best 6 Seasons: 365

Team Scoring Placements:
Points – 1st(1997), 2nd(1994), 2nd(1996), 2nd(1998), 2nd(1999), 4th(1992), 5th(1995), 6th(1993)
Goals – 1st(1994), 1st(1996), 1st(1999), 2nd(1992), 2nd(1998), 3rd(1993), 3rd(1995), 3rd(1997)

A skilled left-winger and centre whose intensity has been questioned, Dimitri Khristich has demonstrated undeniable skill since entering the NHL in 1990-91. He entered the 2001-02 season as a key component of the highly-skilled Washington Capitals.

Born in Kiev, USSR, Khristich played six years for Sokol Kiev where he was a solid two-way forward. He was chosen 120th overall by Washington in 1988 when his talent was considered very raw. He progressed and took on greater responsibilities for Kiev over the next two years and played for the USSR when it won gold at the 1990 World Championships.

After starting the 1990-91 season in Kiev, Khristich joined the Capitals and scored 27 points in 40 games as a rookie. When he signed with the Caps on December 11, 1990, the 21-year-old Khristich made history as the youngest player ever allowed to leave the Soviet Union. The next season he broke through with 36 goals and was a consistent offensive threat until the end of the 1994-95 season. There was a concern over the drop in Khristich's play in the playoffs when tighter checking predominated. However, this malady was rampant throughout the team as it continually put up mediocre results in the post-season.

Khristich was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in July 1995 and he went on to score 27 goals in 1995-96 when he was named the team's most valuable player. During his time on the West Coast, Khristich played centre briefly on a line with Vladimir Tsyplakov and Vitali Yachmenev. In August 1997 he and goalie Byron Dafoe were sent to the Boston Bruins for Jozef Stumpel and Sandy Moger.

Khristich recorded consecutive 29-goal seasons and was one of the Bruins' best all-round forwards. A contract squabble with general manager Harry Sinden led to the Ukrainian being traded to Toronto where he disappointed with only 30 points in 53 games. He was also a non-factor when the Leafs were eliminated by the stronger New Jersey Devils in the second round. After a slow start and significant time spent in the press box, Khristich was traded to Washington where he started quickly then faded and ended up with only 13 goals in 70 games. His career was at an important juncture as the 2001-02 season began.

Scouting Reports:

Khristich is a rather lumbering skater who is strong on his skates, but not fast. He doesn’t explode to the puck so much as he treks toward it. At times Khristich will force a rush, rather than looking to give-and-go. He lines one move where he takes the puck to the defenseman’s left, then tries to go around, to the right, before reclaiming the puck. He has good instincts. He will try certain plays, simply to see if they work. Khristich likes to score, wants to score, and will try a number of methods to achieve that objective. He will shoot off the back foot, set up a screen and use it, or will use a quick release to whip a quick, accurate snap shot of deceptive speed from the top of the circle. Khristich is alert defensively and an asset on penalty killing. He played center in the Soviet Union, where the center has the high defensive responsibilities, so Khristich knows what to do in the checking role and can handle it well against the opposition’s first or second lines.

Khristich is not a banger, but he is strong, he will bump and he doesn’t shy away from the boards at all. In fact, he likes the boards and traffic and is very aggressive in his pursuit of loose pucks. He uses his body mass to advantage along the boards and in the corners. Khristich adjusted to the North American game very quickly. He has great desire and determination to become a star here and owns the mental toughness to act on his wish. He is popular with teammates, likes to hang around with them, and eagerly participates in team functions. There is a fine upside to his NHL future.

Khristich is a key to the Capitals’ power play. He plants himself at the post to the goaltender’s right, his forehand open and available, and waits for a crossing pass from whoever is stalling for time to the goaltender’s left. Every NHL team knows the play, every coach tells his team to watch for it, but Khristich still runs up his PP goal total. The pass comes across the goalmouth, just out of the goalie’s reach, and Khristich slams it in. Of course, if a defenseman goes to Khristich away from the puck, then whoever is holding it can work a two-on-one against the other defenseman. That can force a forward to cheat low, which opens up a point shot. So Khristich, just be standing where he likes to stay on the PP, is causing all kinds of chaos. But if he didn’t have the special hand-eye coordination to convert those passes, all this would be moot. Instead, you get an idea of the multi-purpose threat Khristich poses. He is not a dazzling skater with an impressive, powerful stride. He covers ground, though, changes direction fairly quickly and moves the puck pretty well. He can make a rush in open ice, picking up steam gradually and finishing the play with a heavy wrist shot that sizzles to the upper corners.

Khristich is responsible in the neutral zone, challenging the puck with poke checks and sweep checks, looking to create a turnover. While killing penalties, he does a good job challenging point shots – playing them goalie-style, so the shooter has to get it past Khristich, as well as the goaltender. He goes into the nasty areas of the ice, as well. When the puck goes to the boards, so does Khristich, who willingly uses his muscle in the traffic. If defensemen think he’s going to be easy to ride off the puck, Khristich surprises them with his strength.

Khristich is an immensely talented forward. He is a key component on the PP, because while the defensemen rocket the puck back and forth at the point, he’s ready and waiting down low… Khristich has good hand-eye coordination for deflection and for winning faceoffs. He is not a very fast skater, but he has a long, strong stride and very good balance. His hockey sense is very good, and he is responsible defensively as well as creative offensively. One weakness is that he puts himself into a position where he gets hit – and hurt. Perhaps he is holding onto the puck too long, or else he isn’t smart enough to know when to go into the corners or the front of the net and when to back off. In Europe, the game is different, and Khristich has not mastered the timing of North American-sized rinks.

Khristich is a very strong skater and is willing to go into the trenches. He is tough to knock off the puck and protects it well with his body. If he can avoid getting hurt, he will be more of a factor. He has the best size of the Caps’ “Euroforwards†and the most tenacity. His skill level is there too, but so far he has been unable to take his game out of the 30-goal range. A little more muscle on his line wouldn’t hurt.

An outstanding two-way player, Khristich works as hard at his checking assignment as he does when the puck is on the end of his stick. Khristich is a lanky winger, a rugged customer who’ll throw a check but won’t go out of his way to nail somebody. His greatest tools are his shooting and his will to win. He is something of a streaky scorer. He is less of a playmaker than a finisher and could be even more effective if he learned to use his linemates better.

WILL – score lots of goals
CAN’T – be intimidated
EXPECT – fine two-way play
DON’T EXPECT – an easy mark

Tough Kiev winger slumped badly in 2nd half. Average skater who is strong on the puck and doesn’t shy away from physical stuff has averaged 30 goals per season – without benefit of a 1st line center.

Khristich is no floater, rather, he works both ends of the ice, causing turnovers and capitalizing on mistakes. When the Caps are on the attack, he’s a determined skater who will not be deterred by the opposition. He’s big and strong and can take the necessary punishment in the slot and along the boards. He has great hands and can fire the puck from the wing as well as find openings inside. The caps would be well-advised to put a “protector†on Khristich’s line so that he would not have to absorb quite the punishment he’s taken early in his career. He’s a big target and sometimes lets himself get nailed… his skills are superb, his attitude and desire undisputed, but he can’t remain a 35-goal player and enjoy a popular place in the minds of fans who see him as a potential 45-50 goal scorer.

WILL – be a scoring ace
CAN’T – be pushed around
EXPECT – good two-way play
DON’T EXPECT – dumb penalties

Grinding Kiev winger… good in the corners and strong on the puck with only average speed, a more consistent effort is required before he returns to 92-93 form.

Khristich works hard at both ends of the ice, forechecking and forcing mistakes in the opposition. When attacking, he’s a determined, straightforward skater who will skate right through a check. He is big, powerfully built, and willing to absorb his share of punishment in the slot and along the boards, usually without retaliation. He has excellent hands and will unleash the puck from the wing with great velocity. Despite being genuinely tough, Khristich could use some protection. He provides a big target for players looking to run him, and occasionally he gets nailed but good. The Kings must send a message that Khristich is not going to be a human punching bag – that if you mess with him you mess with the whole team. Nobody doubts his skill or his attitude, and his desire to win is beyond reproach. However, if he doesn’t break out of the 30-35 goal range soon, he might be stuck with the rap of being an underachiever.

WILL – score a bunch
CAN’T – be intimidated
EXPECT – effort at both ends
DON’T EXPECT – many mistakes

A hard worker whether he’s forechecking or picking up his check in the defensive posture, Khristich relies on good skating speed and balance. His pursuit of the puck is relentless. He has excellent size and strength, and he doesn’t mind taking a hit to make a play. It’s rare that he’s goaded into taking stupid penalties. He has both a hard shot and good finesse with the puck, making him an all-around threat. Khristich has taken his share of pummeling at the hands of burly defenders and hard-nosed wingers, who bang him into the boards and try to intimidate him. He’s tough enough, but appears unwilling to send the kind of message that he won’t be fooled with – so he is. When the Kings traded Gretzky, that left Khristich as their top scorer. He could fill that role in Washington where the team had a strong defensive strategy at work, but in LA, where they give up goals like it’s one big shooting garage sale, he’ll have to be more of a contributor in all aspects.

WILL – grind after puck
CAN’T – carry the kings
EXPECT – a two-way winger
DON’T EXPECT – 100 point seasons

Part of his tendency to put himself in a position to get hit, and hurt, is from holding onto the puck to make a perfect play… a very sturdy skater but lacks physical presence. He will go into trenches and is tough to knock off the puck. He protects the puck well. Unless the Kings upgrade their personnel, Khristich rankes as their best forward. He doesn’t have much talent to work with, and he’s not a great one-on-one player.

although not a great skater, he is strong on the puck and a good cornerman.

Local media made Khristich the team’s MVP. Likes to fire away. A consistent goal scorer. Will begin the season as the #1 left winger… will get plenty of work on the PP… will easily lead the Kings in points again.

He led the team in scoring and was voted team MVP so what’s the problem? The Kings were hoping he’d step up in the wake of Gretzky’s departure and produce breakout numbers. But his output (56 points) can’t be too much of a shock considering his best season came back in 1991-92. He has good skill and is very strong on the puck, but is neither a great skater nor the star scorer the franchise needs.

only the Buffalo sabres had a team scoring leader with fewer points than Khristich, and the fact that their scoring leader was also matched up against other team’s top lines illustrates the dearth of talent up front… Khristich has not been as much of a factor on the PP as in recent seasons. The Kings ran a very disorganized PP last season and didn’t have an effective point man, which limited the work he could do down low.

near the end of his prime… best playmaker on the team, which tells you that this team is in trouble. Defensively aware. Strong onto the puck. Holds onto the rubber like scrooge to money, hoping for the highlight reel pass, thus he shoots even less than he used to. More of a second line-type player, he’ll be asked to put the Russian Line and PP on his shoulders again this season. Will lead the Kings in scoring, a sure sign they’ll miss the playoffs again.

versatile ex-cap delivered an impressive stretch run with 23 points over the final 21 games… physical and skilled with a powerful shot, he is very strong on the puck but can be erratic on times. As he is not one of Burns’ favourites, management rates him below market value and contract talks could get messy.

His hockey sense is excellent… could lose his spot to Joe Thornton… the Bruins don’t consider him a bonafide 1st line player, probably because of a lack of physical commitment, but they didn’t have much else to work with last season.

was listed as MIA in the 1st round of the playoffs. If this guy showed up to play every night he would be one of the league’s elite. He doesn’t. Khristich has world class skills, but his inconsistency holds him back. When he’s hot, he’s an amazing scorer.

won a 1.95M arbitration ruling last summer… was a complete no-show in the postseason. When inspired, has the sharp offensive skills and great strength on the puck to be a top line player, but too often has a tendency to lose interest… B’s will walk away from arbitration decision. Decaying returns.

The Bruins have had it with Khristich’s inconsistent effort and were looking to deal their second-leading scorer during the offseason. Even with the ability to score 30 goals and 70 points, his ability to show up every night drives coaches crazy.

Khristich failed to provide the 2nd line scoring the leafs were expecting. A master of the garbage goal, he likes to plant himself just off to the side of the net on the PP. A decent two-way player, he is overrated as a scorer.

has good hand-eye coordination for deflections and can even take draws. Boston walked away after Khristich won a salary arbitration ruling in 1999, and he played as if he had something to prove with the Leafs. He soldiered on through the playoffs despite torn ligaments in his wrist. He will probably play on a 3rd line this season and could provide good numbers while performing his defensive job. If he plays with the same passion and consistency he did last season, he can score 20 goals in his full-time role.

talented two-way forward has excellent strength on the puck and can play all three forward spots but was not the same creative offensive player that posted back-to-back 29 goal seasons with the Bruins.

injuries may have been a factor last season, since he needed surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow after the season.

made an instant splash during his 2nd stint in Washington with 14 points in his first 11 games but was never the same after returning from a January hamstring injury. Tough, two-way forward valued for his goal-scoring and tremendous versatility, he temporarily jumpstarted the caps’ top line and PP with his strong puck skills, however quickly faded to the checking unit.

enigmatic winger has landed back in Washington. While he seems more comfortable now, he needs to pick up his game. He possesses good hockey sense and a lethal shot. What has frustrated many is the big Russian’s propensity to disappear for several games at a time. He’s solid defensively, but when you’re making big money you must produce more than he has.

​

 

[Rob Scuderi]

D Tom Reid

701 GP, 42 Playoff GP
T10th in '72 AST Voting

Killed 50% of team's penalties, 1.21 rating

Team TOI Estimates (min 40 GP with team)
ES: 6 ('68), 3 ('70), 2 ('71), 2 ('72), 2 ('73), 2 ('74), 2 ('75), 4 ('76), 4 ('77)
PK: 2 ('68), 4 ('70), 2 ('71), 3 ('72), 4 ('73), 2 ('74), 2 ('75), 2 ('76), 1 ('77)

He graduated from the amateur ranks just in time to take advantage of the NHL's expansion in 1967. After a brief time in the minors, he joined the Chicago Blackhawk blueline corps and quickly established himself as a stay-at-home defender who viewed the offensive zone as a distant moon.Reid lasted with Chicago until 1969, at which time the Minnesota North Stars acquired him. For the ten seasons that followed with the Stars, he served as a sort of third goal post, firmly anchored to his own zone. With the Minnesota North Stars his forte was keeping the puck out of the net, not putting it in. He did it all defensively, taking out foes, blocking innumerable shots, checking the puck away from opposing forwards, the whole gamut of defensive skills. "Tommy is important to our defense," coach Ted Harris was quoted as saying.

Reid stood as a North Star mainstay until 1977-1978 season. It was at that time that a small red rash appeared on his arm. Massive itching sensations soon followed as his skin began to deteriorate. His affliction soon took on the name "Gunk." As the league's doctors, trainers, and equipment producers began to investigate, they discovered that about 100 players across the NHL were suffering from various degrees of the affliction. But no case was as severe as Reid's. His skin got so bad that he could only sleep while sitting upright in a wooden chair. Before the season was over, his suffering grew so severe that he was forced to retire. In the end, the doctors concluded that he was allergic to his equipment and to the die found in his uniform.

http://www.vintageminnesotahockey.com/TomReid.html

"Reid is that rare bird, a young fellow who emphasizes defence and works at it," says North Stars' coach Jack Gordon. "Nowadays a defenceman doesn't get much chance to hit, but Reid has fine anticipation and gets in his share of shots."

Reid agrees he enjoys scoring goals just like any other player. "But to me the ultimate in satisfaction is preventing a breakaway, overhauling a rival and taking the puck off him before he can draw a bead on our goalkeeper."

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9epUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oTwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1298,2388515

Both benches cleared as fights erupted across the ice with three minutes to play. Tom Reid of the North Stars and Tony Featherstone of the Seals started the brawl.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ekFIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6wANAAAAIBAJ&pg=4499,4488446

Frank Mahovlich had the first chance at an open net, but his shot from the blueline was deflected wide by defenceman Tom Reid of the North Stars.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=r2pYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hTwNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1513,108693

 

[Rob Scuderi]

LW Lowell MacDonald

506 GP,180-210-390 PTS
11-11-22 PTS in 30 Playoff GP

Goals: 6, 23
Assists: 30
Points: 9, 27

Team Scoring: 2, 3, 3, 5, 7, 7

Overpass's adjusted numbers: 460GP, 141-160-301 ESP (51) / 48-62-110 PPP (19 PPP 44% .95)
70s VS #2: 95, 75, 61, 54, 50 = 335 over 5

Lowell MacDonald began his career with the Detroit Red Wings organization during the Original Six era. First getting into an NHL game in 1961-62, MacDonald played but 46 games over four seasons with the Wings before he was traded to Toronto in a blockbuster deal.

On May 20, 1965, Parker MacDonald was sent to the Leafs along with Marcel Pronovost, Larry Jeffrey, Eddie Joyal, and Aut Erickson for Andy Bathgate, Billy Harris, and Gary Jarrett. MacDonald, however, never stepped on the ice at Maple Leaf Gardens, and was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1967 Expansion Draft.

Playing regularly, MacDonald showed the scoring touch he had exhibited in junior. But during the Kings' training camp in Barrie, Ontario prior to the 1969-70 season, he packed his suitcase and retired, citing a manic fear of flying. After much of the season had expired, the Kings were able to convince him to report to their AHL affiliate in Springfield.

That summer, Pittsburgh claimed him from the Kings, but early into the 1970-71 season, MacDonald damaged his knee and was sidelined for virtually two seasons. The surgeries and rest did his knee a world of good, and he joined the Penguins for 1972-73, enjoying an outstanding season and winning the Masterton Trophy for his perseverance and dedication to hockey. But after four strong seasons, he injured his shoulder, and MacDonald struggled through two more painful seasons, retiring after 1977-78.

 

[Rob Scuderi]

G Daren Puppa

Vezina: 2 ('90), 3 ('96)
AST: 2 ('90), 4 ('96)
Hart: 14 ('96)

Top 10 GAA: 5 ('90), 7 ('96), 8 ('94), 9 ('93)
Top 10 SV%: 2 ('96), 3 ('90), 6 ('93)

Year|GP|Puppa's SV %|League Average SV %
1988|17|.870|.880
1989|37|.889|.879
1990|56|.903|.881
1991|38|.885|.886
1992|33|.878|.888
1993|32|.898|.885
1994|63|.899|.895
1995|36|.905|.901
1996|57|.918|.898
1998|26|.900|.906
1999|13|.906|.908

After waiting, Puppa was thrown into a partial starter's role in the NHL with the departure of Tom Barrasso to Pittsburgh in the 1988-89 season. And while he played in 37 games for the season and did hold his own going 17-10-6, Puppa's season ended abruptly in January when he broke his right arm (his catching arm) and it ended his season. Yet, the 1989-90 campaign was one to remember for Puppa as he reached many milestones for his career. Not only was Puppa put into the NHL All-Star Game (and getting the victory), but he was second behind Patrick Roy in Vezina Trophy voting after a 31-16-6 season.

However, the higher they raise, the harder they crash-- because that's how physics works. The 1990-91 season saw the start of his back problems, as Puppa missed nine games in November to a back injury. Also, Puppa was lost to a groin pull in February of 1991. In that season, Puppa only got 38 games in and finished with a 15-11-6 record. The 1991-92 season saw more injury woes as Puppa fractured his arm and missed 16 games in November and for the season, Puppa went 11-14-4 for the Sabres and 0-2-1 for Rochester when he went there to rehab. While the 1992-93 season saw a bounce-back by Puppa, he had been usurped by Dominik Hasek and even with a 11-5-4 record, Puppa was expendable.

In February of 1993, Puppa was traded with Dave Andreychuk and a first round pick to Toronto for Grant Fuhr. Puppa played eight games for the Leafs and went 6-2-0 with a 3.58 GAA for his tenure there. His stay in Toronto was short-lived as he was left unprotected for the Expansion Draft.

It was an interest Expansion Draft for Puppa, as he was picked by the Florida Panthers in the Phase I of Draft, but then was unprotected again and was then picked up by the Tampa Bay Lightning during Phase II of the Draft. He went to Florida either way, at least.

In a new town, new franchise-- Puppa was the starter for the Bolts and kept them in it for the most part. Though in his 63 games, Puppa went 22-33-6, his GAA of 2.71 showed it wasn't on him for losing the games that they did. The shortened-season in 1994-95 got Puppa closer to making the Bolts a contender with a 14-19-2 record and 2.68 GAA and in the 1995-96 season, Puppa's efforts were rewards. That season, Puppa was able to get the Bolts in the playoffs with his play, even with the injuries he had during the season (sprained wrist, knee surgery, back issues). The record of 29-16-9 aided the Bolts to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. However, Puppa's role was diminished in the playoffs thanks to back spasms at the end of the season and often would come in relief of Jeff Reese for three games. However, this was the beginning of the end of Puppa's strong reign.

The 1996-97 campaign was a huge wash for Puppa as he underwent back surgery in November and missed the majority of the season. He played in only six games, going 1-1-2 with a stellar 2.58 GAA. The 1997-98 season started off well enough health-wise, with Puppa playing 26 games, but going 5-14-6 for the season; yet his back issues flared up and caused him to miss the season of the season from December onward. The 1998-99 season saw only get 13 games (5-6-1) in before a groin injury put him out for the rest of the year in November of 1998. The final straw was when Puppa had another early season injury in November of 1999 after playing only five games (1-2-0) and forced Puppa to retire.

http://scottywazz.blogspot.com/2009/12/absurd-goalie-monday-daren-puppa.html

Tampa Bay recruited him from Detroit last season in hopes of becoming a legitimate playoff contender. Instead, repeated injuries to the star goaltender Daren Puppa derailed those plans and cost Coach Terry Crisp his job.

http://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/17/sports/nhl-all-star-break-ciccarelli-traded-to-florida.html

Tampa Bay's Daren Puppa and Buffalo's Dominik Hasek put on goaltending clinics as Tampa Bay and Buffalo played to a 1-1 tie Sunday night.

Puppa, who stopped Randy Burridge from just outside the crease in the final minute of overtime, stopped 36 Buffalo shots, Hasek made 30 saves. ...Puppa matched Hasek, stopping Brian Holzinger twice from in close and then withstanding a final-minute barrage that included point-blank chances by Matthew Barnaby and Derek Plante.

news.google.com/newspapers?id=WtZWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=x-sDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3397,1575340

 

[Dreakmur]

Darryl Sutter !!!


Awards and Achievements:
Stanley Cup Champion (2012)
Stanley Cup Finalist (2004)

Jack Adams voting: 3rd(2004), 4th(1993), 10th(1998), 10th(1999), 10th(2006), 11th(2001)

Coaching Record:
434-333-101-41 in 909 NHL Regular Season Games
63-58 in 121 NHL Play-off Games

San Jose increased their regular season point totals for 5 straight seasons under Sutter. He`s the only coach to ever accomplish this feat.

Apparently, Sutter’s caoching style noticably impacts his goaltenders:
http://brodeurisafraud.blogspot.ca/2012/06/darryl-sutter-and-goaltending.html

Darryl Sutter, now 53 years old, was born in Viking, Alberta and is part of a family that boasts numerous NHL players. Sutter was drafted 179th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1978 NHL draft. As a forward with the Blackhawks, Sutter registered 279 points in 406 regular season games and 43 points in 51 playoff games.

Sutter had previous success coaching both the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames. Under Sutter, the Sharks made the playoffs in five straight seasons between 1998 and 2002. In Calgary, Sutter took the Flames to the Stanley Cup final in 2004 and led them to a division title in 2006.

Sutter took over for Andy Murray as the Kings’ head coach this past December. Sutter once again was teamed up with Dean Lombardi, his former boss in San Jose. Sutter took a struggling, underachieving team and guided them to a 25-13-11 record in 49 games.

Sutter is an intelligent, quiet individual who brings a tough, no nonsense style to coaching. He is a blue-collar guy who expects a blue-collar effort from all his players, including his stars. Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty are just a few examples of players that Sutter has brought out the best in. The Kings play physical, have a strong forecheck and know what it takes to defend a lead.

Coaching Style:

Darryl is a coach who will make your team better. He understands that players must play to their strengths. He is excellent at helping all players know what their strengths are, but most importantly he knows how to help them understand how those can translate to the team being better.

Darryl is direct, and there is little room for the players to perform on the margins.

He made sure we’re attached to the games, getting into it from an emotional standpoint. It’s hard to play game 55 of the regular season if you’re not emotionally attached to it.

He’s an honest guy. If you’re playing like crap, he’s going to tell you. If you’re playing good, he’ll pat you on the back.

Anyone can respect that. That’s why players play for him.

There’s not much second-guessing what you supposed to do — and if you don’t do it, you don’t play too much. There were games like that early in my career. It makes you realize every shift matters and every shift counts. It made me a better hockey player.[/quote]

I mean, he pushes the right buttons. You can do all the Xs and Os right, and if you’re not emotionally attached, it’s really hard to win in this league. He brought attention to that, pushing guys, patting guys on the back at the right times.

Maybe it’s a little bit of a cliche, but everyone’s equal in that room. If you’re a superstar or a role player, you’re expected to do the right things. He plays no favourites.

He’ll just say: ‘Is this game too hard for you tonight?’ Just to get you angry. He knows what makes hockey players angry.

....

He holds the players to a standard that he thinks we should be at all the time. He knows the right time to be relaxed. He knows the right time when the team is feeling good about themselves and he brings us down a little bit. He just makes sure and pushes the buttons to make sure we’re ready.

He is an intense guy. He expects every guy on the team, to bring what he can bring. He knows how to do that. He expects you to do better than the guy you’re paying against.

....

Everyone bought into their roles. That’s really key. That’s how he coaches: he expects the guys ho can score to score, he expects the checkers to check, an guys buy into their roles and every guy in our team played a part in winning.

He blamed himself. He said he should have seen this sooner. He showed me what he was going to do on the board, the changes he was going to make systematically.

It was just really, a guy with his experience, he’s beating himself up: ‘This is my fault. It should have never got this far. We’ve got to make this adjustment.’ I found it amazing he was blaming himself.

....

He never forgets players win. It’s about players. He’s very much a player’s coach. The players that played for him when I hired him, how many texts I got from them. These are guys you want on your team, who admire him and still thank him for making (them) better.

Athletes have changed. But I think deep down, they still want to be pushed and they still want to be the best they can be. We put so much around them now, it’s easy to take the easy way. He doesn’t allow that.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Stephane Robidas​

Position: Defense
Born: March 3, 1979 in Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 196 lbs
Shoots: Right
Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars​

Awards
NHL All Star Game - 2009
TSN's "No Guts, No Glory" award for the toughest player - 2009

Achievements
In 2009-10, Robidas was #1 in hits and #7 in blocked shots among defensemen.
In 2008-09, Robidas was #3 in hits among defensemen.
In 2007-08, Robidas was #4 in hits among defensemen.
In 2006-07, Robidas was #9 in hits among defensemen.
In 2005-06, Robidas was #6 in hits among defensemen.

If actions speak louder than words, then Stephane Robidas has clearly been the Most Valuable Player on the Stars for the past four seasons. Three different assistant coaches have made him the most used player (or close to it) on the team in each of those seasons - and that is a heck of a statement.

Robidas clearly is a warrior who has fought to be a greater player than anyone ever expected. He might symbolize all that is good about the team in this most recent era…and also what is lacking.

Because, on most teams, Robidas probably shouldn’t be your No. 1 defenseman. He is not big at 5-11, 196. He is not especially fast or skilled. He is not a power play quarterback who will dazzle with a big shot or an amazing eye. He is good…very good at times…but that hasn’t always been good enough for a team that has missed the playoffs for four straight seasons.
...

His average actually slipped behind Alex Goligoski by one second last season, but that total was a little misleading, as Robidas played 44 seconds per game less on the power play and typically had the toughest minutes of any defenseman. If you ask most, he was considered the team’s best defenseman last season.

ASSETS: Moves the puck quickly and effectively out of the defensive zone. Is a very heady player with solid all-around ability. Steps up in big spots. Is always willing to take a hit to make a play. Dishes it out, too.

FLAWS: Should produce more points with his skill set, but has trouble providing consistent offense. Can struggle against big forwards and is prone to bone-jarring hits in the defensive zone that can wear him down.

Stephane Robidas – There is little question Robidas is the bell cow on the Dallas blueline. He has an absolute cannon of a shot, and he is not afraid to use it...

Q: Which players would you like to see take on more of a leadership role for this team going forward?

A: I think there are guys that are good leaders like Stephane Robidas. He has the good core values we like to see in our players. I'm sure he sees some things he's probably not in agreement with as far as stuff that happens. He has an awful lot of respect in that locker room.

"He comes in every day, and it doesn't matter if it's practice, playoffs or Game 40, he's giving it his all," said defenseman Nicklas Grossman, who was scratched on Monday with a lower-body injury. He's listed as day-to-day. "He always in good position and makes good first passes. He's just a reliable, solid defenseman, and he's a professional."
...
"The new rules and the fact that he was growing and maturing as a player hit at the same time," Crawford said. "You have to have great ability, you have to be able to skate, and strength is not the be-all-end-all of the defenseman. You have to be cagey, smart and have good skating ability. He has those things."
...
"He's not afraid to hit guys that are 20 or 30 pounds bigger or three or four inches taller than him," said Stars assistant coach Charlie Huddy, a former defenseman who won five Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980s. "He's not the biggest of guys, but he's a battler."

"That guy is the top of the league for young guys to look up to," said Nicklas Grossman, one of a group of youngsters that played well during Dallas's surprise run to the Western Conference finals last season. "Just the way he plays, the way he brings it every night. He doesn't have to say a word. He shows it on the ice.

"You see him play, you want to do the same."

Grossman recalled the night Robidas went down with a broken jaw.

"You see that and you go, 'Whoa, that's not good.' Then you see it's No. 3 and it's Robidas, and it's OK," Grossman said.
...
Last season, when Philippe Boucher and Zubov went down with injury, it was Robidas who answered the bell. He'd already established himself as fearless, but he also started to produce offense. Although Zubov returned for the playoffs, it was Robidas who provided the offensive spark, collecting 11 points in 18 postseason games and averaging 25:31 a night in ice time.
...
"He typifies a guy that we want to have as our identity," Tippett said. "Whether he's hurt or not hurt, he's in the most battles within a game of anybody. What he's done is transformed himself into a very intelligent player that plays well within a team game."