Early Europeans in North America

[tarheelhockey]

Name: Josef ”Pepa” Maleček

Maleček was unfortunately not brave or bold enough to accept the invitation.

and deep down [My speculation], he probably didn’t feel that he was good enough for the NHL.

This seems rather unfair to Malecek. Playing in the NHL in 1931 was not some fantasy life for Eastern Europeans. The Stanley Cup was just another sports trophy, there were a couple of franchises on the verge of folding, and the country was sinking into a financial crisis. The money would have hardly been better than what Malacek was making as a successful businessman, and he would have gone from cultural icon in his hometown, to random foreign guy walking around Depression-era Manhattan.

The reason he turned down the opportunity was probably much the same reason many modern players retire rather than extending their careers in the KHL. The proposition just isn't that great for someone who's already doing OK financially.

 

[DN28]

Leif Holmqvist

Kopaná-hokej, February 1968:
"Although last World Championship in Vienna did not exactly catch him in the greatest form, he has been delivering outstanding performances over the course of this season. He belonged to the best ones even in the recent American-Canadian tour of the Tre Kronor, where he got an offer for the transfer to professionals from the Boston Bruins."


Tord Lundström

Kopaná-hokej, February 1968:
"Lundström was another Tre Kronor player who was very much liked in Canada (also received an offer from Detroit Red Wings to play in the NHL)."


Svedberg, Ketola, Lundström, Hedberg, Nedomanský, Jiří Holík, Jaroslav Holík, Horešovský

Interwiev with Mike Daski, a chiefscout of the Detroit Red Wings in Československý sport, 28th of March 1970:

"Question: Which players have impressed you the most this year in Stockholm? Would any one of them have a chance to play in the NHL?
Mike Daski: Last year, we invited to our camp Svedberg from the Swedish squad, and the Finn Ketola. I have my sight on other players from Sweden, Lundström and young Hedberg, which we would like to try out. Svedberg proved himself in our camp, I hope that he will accept our invitation this year too, furthermore that he will later catch on the opportunity to play in the NHL. I´d be also interested in some of the players of the CSSR team, though they have already been on negotiation lists of different professional clubs (Nedomanský New York Rangers, Jiří and Jaroslav Holík in Boston Bruins, Horešovský in Saint Louis Blues), that´s why they are inaccesible for us."


Václav Nedomanský

First approached by New York Rangers in 1965, since then the Rangers were offering him and the CSSR association the money and contract basically every year until 1969, if not even later. Then there were talks with St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres later. I´ve written about it in the past:

The amount of praise and attention that Nedomansky received from North Americans was quite extraordinary compared to the rest of Czechoslovak players. I can safely say that no other CSSR player can be compared to Nedomansky when it comes to number of approaches from NHL managers and scouts. American and Canadian teams were showing interest in Nedomansky regularly throughout his extended prime (1965-1974) and Czech newspapers and magazines certainly did not fear of publishing offers made by various NHL teams such as New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues or Buffalo Sabres. Thus Nedomansky was making popular headlines in the press, this effort to bring Nedomansky to North America appears to be quite a „theme“ of those times. A few examples:

„Nedomanský: I wish I´d train with the New York Rangers“, February 1967
View attachment 136039

„New York Rangers buys Nedomanský“, January 1969
View attachment 136041

„Buffalo would like to…“, January 1973
View attachment 136043

If I remember correctly, Rangers showed interest in Nedomansky as early as in 1965 during one of Czechoslovaks tours over Canada. In 1969, Rangers offered Nedomansky (and Richard Farda) two-year contract for 35 000 USD. St. Louis in 1969 wanted to take several Czech players, one of which was Nedomansky, but CSSR hockey association only allowed Jaroslav Jirik to go abroad since Jirik had been a member of National team for 11 years already. During the Ontario Cup in January 1973, it was the Sabres GM Punch Imlach who approached CSSR hockey authorities whether Nedomansky is available, but his offer was declined.

_______________________

I am going to add more hopefully by the end of next weekend.

 

[crobro]

Aribert Heim

Aribert Heim

 

[Robert Gordon Orr]

Aribert Heim

Aribert Heim

I think Aribert Heim is a guy more appropriate for another thread, he had nothing to do with North America. It was not a known fact that he played hockey until I discovered it in the 1990s, and back in those days (1990s) it was still believed that he was alive. It wasn't until about 10 years ago that his son could prove Heim's death (Died in 1992) with legal documents.

Also, it's not correct that Heim declined and wanted to be excluded from team pictures.
I have several team photos with him in them. He was not a wanted war criminal at the time when he played hockey.

 

[crobro]

I think Aribert Heim is a guy more appropriate for another thread, he had nothing to do with North America. It was not a known fact that he played hockey until I discovered it in the 1990s, and back in those days (1990s) it was still believed that he was alive. It wasn't until about 10 years ago that his son could prove Heim's death (Died in 1992) with legal documents.

Also, it's not correct that Heim declined and wanted to be excluded from team pictures.
I have several team photos with him in them. He was not a wanted war criminal at the time when he played hockey.

I read that he played on the German Olympic team as well as the Spengler cup so would have had exposure at least to some degree here in North America

 

[Robert Gordon Orr]

I read that he played on the German Olympic team as well as the Spengler cup so would have had exposure at least to some degree here in North America

No, Heim didn't play in the Olympics, but did represent Austria at the 1937 Academic World Winter Games, even scoring a goal against France. Heim was a medical student at the time and went under the nickname "der Lange".

Of course, he had some North American exposure by playing against other European teams that had North American players on their rosters. Heim himself had Canadian teammates, i.e. Frank Quinn in EKE Wien (Vienna). He also played against the Trail Smoke Eaters in 1939 (They became World Champions that same year).

 

[Robert Gordon Orr]

1961/62

Ok, so here's the continuation of the player evaluations/profiles.

Lennart Häggroth played some unbelievable hockey in 1962 and led Sweden to a World Championship title. His performance got him on the Boston Bruins negotiation list on March 14.

Bruins general manager Lynn Patrick invited Häggroth, Ulf Sterner and Roland Stoltz to the Bruins training camp later that year (September). A fourth Swede, Nisse Nilsson got an invitation from the Bruins as well.

Name: Lennart ”Klimpen” Häggroth
Age: 22
Position: GK
Height: 180 cm / 5’11”
Weight: 76 kg / 168 Ibs

Lennart Häggroth [1940-2016] – Häggroth was a native of Kiruna, way up north in Sweden.
There he played for Kiruna AIF in the lower divisions for several seasons in the 1950s, before playing top level hockey.

He was a strong standup goalie who relied heavily on his fast reflexes, that served him well on close range shots. He was particularly hard to beat on low shots as he covered the lower parts of the goal well.
Häggroth had a sensational tournament in 1962 when Sweden captured the World Championship gold medal. He was voted as the best goaltender of the tournament and made the All-Star team.
His performance put him on the map of NHL scouts.

Häggroth represented Sweden 65 times. He had a hard time to cope with popularity after his heroics in 1962 and battled alhoholism for many years. Although alcohol prematurely ended his career, he did recover in later years and openly talked about his alcohol addiction. He worked as a hockey coach for a while. Häggroth was a welder by trade and later sold welding machines and tools. He also worked as a social worker.

”It will be terrific if he can make it. All we need is a good goalie and we can move up in a hurry,” - Lynn Patrick, Boston Bruins general manager, March 1962

”I think Haggroth’s a good goalie. We certainly have been having trouble with our goalies.” – Walter Brown, president of the Boston Bruins, March 1962

”Lennart can make the big league. He needs someone to show him a few things and he’ll get that in the Bruins’ training camp,” - Sven ”Tumba” Johansson, Swedish teammate who was on a tryout with Boston in 1957, March 1962

”He has a great pair of hands and tremendous reflexes. He’s about on par with [Jack] McCartan right now.” – Tod Sloan, former NHL player who played on the Canadian national team in 1962, March 1962

”I don’t think he’s too good. Why, we have a few goalies in junior hockey back home who are good or even better.” – Don McLeod, former NHL player who played on the Canadian national team in 1962, March 1962

How would he do?: I have a hard time seeing Häggroth earning a goalie spot in the NHL.
This is not a knock on Häggroth, he was a fine player, but back then, during the original six era, I can not see any European goalie stealing a starting job away from a Canadian goalie. There were many high quality goalies in the minor leagues that were better than any European goalie at the time, and the minor leaguers would be cheaper as well.



Name: Nils ”Dubbel-Nisse” Nilsson
Age: 26
Position: C
Height: 181 cm / 5’11”
Weight: 76 kg / 168 Ibs

Nils Nilsson [1936-2017] - Together with Tumba Johansson, Nisse Nilsson was by many regarded as the best Swedish forward in the 1950s and 60s. Nilsson was pretty much a complete player, minus the physical play. He could skate, had tremendous technique, hard shot, leadership qualities and fine playmaking abilities.

Nilsson had a thousand moves and was really unpredictable on breakaways.
Aside from the physical play, his only drawback might have been that he sometimes held on to the puck too long and skated with his head down, making him vulnerable to hits.

Nilsson represented Sweden 205 times. He was voted as the best forward at the 1960 Olympics and was an All-Star at the 1962 World Championships. Retired in 1970. During his playing days he worked in a warehouse, later worked for JOFA in the 1960s. In the last 30 years he worked for a wholesaler that sold bulk candy.

How would he do?: Nilsson would thrive in the NHL today among the many soft players and the minimal amount of hitting. He had great skills but the North American game back then would not suit him at all. Could he have adapted to the North American type of hockey? It is possible, but I don’t think that he would be prepared mentally to change his style of hockey. To sum it up, Nilsson's type of hockey would fly in the NHL 50 years later, but not in 1962/63.



Name: Roland ”Rolle” Stoltz
Age: 31
Position: DF
Height: 189 cm / 6’2”
Weight: 95 kg / 209 Ibs

Roland Stoltz [1931-2001] - Rolle Stoltz was a big and heavy defenseman who formed a very reliable blueline tandem together with Lars Björn for many years. Just like Björn, he was a rather poor/slow skater, but was very sound positionally with a great physical presence.

Stoltz was a smart player with a well developed hockey sense. He was seen as a tactically shrewd player and really used his big size to his best advantage. Once again, just like Björn he didn’t have much of a shot. Stoltz was extremely popular among his teammates thanks his quick and witty humour.

Stoltz helped Djurgårdens IF win six straight league titles between 1958 and 1963. He was named the best player in Sweden 1959 and represented Sweden 218 times. Stoltz was also named as the best defenseman at the 1963 World Championships. He eventually retired in 1970. Stoltz became a TV-commentator after his playing career. He was inducted into the IIHF and Swedish Hockey Hall of Fame. Stoltz passed away of cancer at the age of 69.

How would he do?: As stated previously, Stoltz was a similar type of player as Lasse Björn.
In 1962/63, Stoltz was a veteran and had a lot of experience, but I think that he would play in the minors during the first year, possibly getting a call-up in case of injuries. Leo Boivin, Ted Green, Warren Godfrey and Doug Mohns (if used as a D) would all be ahead of Stoltz on the depth chart. Having said that, it is possible that given his seniority, Stoltz would get a chance from the get-go, but I doubt it.

Ulf Sterner will be profiled later.

 

[Robert Gordon Orr]

1963/64

“I foresee a lot of Europeans trying out for the National Hockey League in the near future. Sweden has made tremendous strides in hockey recently, so have Norway, Finland, Switzerland and West Germany. They are catching up to Canada in developing good, young hockey players.” - Muzz Patrick, New York Rangers general manager, August 1963

Five European players attended the NHL training camps. Toronto invited Carl-Göran Öberg and Kjell Svensson from Sweden, as well as Czech player Jiří (George) Křen.
A third Swede, Ulf Sterner joined NY Rangers. He was also sought after by Bruins and Maple Leafs at the time. A fifth one, Frenchman Jean Paupardin had a brief stay with the Montreal Canadiens.

Of the five Europeans in camp, only Sterner was expected to play a few games in the NHL (Five game tryout with NY Rangers).


Name: Carl-Göran ”Lill-Stöveln” Öberg
Age: 24
Position: LW
Height: 180 cm / 5’11”
Weight: 82 kg / 181 Ibs

Carl-Göran Öberg [1938-] – A native of Gävle, where his father was a farmer. Öberg came from a family of hockey players. His younger brother Hans ”Stöveln” Öberg and cousin Lars Öberg both represented Sweden. Technically, Öberg was a very skilled player who had a good shot.

He also earned a reputation for his hot temper. Öberg was never afraid to battle it out along the boards. He was a strong two-way player and was always responsible at both ends of the ice. In total, he represented Sweden 191 times (including unofficial games), scoring 90 goals. In his early playing days he worked as a plumber before getting a degree in engineering. Retired as a hockey player in 1978.

September 5 – Arrival to Canada

He arrived at Toronto International Airport together with Kjell Svensson. Öberg said from the get-go that he actually was serious about trying to earn a professional contract.

September 6 – First skate and tight schedule

Both Öberg and Svensson had their first skate since they arrived to Canada.

1) Rising time each day was at 6:30 AM
2) The last shift on ice ended at 3:20 P.M.
3) Players had to be ready for dinner at 6:30 P.M., wearing jackets and ties.
4) They had to be at their hotel at 11 P.M.
5) Lights out was at 11:15 P.M.

September 10 – No holding back

Öberg and Svensson probably wondered what they had walked into, as the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp got really intense.

1) Frank Mahovlich and Bobby Baun duked it out during practice.
2) Connie Madigan suffered a broken bone in his ankle
3) Rod Seiling suffered a charley-horse
4) Goalie Marv Edwards got a bruised shoulder
5) Bill Collins & Dunc MacDonald both needed medical attention after being roughed up

September 12 – Three goals in scrimmage play

Öberg impressed everyone during scrimmage, scoring three goals and getting rave reviews.


September 13 – First game
Toronto Maple Leafs-Chicago Blackhawks
4-2

A crowd of more than 4,900 in Peterborough saw Toronto win their first preseason game.
Öberg supposedly played but did not figure on the scoresheet.

September 14 – Pointless in second game as well
Toronto Maple Leafs-Chicago Blackhawks
3-5

The star of the game was Stan Mikita who scored three goals in the game. Öberg played, but did not score any points.

September 15 – Pontless but played better
Toronto Maple Leafs-Chicago Blackhawks
0-1

Öberg had been the more impressive of the two Swedes during scrimmages up until this point.
However, in the third exhibition game in Kitchener, Svensson was the better one (his first game).
Maple Leafs GM/coach Punch Imlach and Amerks coach Joe Crozier felt that Öberg could play in the AHL, but they wanted to see him in a couple of more games before making their final verdict.

September 16 – Loaned to Roachester

Öberg and Svensson were both loaned to Rochester Americans (AHL).

September 17 – Pro contract on the horizon
Rochester Americans (AHL)-Toronto Maple Leafs
5-5

The game was played in Peterborough. Maple Leafs general manager/coach Punch Imlach said that if Öberg and Svensson would accept minor league assignments, that he would offer them professional hockey contracts immediately.

September 19 – First assist
Toronto Maple Leafs-Detroit Red Wings
6-6

In this game Svensson outperformed Öberg who took a regular shift on the left side.
The ice was in good condition, but the scrappy nature of this game was not to Öberg’s advantage.
Having said that, Öberg who sported a white helmet, managed to pick up a second assist on the 6-5 goal. It came at 16:58 of the third period and was scored by Allan Stanley. Dave Keon had the first assist on the goal.

September 20 – Lame effort by the entire team
Toronto Maple Leafs-Detroit Red Wings
1-6

In a fast and cleanly played game, Detroit outclassed Toronto for an easy victory.
Öberg and his teammates didn’t do much.

September 23 – Flying to Saskatoon

Öberg flew with the team to Saskatoon after he sat out a game in Quebec the night before.
His Swedish buddy Svensson also travelled to Saskatoon.

September 24 – Physical play taking a toll
Toronto Maple Leafs-Los Angeles Blades (WHL)
4-6

In front of a packed standing-room-only crowd of 5,300 in Saskatoon, Toronto lost to Los Angeles.
Even though Öberg wasn’t the type of player who avoided physical contact, the heavy body-checking was taking a toll on him. He was held scoreless in the game and didn’t stand out in any way.

September 25 – Hard work and first goal
Toronto Maple Leafs-San Francisco Seals (WHL)
8-1

Öberg had the best showing up to this point before 6,232 fans in Edmonton.
Not only did he score a goal and had one assist, he also threw some heavy checks.
He handed out a stiff check to Charlie Burns. It was Öberg’s first goal in five preseason games.

Both Öberg and Svensson admitted that the training camp was ”hard work”.
Öberg explained: ”You have to put a little more effort into it here. In Sweden you practice only two or three times a week. Toronto practice twice a day.”

At the same time, Öberg said that it hadn’t been too difficult to adjust to professional hockey, but admitted that the pro teams: ”skate faster and work together as a team. They are also in better condition.”

Both Öberg and Svensson agreed that European teams would have no chance against an NHL team under ”Canadian rules” (bodychecking all over the ice), but thought they would have a ”small chance” under international rules.

”We (Öberg and Svensson) certainly would like to make the NHL.” Öberg told the press.
Both Swedes agreed that Dave Keon was the Toronto player who was the standout on the team.
”I have learned quite a bit from Keon.” Öberg said.

September 26 – Second goal
Toronto Maple Leafs-Vancouver Canucks (WHL)
6-3

A capacity crowd in Vancouver of 5,080 saw Toronto win. Öberg scored a goal in the third period on a pass from Eddie Shack. The rambunctious and colorful Shack yelled at the linesman to drop the puck.
Shack got control of the puck and barged behind the Canuck goal, passed out to Öberg who scored on a 10-foot drive.

September 29 – Assist on the first goal
Toronto Maple Leafs-Western Hockey League All-Stars
3-0

Öberg put in a solid effort in front of another sellout crowd of 5,080 in Vancouver.
Öberg registered an assist on the first goal of the game scored by Ed Litzenberger.

September 30 – Opponents fight back to earn a tie
Toronto Maple Leafs-Denver Invaders (WHL)
2-2

An extatic crowd of more than 3,500 at the Denver Coliseum saw their home team come from behind and earn a 2-2 tie less than three minutes from the end. Öberg did not figure in any of the scoring.

October 1 – Rochester bound?

It was expected that both Svensson and Öberg would be offered contracts with Rochester Americans, but it was doubtful they would accept the terms.

October 2 – Held off the scoresheet
Toronto Maple Leafs-San Francisco Seals (WHL)
7-2

Öberg did not figure in the scoring and saw limited ice time.

October 7 – Heading back home

Not surprisingly, both Öberg and Svensson rejected the minor league contract offer and decided to return back home to Sweden. They left Canada on October 7.

Öberg played a total of 12 preseason games, scoring two goals and adding three assists.

How would he do?: Öberg’s playing style would suit him pretty well in North America, but I think he would have to settle for Rochester for the first two years or so. Toronto was pretty deep on the left side, and I have a hard time seeing Öberg being able to earn a regular spot there.


Name: Kjell Svensson
Age: 25
Position: GK
Height: 176 cm / 5’9”
Weight: 72 kg / 159 Ibs

Kjell Svensson [1938-] – Svensson was tactically a sound goaltender who read the play very well. He also had good leadership qualities that served him well in his career. Svensson was a vocal goalie in the same manner as for example a Jacques Plante or Sean Burke. You could hear him shouting out orders to his players on the ice.

He wasn’t a spectacular or flashy goaltender but relied more on his steadiness.
He once scored a goal while playing for Södertälje in the Ahearne Cup.
Svensson was voted as the best goaltender at the 1963 World Championships.
His fine performance earned him a training camp tryout with Toronto Maple Leafs.
Svensson represented Sweden 148 times and eventually retired from hockey in 1969.

September 5 - Arrival to Canada

He arrived at Toronto International Airport together with Carl-Göran Öberg.
Maple Leafs GM/coach Punch Imlach said that both Swedes would get ”a good look”.

September 6 – Training camp opens in Peterborough

Both Öberg and Svensson had their first skate since they arrived to Canada.
Both were still jetlagged and only did light skating drills.

September 10 – Blood, Sweat and Tears

Öberg and Svensson witnessed a brutal and intense day in training camp.

1) Frank Mahovlich and Bobby Baun dropped the gloves and exchanged blows
2) Tough guy Connie Madigan broke a bone in his ankle
3) Defenseman Rod Seiling suffered a charley-horse
4) Goalie Marv Edwards got a bruised shoulder from a shot
5) Bill Collins & Dunc MacDonald got roughed up and needed medical attention

September 13 – Not playing yet
Toronto Maple Leafs-Chicago Blackhawks
4-2

Svensson did sit out this game as a crowd of more than 4,900 in Peterborough saw Toronto win their first preseason game. Dave Keon scored two goals. Svensson’s fellow countryman Öberg supposedly played but did not figure on the scoresheet.

September 15 – Three seconds from a shutout
Toronto Maple Leafs-Chicago Blackhawks
0-1

Svensson got to start in his first exhibition game against the Blackhawks in Kitchener.
He played really well, making 30 saves and had a shutout in the game with only three seconds remaining of the game. Reg Fleming shot from the blueline and the puck was tipped in by Murray Balfour, spoiling the shutout for Svensson.

September 16 – Loaned to Roachester

Svensson and Öberg were both loaned to Rochester Americans (AHL).

September 17 – Scored on by future Hall of Famers
Rochester Americans (AHL)-Toronto Maple Leafs
5-5

Played in Peterborough. Svensson made 23 saves and played well enough to salvage a tie against the Maple Leafs. All the players that beat Svensson were future Hall of Famers:
Dave Keon (2+2), Tim Horton, Red Kelly and Frank Mahovlich.
Another future Hall of Famer, George Armstrong chipped in with three assists.

After the game general manager/coach Punch Imlach confirmed that Svensson together with Johnny Bower would be the Toronto goalies on their western trip.

September 19 – Style and Appeal
Toronto Maple Leafs-Detroit Red Wings
6-6

The sellout crowd of 5,210 at the Windsor Arena got to see a wild and wide-open preseason game.
This was Detroit’s first game and it was a chippy affair. 16 minor penalties were handed out by referee Art Skov, plus fighting majors to Norm Ullman and Kent Douglas.

Svensson replaced Johnny Bower at the start of the third period when the game was tied 5-5.
The only goal Svensson allowed came from legendary Gordie Howe who tied it up with only 1:32 left of the game. Larry Jeffrey’s deflected pass-out found Howe lurking within 15 feet and he caught the long side with a screened shot. Svensson ended up with 11 saves on the 12 shots he faced. Svensson appealed to the crowd and had style.

”I like him. He played well tonight. I thought, he could play for Rochester. I wouldn’t be afraid to give him that job, but we haven’t settled on anything.” – Punch Imlach, Toronto GM/coach after the game

September 20 – Injuring his elbow
Toronto Maple Leafs-Detroit Red Wings
1-6

Despite ten penalties it was a fast and cleanly played game. Bower played in the first two periods and Svensson was in nets for the third period. Svensson entered the game with Detroit leading 3-0.
He was beaten in the last period by Pete Goegan, André Pronovost and Larry Jeffrey.

Unfortunately, shortly before the end, Svensson injured his elbow when he tried to block a shot from Larry Jeffrey. His right arm got partly paralyzed by the shot. Leafs medical officer Dr. Charles MacDougall said Svensson could be sidelined three days unless the nerve was badly bruised, in which case he could be out for as much as two weeks.

September 23 – Expected to dress against Los Angeles

Svensson was still nursing his elbow injury but flew with the team to Saskatoon.
He was scheduled to play in the third period against Los Angeles Blades (WHL) the following night.

September 24 – Beaten by a slider
Toronto Maple Leafs-Los Angeles Blades (WHL)
4-6

Toronto lost in front of a standing-room-only crowd of 5,300 in Saskatoon. Tickets sold out in one day. Svensson entered the game at the start of the third period when Los Angeles was leading 5-4.
He faced 8 shots and was beaten once by Norm Johnson. It was a slider along the ice that Svensson failed to grab. He made two really good saves in the period.

First he deflected a backhander from Willie O’Ree, and later blocked a close-in drive by Bruce Carmichael. Svensson did well, but was still adjusting to North American hockey, and especially the mass movement in front his goal.

September 25 – Keeping a clean sheet in the third period
Toronto Maple Leafs-San Francisco Seals (WHL)
8-1

In front of 6,232 fans in Edmonton, Svensson once again got to play in the third period.
He entered the game when Toronto had a 6-1 lead and saved all the 9 shots that he faced.
His calm stand-up style worked well for him.

GM/Coach Punch Imlach once again said that the Swedes would probably be offered contracts with Rochester, but warned that Svensson and Öberg were most likely not going to accept a minor league contract.

”It would depend on the money.” Svensson said. Both Swedes spoke through an interpreter.
Svensson was a little bit ahead of Öberg in that department. Svensson added that Johnny Bower had given him valuable advice along the way.

”They (Svensson & Öberg) are good hockey players but don’t appear to be ready for the NHL.” – King Clancy, Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach

September 26 – Beaten twice
Toronto Maple Leafs-Vancouver Canucks (WHL)
6-3

Toronto managed to win in front of a capacity crowd of 5,080. Svensson once again played in the third period and was beaten twice, once by a Bob McKusker deflection and once by a bullet drive from Buddy Boone.

September 29 – No goals against
Toronto Maple Leafs-Western Hockey League All-Stars
3-0

Toronto put in a stellar effort in front on a sellout crowd of 5,080 in Vancouver.
As many times before, Svensson shared goaltending duties with Johnny Bower, and played the third period. He kept a clean sheet after weathering some dangerous chances.

September 30 – Svensson holding the fort
Toronto Maple Leafs-Denver Invaders (WHL)
2-2

More than 3,500 at the Denver Coliseum saw the home team come back from behind to earn a 2-2 tie. Milan Marcetta managed to break free with a loose puck at mid-ice and beat Svensson at 17:37 of the third period. The other goal that Svensson let in was a four-footer from the right corner of the cage.

October 1 – Contract offer on the way

Media once again speculated that it was expected that both Svensson and Öberg would be offered contracts with Rochester Americans, but that it was doubtful if they would accept the terms.

October 2 – Splitting time with Bower
Toronto Maple Leafs-San Francisco Seals (WHL)
7-2

At the Stampede Corral in Calgary, in front of 4,450 fans, Toronto once again beat San Francisco. Johnny Bower and Kjell Svensson shared goaltending duties like they had done before, but this time they split the time, playing 30 minutes each. While Bower had to make several high quality saves, the Toronto defense really clamped up in front of Svensson when he entered the game. Svensson only saw 7 shots in the 30 minutes he played, and was beaten once on a shot by Pete Panagabko.

October 7 – Heading back home

Not surprisingly, both Öberg and Svensson rejected the minor league contract offer and decided to return back home to Sweden. They left Canada on October 7.

From the information that I have, Kjell Svensson dressed for 10 games and was credited with one win, one loss and three ties. He played a total of 330 minutes and had 16 goals scored against him.The stats for the number of shots he faced are incomplete, but the known numbers are 86 saves on 94 shots (91,4% save percentage).

How would he do?: Svensson actually did better than expected between the pipes during the training camp. He was offered a contract with Rochester and from what he showed, he would most likely have been one of the two Rochester goalies that season. Toronto was the reigning Stanley Cup champion and veteran Johnny Bower was the unquestionable No.1 goalie.

But behind Bower it was wide open, and Svensson certainly had every opportunity to earn a permanent spot in Rochester. He even had a slim chance to get a few call-ups to Toronto.
Other goalies fighting for the backup spot would have been Don Simmons, Gerry Cheevers and Marcel Paille, all capable goalies.



Name: Jiří ”George” Křen
Age: 25
Position: C/RW
Height: 185 cm / 6’1”
Weight: 86 kg / 190 Ibs

Jiří Křen [1938-] – He was a pretty decent skater, but had a rough style with a short chopping skating stride. He was a member of Sparta Prague when he defected on December 31, 1962.
Křen defected while the team played at the 1963 Spengler Cup tournament in Switzerland.

He asked for political asylum in Switzerland less than a week later, before moving to West Germany that same spring, coaching minor league hockey there. A few months later Křen tried to earn a spot on the Maple Leafs. He never caught on and got to play briefly for Chatham Maroons (IHL) and Galt Terriers (OHA Sr.) before heading back to Europe.

He played for a short while in Germany and then settled down in Switzerland where he played until the late 1970s. Křen coached there for some years. In later years he became a wine maker in northern Italy.

September 10 – Arrival to Canada

Křen arrived to Canada on this day and was a late addition to the Maple Leafs training camp, getting a tryout with the team.

September 15 – Scoring his first goal

Křen participated in the morning scrimmage and scored one of the five goals. Rochester Americans coach Joe Crozier liked the fact that the big rough forward really worked hard during the scrimmage. Crozier didn’t think it was likely Křen would make the Amerks, but said that he would keep an eye on him.

September 17 – Invited to IHL and EHL training camps

Chatham Maroons (IHL) manager/coach, former NHL’er Gus Mortson announced that Křen was one of 25 players that had been invited to Chatham’s training camp (Opening on October 20).
Křen also had an invitation from the other Maple Leafs farm team, Charlotte Checkers (EHL). Charlotte’s coach, future Hall of Famer Turk Broda believed that Křen had a good chance to stick with the pros.

September 24 – Cut loose by Toronto

Křen was cut loose by Toronto and could join Chatham Maroons.

September 29 – Signed with Chatham

After three weeks in Canada and 10 days at the Maple Leafs training camp, Křen said that the combination of European-style play and Canada’s more rough and tumble faster game appealed to him. Chatham Maroons coach Gus Mortson liked what he saw from Křen at the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp.
At the time Křen became the second player to sign a contract with Chatham. He was going to work at the club-sponsored service station until he learned enough English to advance into other work.

November 20 – Released by Chatham

Unfortunately for Křen he had difficulty adapting to the North American style of hockey and was outright released by Chatham. He continued playing with Galt Terriers of the OHA Sr. league.

How would he do?: Křen was not one of the better Czechoslovak players available at the time.
There were probably 100 players back home that were better than him. His chances to make the NHL was of course non-existent. He struggled with the North American hockey and after some games in the IHL and OHA Sr. Leagues, he decided to return back to Switzerland, where he orginially applied for a political asylum when he defected.



Name: Ulf ”Uffe” Sterner
Age: 22
Position: LW
Height: 188 cm / 6’2”
Weight: 85 kg / 187 Ibs

Ulf Sterner [1941-] – Sterner played hockey from the age of six back home in Deje.
His mother originated from Germany. Sterner had what can be called a „North American playing style“. He was never afraid of getting involved in the physical battles and was strong along the boards. Sterner was also very adept in front of the goal and scored a lot of goals on rebounds.

He made history when he became the first European born and trained player to play in the NHL in 1965. He was voted as the best forward at the 1969 World Championships.
Sterner was also a two time All-Star at the World Championships (1962 and 1969).

He represented Sweden 209 times (including unofficial games), scoring 109 goals and was the go-to-guy on many occasions. Sterner was sort of a Swedish „Gordie Howe“ and didn’t retire until the 1989/90 season at the age of 49. He was inducted into the IIHF and Swedish Hockey Hall of Fame.

September 13 – Arriving to Canada

Ulf Sterner landed at the Winnipeg International Airport.

September 15 – Start of training camp

NY Rangers started their training camp in Winnipeg. Ulf Sterner was accompanied by sports journalist Ulf Jansson from idrottsbladet who was assigned to follow Sterner’s North American adventure.

September 16 – Grueling practice and blisters

Sterner participated in a hard and long two-and-one-half hour morning session and a 90-minute afternoon practice. Sterner was bothered by blisters on both feet, which was a result of wearing another pair of skates, as his own were still at the customs.

September 17 – Advice from a future Hall of Famer

There was a two-hour practice session that included a scrimmage game that was dominated by three Manitoba junior products, Marc Dufour, Gord Labossiere and Dave Richardson.
The trio scored six goals in the scrimmage (Labossiere 3+2, Richardson 2+1 and Dufour 1+2).
Sterner was not mentioned but did participate.

After the opening drills, future Hall of Famer Andy Bathgate stayed on the ice an extra 25-minutes, offering tips to both Ulf Sterner and Dick Meissner.

September 18 – No giveaways

Rangers coach Red Sullivan noticed that ”Ulf doesn’t give the puck away often. That was one of our problems, last season.”

September 19 – Five goals in scrimmages

Another day of gruelling exercises and scrimmages with more physical play.
Sterner revelled in the heavier going and was getting more comfortable by the day.
He had scored five goals up to this point in the scrimmage games. Fred ”The Fog” Shero who coached the Rangers farm team in St.Paul wanted Sterner to join his team.

September 20 – Looking better and better
”He’s looking better every time out. The boy had problems at first but seems to be finding himself as the camp progresses. He’s already scored four or five goals.” – Red Sullivan, NY Rangers coach

September 21 – Held pointless
St. Paul Saints (CHL)-New York Rangers
4-10

NY Rangers won easily in front of 2,830 at the Wheat City Arena in Brandon.
Sterner played for St. Paul with different linemates, like Gord Labossiere, Dick Meissner, Jean Ratelle and Earl Ingarfield. He was held pointless in a game that didn’t feature much hitting.

September 22 - Beating Jacques Plante

Around 2,000 watched the Rangers in scrimmage held in Winnipeg. The event was sponsored by the Greater Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association. Jacques Plante in goal was the standout of the scrimmage. However, Sterner (# 9) managed to beat him with a high, rising backhand.

September 25 – Praised by the Cat

”He’s got good moves from the blue line in, and is certainly good enough to turn pro.” – Emile Francis, NY Rangers assistant general manager

September 26 – Chipping in with an assist
New York Rangers-San Francisco Seals (WHL)
7-1

2,031 fans at the Corral Stampede in Calgary saw Rangers take an easy win. Sterner was put on a line together with Don McKenney and Andy Bathgate. Sterner had a strong effort and assisted on Don McKenney’s 5-1 goal.

October 7 – Five game trial

It was reported that Sterner would get a five-game trial with the Rangers at the start of the regular season. Sterner made it perfectly clear that he would return back home if he was only offered a minor league contract.

October 16 – NHL debut didn’t happen

On October 15, Muzz Patrick, NY Rangers general manager was still awaiting clearance from the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation, before he could use Sterner.

Sterner missed the first two regular season games, but was slated to make his NHL-debut on October 16. The day before the game he spoke to the press, looking forward to his debut.

”The most important thing for me wiil be to protect myself. I've got stick marks all over my body already. I even got them from some the Rangers during the practices. It is really something when you have to watch your own teammates. But they're a nice bunch guys and have helped a lot."

Sterner also reflected back on the exhibition games he played in:
"Those exhibition games were really something. In one game I tried to bodycheck somebody and before I knew what happened I got a stick and elbow in my ribs. I got a slight rib separation, but I didn't tell anybody about it and continued to play. They are are all tough in this league and I wanted to show them I can take it too. In Sweden, even when you get a small cut they take you to hospital."

When asked who impressed him the most up to that point, Sterner said Bobby Hull and Jean Beliveau, but added: ”I’m really looking forward to seeing that Gordie Howe.”

Muzz Patrick never received an answer from the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation, so it was decided for Sterner, in order to maintain his amateur status that he would return back to Sweden.

October 18 – Returning back home to Sweden

Sterner returned back to Sweden after the Swedish ice Hockey Federation had refused to give Sterner a permission to play.

How would he do?: Everything was set for Sterner to play five games in the NHL, but he was virtually deceived by the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation, who cheated him of the chance to play in the NHL. Sterner had to wait another year before he could make his NHL-debut. At this point Sterner was good enough to play in any minor league, and even good enough to get some games under his belt in the NHL.



Name: Jean Paupardin
Age: 23
Position: DF
Height: 187 cm / 6’1”
Weight: 81 kg / 180 Ibs

Jean Paupardin [1939-2017] – Paupardin was a phlegmatic person who could have played hockey at an even higher level than he did. He first made a name for himself in French hockey circles in 1956 when he played for the Saint-Didier skating club. His big break came when he later joined the strong Paris club l’ACBB (Athletic Club de Boulogne-Billancourt).

The club had some strong Canadian players and won several international tournaments along the way in the 1960s. Not only did he represent the French national team, he also had a one week stint with the Montreal Canadiens in 1963, really soaking in everything around him.

At the 1963 World Championships, Paupardin and a few of his teammates got into a real nice brawl outside of a night club in Stockholm. Paupardin head-butted one of the patrons of the club after he had pulled a gun at the players. The incident made the French newspapers, but the players got away with it and were not reprimanded.

In 1969 he began a new chapter, playing hockey in Grenoble. In later years Paupardin was a director of a carbon paper factory in Apprieu. He passed away after a long illness in Le Cannet.

”I don’t know anything about him, except' that he's six feet,- one inch, weighs 180 pounds, is a left-hand shot and a defenceman." – Ken Reardon, Montreal Canadiens, vice president, September 1963


September 11 – First day of training camp

Montreal Canadians opened their training camp in Montreal with their French defenseman from Paris. How did this Frenchman end up with Montreal?

While in Europe, HHOF’er (Builders category) Bob LeBel [1905-1999], who used to be the president of the International Ice Hockey Federation and a former president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, had talks with the president of the French Federation, Pierre Catella [1914-2010].

Catella told LeBel about a promising young French player that was worth a look.
Back in Montreal LeBel spoke to Ken Reardon who was the vice president of the Montreal Canadiens, and that’s how Paupardin got his invitation.

September 13 – Skating well in first workout

Paupardin had his first hockey workout on his 23rd birthday [some sources have him born on December 1] and was tested from the start. Coach Toe Blake and players like Henri Richard and Jean Beliveau were quite frank and said that they hadn’t expected Paupardin to do so well. They said that he skated well, but wasn’t used to the solid checking and was inclined to get out of position when chasing the puck.

”The play is fast and my turn on the ice comes around often. This is all a dream come true.
To take part at the training camp of a professional Canadian team is a great ambition of European hockey players.”, Paupardin said after his first training session

Paupardin was a realist and had no illusions about making the team. He was there to improve his own play and having the opportunity to see all the great players he had only heard about in person.

September 17 – Going back home to Paris

Paupardin left training camp after having participated in drills and scrimmages for six days.
He gained some valuable experience that came to good use later on in his playing career.

How would he do?: This was just a see and learn experience for Paupardin. He could skate pretty well but was of course not used to the physical stuff at that level. He was a low-level minor leaguer.

 

[Canadiens1958]

What are your feeling about the old "five game pro tryout" available to amateurs?

 

[Robert Gordon Orr]

What are your feeling about the old "five game pro tryout" available to amateurs?

The whole ”five game pro tryout” thing was laughable in my opinion.
You lost your amateur status if you played more than five so called ”pro games.”

Back then, the international ice hockey federation, supported by all the European countries really held on to the so called ”amateur status” with tight fists. They were just a bunch of hypocrites.

Many European countries were marinated in socialist thinking at the time. It was atrocious and immoral to earn money playing hockey. For the top players the threat of getting blacklisted from hockey back home, effectively kept them away from North American pro hockey. Everyone knew that certain players in Europe at the time got money for playing hockey, or received money for wearing a particular brand of hockey equipment.

The Eastern European players back then were virtually pros as well. The top players always had military titles, were students, or were employed on paper at some obscure factory.
Of course, it was no secret that they more or less played hockey full time and got payed for it.

 

[Canadiens1958]

The whole ”five game pro tryout” things was laughable in my opinion.
You lost your amateur status if you played more than five so called ”pro games.”

Back then, the international ice hockey federation, supported by all the European countries really held on to the so called ”amateur status” with tight fists. They were just a bunch of hypocrites.

Many European countries were marinated in socialist thinking at the time. It was atrocious and immoral to earn money playing hockey. For the top players the threat of getting blacklisted from hockey back home, effectively kept them away from North American pro hockey. Everyone knew that certain players in Europe at the time got money for playing hockey, or received money for wearing a particular brand of hockey equipment.

The Eastern European players back then were virtually pros as well. The top players always had military titles, were students, or were employed on paper at some obscure factory.
Of course, it was no secret that they more or less played hockey full time and got payed for it.

Agree with the above.

Misapplied, the "five game pro tryout" created inequalities and abuses.

Will list a few international facets within a few days.

 

[Ralph Spoilsport]

Great stuff Robert Gordon, thanks for posting. I generally don't see much discussion on this chapter of hockey history. Well done.

I have to admit I'm a little skeptical of some of your conclusions, eg. Malacek, as noted upthread: this was an era when Canadian amateurs turned down NHL offers. The incentive just didn't seem to be there for him.

I think we can draw one of two conclusions so far: either after 50 years or so of hockey development these Euros still weren't good enough for the NHL, or NHL training camps weren't adequate preparation for the transition. The learning curve was a cliff. I think we'll see an answer when we get to Widing.

 

[Canadiens1958]

1922/23

Ok, I'll start with the first guys on the list.

Gerry Geran [1896-1981] was an American player who played in the inaugural 1917/18 NHL-season for the Montreal Wanderers. Geran later played for the Boston Bruins in 1925/26. He played in 37 NHL-games. Geran also represented USA at the 1920 Olympics and was selected to play in 1924 as well, but had to withdraw due to business commitments.

Worth pointing out is that Geran was way ahead of his time, as he wanted to create a players union long before it ever materialized.

Geran was the first former NHL player to play for a European Club team. In 1922/23 he joined Club des Patineurs de Paris in the French Capital. While playing there he saw some promising players.

”There are some good players who could make good on any team in this country [USA].
Three especially stood out. Alfred ”Didi” de Rauch, a Russian, who was captain of our team.
Louis Brasseur and Bobby Lacroix, who is widely known in the United States because of his name which is found on cigaret papers.”

”There is every reason to believe that hockey will develop at a rapid pace in Europe. The players have the speed, have acquired the poke check to some extent, but need expert coaching. There is a great field over there for American and Canadian coaches.”

Now, he did not say that they were good enough to play in the NHL, but at least good enough to play hockey in any American hockey league. It is interesting to note that all three players that Geran talked about were veterans. De Rauch was 35, Brasseur and Lacroix 33. They had a lot of experience and were all good skaters.

Gerry Geran sparked my interest in the "five game pro tryout".

Few lead-up points.

1917-18 was during WWI. As an American how did Geran get permission to work in Canada?

The minutes of the NHL or CAHA are not readily available. The understanding was that the "five game pro tryout" had to be declared in advance of any contract.

Geran nor anyone else could anticipate the Westmount Arena Fire nor the 1920 Olympics featuring ice hockey. Reinstatement of pros into amateurs was possible in many sports but they could not participate in the Olympics.

How did Geran qualify for the 1920 Olympics?

 

[Robert Gordon Orr]

I have to admit I'm a little skeptical of some of your conclusions, eg. Malacek, as noted upthread: this was an era when Canadian amateurs turned down NHL offers. The incentive just didn't seem to be there for him.

In the case of Malecek, I do agree that there wasn't enough incentive for him to come over.
I am sure that he was intrigued by the possibility to try it out in North America, but at the same time, he had a very good and prosperous life back home. He was earning good money and was a celebrity.
In North America he would have been a nobody, just a random European guy trying to steal a spot from one of the Canadians.

Over the years he encountered former and future NHL-players and did not look out of place.
Yes, the early Canadian teams outclassed the Europeans badly, including Malecek's teams.
He was however the only player they had to watch out for, making their job easier to keep him at bay.

Malecek's qualities are indisputable. He played alongside several Canadians who attended training camps in the NHL, and he outplayed them. But as I said, if given a fair chance and in ideal circumstances he could have earned a spot on the NY Rangers team.

Back then there was tremendous respect for Canadian pro hockey in Europe.
The players who saw the North American players at the Olympics in the 1920s were greatly impressed.

I think we can draw one of two conclusions so far: either after 50 years or so of hockey development these Euros still weren't good enough for the NHL, or NHL training camps weren't adequate preparation for the transition. The learning curve was a cliff. I think we'll see an answer when we get to Widing.

Could be a combination of both, and you are right, the learning curve was a cliff.
I'll post Widing tomorrow.

 

[Robert Gordon Orr]

Gerry Geran sparked my interest in the "five game pro tryout".

Few lead-up points.

1917-18 was during WWI. As an American how did Geran get permission to work in Canada?

The minutes of the NHL or CAHA are not readily available. The understanding was that the "five game pro tryout" had to be declared in advance of any contract.

Geran nor anyone else could anticipate the Westmount Arena Fire nor the 1920 Olympics featuring ice hockey. Reinstatement of pros into amateurs was possible in many sports but they could not participate in the Olympics.

How did Geran qualify for the 1920 Olympics?

These are good questions. I have to look into my files and see if I can find what the rules stated at the time.

Are you sure that pros could not be reinstated for participation in the Olympics?
I know that the Olympic Committee had a really strong opinion against professionalism in the early years.
I however always assumed that Geran had obtained amateur playing status in time for the 1920 Olympics and was cleared to play by the Olympic Committee.

I have Geran's passport applications and WW I documents. I will take a look at them.

I am sure the Olympic information is to be found somewhere in the vast Olympic material that exists.
CONTENTdm

 

[Canadiens1958]

These are good questions. I have to look into my files and see if I can find what the rules stated at the time.

Are you sure that pros could not be reinstated for participation in the Olympics?
I know that the Olympic Committee had a really strong opinion against professionalism in the early years.
I however always assumed that Geran had obtained amateur playing status in time for the 1920 Olympics and was cleared to play by the Olympic Committee.

I have Geran's passport applications and WW I documents. I will take a look at them.

I am sure the Olympic information is to be found somewhere in the vast Olympic material that exists.
CONTENTdm

Reinstatement was possible for the WHC or certain other sports. See the Jim Thorpe situation:

Jim Thorpe - Wikipedia

But not the Olympics. Reinstated Canadien pros could not play in the Olympics.

Compare the Sven Tumba and Ulf Sterner situations. Previously you stated that Sweden did not approve Sterner's request for a "five game pro tryout".

The process required assent at various levels, leagues, jurisdictions, international bodies.

 

[Robert Gordon Orr]

1964/65

Ok, since Juha Widing was brought up, I'll start with him.

Emile Francis, the NY Rangers assistant GM had a constant dialogue with the Rangers Swedish scout and journalist Ulf Jansson. It was Jansson that recommend several of the Scandinavian players.

Juha Widing was one of the guys that the Rangers organization showed an interest in, and it was Jake Milford, the GM of the Brandon Wheat Kings (SJHL) who wanted him in Brandon.


Name: Juha ”Whitey” Widing
Age: 17
Position: C
Height: 185 cm / 6’1”
Weight: 78 kg / 173 Ibs

Juha Widing [1947-1984] - Finnish born player who was born to Finnish born parents.
(His father was of Swedish origin). Widing moved to Sweden at the age of four, and played junior hockey there before moving to Canada with his parents at the age of 16. He was a smooth and effortless skater.
Widing had decent size (190 Ibs in his prime) and was a good playmaker.
He also developed into a good faceoff man in later years. Was strong in the corners.

Widing was the first Scandinavian born and trained player to establish himself in the NHL.
He enjoyed his greatest success in Los Angeles, where the Kings owner Jack Kent Cooke gave him the nickname "Whitey" and it is said that he instructed his announcers to pronounce his last name as "why-ding" as opposed to the real pronunciation of "vee-ding."

In Los Angeles he often centered the so called “hot line” with Bob Berry and Mike Corrigan.
Widing eventually retired in 1978. He battled alcohol addiction late in his life.
He passed away at the age of 37. He initially suffered a heart attack at his farm in Winfield, but later died of heart failure in hospital in Kelowna. Worth noting is that less than a week earlier, Jake Milford, the guy who took him to Brandon had passed away.


Here’s a brief look at his first North American season:


September 28 – Impressive at the age of 17

Widing looked better in every workout with the Brandon Wheat Kings and the coaches wanted to keep him there on the strength of his four years of eligibility as he had just turned 17.

September 30 – First public appearance

Widing made his first public appearance as a center in a Brandon Wheat Kings intra-squad game.
His team, the ”Gold” team beat the ”White” team 5-1. Widing did not figure in the scoring.

October 5 – Extra forward in first pre season game
Brandon Wheat Kings-New York Rovers
4-1

Ex-NHL’er Sugar Jim Henry, the Brandon coach used Widing as an extra forward and the Finnish-Swede didn’t see any ice time. Henry said that Widing should be a big asset when he learns to check to go along with his skating and shooting ability.

At the same time NY Rangers decided to keep Widing in their organization.

”We want to keep him here so he can adjust to our style.” – Dennis Ball, chief western scout for NY Rangers

October 5 – Riding the bench again in his second pre season game
Brandon Wheat Kings-New York Rovers
2-9

Widing was once again the extra forward. There was a registration problem with his transfer from Sweden. The plan was to use him either as a center or left wing in the future.

October 27 – Still transfer problem

The trouble with the international transfer card was still not resolved and Widing could only train with the team.

October 30 – Juha Widing making his debut
Brandon Wheat Kings-Melville Millionaires
5-1

As his transfer papers were sorted out, Juha Widing finally made his North American debut.
It was Brandon’s 11th game of the season. Widing was used sparingly and did not figure in the scoring.
He picked up a penalty at 10:45 of the second period.

November 1 – Second game for Widing
Brandon Wheat Kings-Saskatoon Blades
4-2

Due to still not being in game condition, coach Sugar Jim Henry only used him as an extra forward, giving him just a few shifts on the weekend swing to Melville and Saskatoon.
Widing did not figure in the scoring.

November 4 – First home game for Widing
Brandon Wheat Kings-Flin Flon Bombers
5-2

Finally Widing made his home debut for Brandon and got to play a regular shift for the first time.
He didn’t disappoint in front of the highest attendance of the season. Widing was the best player on the ice and did everything but put the puck in the net. He played on a line with Ken Hicks and Erv Ziemer.
The line controlled the play continually.

Widing’s best chance to score came at 10:10 of the third period when he let go off a good shot that the goalie kicked out, Hicks, his linemate put the rebound in. This was Widing’s only point of the game, his first in North America. He was chosen as the first star of the game.

November 15 – One assist on a neat play
Brandon Wheat Kings-Regina Pats
2-3

At 8:34 of the second period, Widing picked up an assist on a neat three-way pass play between Widing, Hicks and the scorer Ziemer.

November 16 – Widing’s first goal
Brandon Wheat Kings-Weyburn Red Wing
6-2

1,018 fans saw Widing score his first goal. He had been thwarted twice earlier in the game.
He hit the post in the first period and then had a breakaway early in the second.
Widing’s goal at 13:31 of the second period came on a backhand when he cut across the front of the net.
The goal gave Brandon a 4-1 lead and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

November 19 – Widing ramps up his physical play
Brandon Wheat Kings-Saskatoon Blades
1-2

Widing was scoreless but continued to impress. He was a quick learner and flattened a pair of Blades with stiff bodychecks.

November 24 – First multiple point game for Widing
Brandon Wheat Kings-Moose Jaw Canucks
3-4

Widing had his first multiple point game, with a 1+1 effort. He scored a goal at 13:42 of the first period and had his assist 30 seconds later on a goal by Bill Bond.

November 28 and 29 – First two assist game for Widing
Brandon Wheat Kings-Flin Flon Bombers
5-4 and 3-9

Widing had his first multiple assist game in the first game against Flin Flon (5-4) and had a total of three assists in these two games.

The Hicks-Widing-Ziemer line was the most consistent for Brandon since Widing joined it.

December 1 – Widing leading the way
Brandon Wheat Kings-Weyburn Red Wings
2-2

Brandon salvaged a tie 30 seconds into the last period. It was Ken Hicks that tallied the equalizer as he flipped home a rebound. It came after the Weyburn goalie made a save on a ripping slap shot by Widing, who was Brandon’s most willing workman in the game.

Once again the line of Hicks-Widing-Ziemer was the best one in Brandon. They continually carried the play and were hustling throughout.

December 10 – First three point game for Widing
Brandon Wheat Kings-Moose Jaw Canucks
6-2

Widing and Ziemer got a new linemate in Bob O’Leary and they clicked immediately.
The line collected a total of seven points. Widing had 1+2. In the second period Widing assisted on a goal by Zeimer at 5:04, and then scored the game winner himself at 16:06.
His third point of the night was an assist on a Hicks goal at 6:37 of the third period.
Widing topped off the night with a spirited scrap against future NHL’er Geoff Powis at 17:40.

December 17 – Another fight for Widing
Brandon Wheat Kings-Estevan Bruins
1-3

Widing fought for the second game in a row, this time against another future NHL’er Barry Gibbs at 13:35 of the third period.

January 3 – Widing and his linemates geatting an earful
Brandon Wheat Kings-Estevan Bruins
8-2

Despite an easy win, and a 1+1 performance by Widing, coach Sugar Jim Henry was not pleased with his line of Bob O’Leary-Juha Widing-Larry McKillop. ”That was one of the worst exhibitions of checking I’ve ever seen. They didn’t backcheck once in the entire game. It’s a good thing for us that we had two good lines out there. That line couldn’t play as a unit in a key game or playoff game,” Henry said.

January 9 – Widing duplicating his effort
Brandon Wheat Kings-Estevan Bruins
8-2

Widing duplicated his effort against Estevan from five days earlier. He once again had 1+1, scoring his teams fifth goal at 5:04 of the second period.

January 26 – First two goal game for Widing
Brandon Wheat Kings-Estevan Bruins
4-2

Up to this point Widing was the player who showed the finest improvement during the season.
The swift Finn/Swede scored twice. His first goal tied the game at 1-1 after Estevan had scored the only goal of the first period, He pulled a pivot in front of the net end backhanded crisply.
Widing’s second was a clincher in the final minute when Estevan were pressing for the equalizer.
He broke away only to be stopped by goalie Wayne Doll. However he retrieved the puck and slid it into the open cage.

February 3 – One goal in a dominant performance
Brandon Wheat Kings-Flin Flon Bombers
5-5

Widing was playing on a line with Danny Johnson and Rick Hextall, and they were by far the best line on the ice. They had pressure on Flin Flon whenever they were out there. Widing scored one goal in the game in front of 1,239 fans. The 4-4 goal came at 16:12 of the second period.

February 12 – Widing shines during exhibition game
Brandon Wheat Kings-Portage Lake Terriers
8-1

Brandon made a three game exhibition tour and against a reinforced Portage Lake team, Widing scored two goals before 1,500 fans.

February 19 – Widing leading the way with two goals
Brandon Wheat Kings-Saskatoon Blades
5-2

Two days before the game, Widing cut his thumb for stitches in the dressing room as he was replacing his skate guard. He was doubtful to start, but did in the end and played great.

His line with Danny Johnson and Rick Hextall dominated the game and swarmed all over the Saskatoon players. Widing scored to make it 1-1 after 17:40 of the first period and then put Brandon ahead 2-1 after 32 seconds of the second period.

February 21 – Widing scoring in a high scoring affair
Brandon Wheat Lings-Flin Flon Bombers
11-6

Widing had 1+1 in the game. He opened the scoring 6:43 into the first period.
He also picked up an assist on a Rick Hextall goal at 18:17 of the second period.

February 23 – Widing continues to impress with a three point performance
Brandon Wheat Kings-Weyburn Red Wings
8-1

The 17-year old Widing scored two goals in the game, his 18th and 19th goals of the season.
His first came after 17:17 of the first (1-1) and the second came at 16:55 of the third period (6-1).
He also added one assist on a Don Johnson goal at 17:48 of the third period.

February 27 – Widing hits the 20 goal plateau
Brandon Wheat Kings-Estevan Bruins
1-14

In Brandon’s worst game of the season, Widing managed to score the only goal for his team with less than four minutes to go of the game. This gave him 20 goals for the season.

February 28 – Widing’s hot streak continues
Brandon Wheat Kings-Saskatoon Blades
4-1

Widing continued his hot streak, rapping in a pair of goals, giving him 22 goals in 44 games.
The first came after 2:09 and gave Brandon a 2-0 lead. His second was the 3-1 goal after 6:19 of the third period.

March 5 – Widing scores a goal in his playoff debut
Brandon Wheat Kings-Saskatoon Blades
5-1

Widing scored a goal in his playoff debut. The swift Finn/Swede streaked away and put Brandon ahead 3-1 at 16:43 of the second period.

March 7 – Widing scores the game winner
Brandon Wheat Kings-Saskatoon Blades
6-4

With Brandon leading 4-1, Widing had a glorious chance on a breakaway to score, but didn’t.
Instead Saskatoon came back and tied it to 4-4. That’s when Widing stepped up and scored the game winner at 17:43 of the third period. He also added an assist in the game.

March 9 – Widing scoring in his third straight playoff game
Brandon Wheat Kings-Saskatoon Blades
5-2

Widing continued to impress and scored on a rebound at 19:15 of the first period to give Brandon a 2-0 lead.

March 12 – Widing have a pair off assists when Brandon advances
Brandon Wheat Kings-Saskatoon Blades
12-3

Widing had a pair of assists as Brandon easily won against Saskatoon. Brandon won the series four games to nothing.

In the next series against Weyburn, Brandon ran out of steam and lost in four straight games.
Widing only had one assist in the four games.

In his first year Widing scored 38 points (23+15) in 45 games with Brandon and added 8 points (3+5) in 9 playoff games.

In Widing’s three years with Brandon he scored an impressive 341 points (171+170) in only 167 games.

How would he do?: Well, we already know the answer. It would be another five seasons before he was ready for the NHL, but Juha Widing carved out a pretty good NHL-career for himself.
Eight seasons, 370 points in 574 games and a career best 70 points in 1972/73.
Widing had good size, was an eager learner and played a type of hockey that worked well in North America, and most important of all. He came over at a very young age which was the key to his success.

 

[Theokritos]

Many European countries were marinated in socialist thinking at the time. It was atrocious and immoral to earn money playing hockey.

Just for the record, the idea that one should dedicate himself to sports but not earn money with it, was not a socialist idea. It was an idealistic and elitist notion only well-supplied members of the upper class with ample spare time could come up with. While this amateur ideology was embraced by the Olympic movement and many sports federations, Socialists initially rejected it as bourgeois if not aristocratic. The Soviet Union even countered the Olympic games with international "Proletarian games" labeled "Spartakiads". Of course, later they switched to participating and trying to demonstrate their superiority with their success at the Olympics.

 

[Robert Gordon Orr]

Just for the record, the idea that one should dedicate himself to sports but not earn money with it, was not a socialist idea. It was an idealistic and elitist notion only well-supplied members of the upper class with ample spare time could come up with. While this amateur ideology was embraced by the Olympic movement and many sports federations, Socialists initially rejected it as bourgeois if not aristocratic. The Soviet Union even countered the Olympic games with international "Proletarian games" labeled "Spartakiads". Of course, later they switched to participating and trying to demonstrate their superiority with their success at the Olympics.

I hear what you are saying and you are right, although I didn't write it was a socialist idea, but rather a socialist thinking. In any case, the whole environment in European hockey circles at the time was very hostile towards professionalism, especially in Sweden and the Eastern European countries.
Finland, West Germany and Switzerland had a somewhat better attitude towards it.

 

[Ralph Spoilsport]

My sources tell me Widing left his family to come to Canada as a 15-year-old when Brandon made arrangements for him to stay with a local family. Source is the book Hockey Stars of the 1970s by Frank Orr (maybe a relative of yours Robert Gordon? ) Gutsy move for a kid.

His early career in a nutshell:

1st yr junior: a learning experience
2nd yr junior: leads league in goals

1st yr minor pro: a learning experience
2nd yr minor pro: leads league in points

1st yr NHL: a learning experience
2nd yr NHL: leads team in points

I'm always skeptical when somebody posts clips from an early European game and concludes the players couldn't compete in the NHL. Well, sure, if you're taking them "as is." But give them a chance to adapt and learn the game..maybe a couple of years in the minors...then let's see. I don't see why they wouldn't compete. Question is why should they. The expansion era didn't bring Europeans over because they were suddenly better than before, it brought them over because the money was there to make it worth their while.

Final thought: I could swear Widing represented the Kings in an all-star game once in the early 70s. I was sure of it, but couldn't find him on any all-star rosters, so I guess it never happened. Must be a "Mandela effect" thing for me.

 

[DN28]

Ulf Sterner

Some minor things apart of what has been written in this thread.
Kopaná-hokej, November 1967:
"Besides such good players like Elmer Vasko (Chicago), Jean-Guy Talbot (Montreal), Dave Balon (Montreal), they [Minnesota North Stars] obtained Gary Dineen and Danny O'Shea from the Canadian National Team and goalie Carl Wetzel from the USA National Team. Minnesota simultaneously negotiates with the Swede, Ulf Sterner."


On the topic of quality of European hockey versus the NHL.
Kopaná-hokej, 1965:
"Another one of the leading world amateur hockey players, who has been doing successfully among the Canadian professionals, is the Swedish ex-National Ulf Sterner. Understandably, he has been frequently interviewed by Canadian journalists on the topic of comparison of levels of professional Canadian and amateur European hockey. Sterner´s opinion: teams of USSR and Sweden would be almost equivalent to two today´s weaker NHL teams - New York and Boston. If they [Soviets or Swedes] played 10 games with them [Rangers or Bruins], they would apparently surely achieve fifty percent success. Sterner says: 'I don´t think that the European teams would have already now been able to play against teams like Montreal or Toronto. Of course, once that day will come though. I mean take a look at Stockholm, a city with million inhabitants, which has roughly 500 organized hockey teams today. Soviet players are getting better and better year by year and have such a physical conditioning like no one else today.'"


More on the topic of Swedish hockey players potentially in the NHL
Des Moroney, apparently Arne Strömberg´s assistant coach for the 1971 World Championship, shared his opinion about chances of elite Swedes vis-a-vis NHL players and teams in an interview with Jan Vaněk in Gól magazine, winter 1971:

Question: "How do you judge the level of Swedish and European hockey?
Moroney: I know from own experience, that the Swedish hockey has made a big leap forward for the last nine years. I presume that in a couple of years Swedes, just as the Europe at all, will be able to achieve the same level as NHL.
Question: And today: How would the Tre Kronor likely stand in a game with Boston Bruins for instance?
Moroney: I don´t belong to those who would answer that Swedes would have conceded a 10-goal loss. I´m also not sure that the Boston Bruins would win ten times out of ten games. Professionals are only humans too...
(...)
Question: Which one of the Swedes could play in the NHL today?
Moroney: Only one would succeed immediately - Uffe Sterner. Another candidates would be defensemen Lars Erik Sjöberg, Tommy Abrahamsson and goalie Honken Holmqvist - who could succeed only after tough training though."


Jan Suchý, Jiří Holík

Apart from Suchý being the first European to be placed on an NHL protected list by the Boston Bruins (in which year though?) and Jiří Holík appearing on the Boston Bruins´ list of European players in 1970 (see post #27 in this thread), there was considerable amount of interest from the Detroit Red Wings as well.

For example from this interview, published in September 15, 2010, the last Q&A:
Question: "If you played today, where would that be?
Jan Suchý: Definitely in America. I´d try the NHL. We´d already had an offer from Detroit back then with Jirka Holík, but that would have meant a [permanent] emigration. I was twenty-three, had two little kids. I refused without thinking."

Also this video-interview, published on youtube on July 28, 2013, Q&A from 24th-27th minute of the video:
Question: "You belonged to the best defensemen in the world in your time, experts were comparing you with the Canadian Bobby Orr. Have you ever gotten an offer from the NHL?
Jan Suchý: There was an offer. We were somewhere in Rosenheim with the NT on a training camp or to play exhibitions with Germans which we used to play in Essen and Rosenheim. They approached me.. well, they sent to me, to Jirka Holík, one gentleman [who said] someone is waiting for us if we can go there and take a look. So we went there, we didn´t know with whom with what we´re dealing with. He was sitting there.. I´ve already forgotten the name. I remembered him for a long time, he was a former coach in Detroit. Now I don´t remember the name. They introduced themselves to us, and we had to [communicate] through interpreter because none of us could speak a word in English, not even to say hello. So we sat there and in short, they wanted me with Jirka Holík to go to Detroit. They had prepared everything, plane tickets, contracts.. only simply to hit [on the table] and let´s go. So they would load us, fly away, done and dusted. Of course that we looked at each other with Jirka right, both of us.. well, he hadn´t actually had a family yet, I think he´d been still a single yet.. And so we shook heads at each other, that this won´t go through probably. We apologized politely through the interpreter, that in no way we´re going to do it, even though he was promising to me concretely, for example, that kids with wife [will get transfered] through the Red Cross within a year, that they´re able to get them to me and such and such stories around that but.. How the situation was at the time, right, then during the regime I think hardly anyone would have succeeded. Notwithstanding that we were both soldiers right and so they would take it as a high treason or defection. I don´t know what would that be according to an army rulebook. So I doubt that it would sometimes.. maybe now or after the Revolution, that they would get to me. Sooner, I was able to doubt that completely. So we both cancelled it, returned, we didn´t [decide] poorly hopefully, well.. maybe we would have been far better off [financially] in America than here for example. Because here, you earned almost nothing after all, right."

When the Detroit offer came up? Suchý says he was 23 at the time, so it should be the 67/68 season or the early start to 68/69 season. However, Jiří Holík´s profile on Joe Pelletier´s blog says that the contact happened in the early 1970s... Hard to know the exact time.

Vladimír Dzurilla

Tip magazine, Winter 1971:
Question: "Had you gotten an offer to play for the professional Montreal or Chicago teams, which one would you choose?
Vladimír Dzurilla: I´ve already had the offer for a couple of years, though not from Montreal, neither from Chicago, but from Toronto. True, for now, it´s irrelevant to think about it."

 

[Kshahdoo]

Kinda weird, that no Yakushev on the list, considering how good NA fans and hockey experts were on him.

 

[JimboA]

Stoltz was a smart player with a well developed hockey sense. He was seen as a tactically shrewd player and really used his big size to his best advantage. Once again, just like Björn he didn’t have much of a shot. Stoltz was extremely popular among his teammates thanks his quick and witty humour.

I heard a good story from when Tre Kronor played an outdoor game at Hovet, Stockholm and the legendary tv host and journalist Lennart Hyland was doing the play-by-play for Swedish radio. Rolle Stoltz skated up next to Hyland and said something like "Hey Hyland, could you take it easy? We can't keep up with your tempo."

 

[Sanf]

1964/65

Ok, since Juha Widing was brought up, I'll start with him.

Was going through my notes and remembered this.

Do you havy any more detailed information about Reima Haukka? It was rare that someone went to play junior hockey to NA as early as in mid 70´s.

Despite the name he was Swedish (probably strong Finnish roots). He played atleast one season in Dauphin Kings in 73.74 at Manitoba Junior Hockey League. And after that participated (or atleast was invited) to Phoenix Roadrunners training camp.

Here as Rima Haukka in HDB
Rima Haukka Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com

 

[Theokritos]

Jan Suchý: There was an offer. We were somewhere in Rosenheim with the NT on a training camp or to play exhibitions with Germans which we used to play in Essen and Rosenheim ...

When the Detroit offer came up? Suchý says he was 23 at the time, so it should be the 67/68 season or the early start to 68/69 season. However, Jiří Holík´s profile on Joe Pelletier´s blog says that the contact happened in the early 1970s... Hard to know the exact time.

I can't find a game by the Czechoslovak national team at Rosenheim during the years in question. However, Dukla Jihlava (with Suchý and Holík) played in Füssen (also in Bavaria, a little more than 100 km from Rosenheim) in August 1969, which would fit the time frame nicely.