ATD 2014 - the Bios Thread

[Hawkey Town 18]

Vladimir Lutchenko, D
(Most of this from BubbaBoot)

• Shoots: Left • Height: 6-0 • Weight: 205 lbs. •
• Born: January 2, 1949 • Ramenskoya, USSR •
• Played: 1967/68 - 1980/81 •
• USSR / Russia Hall of Fame: 1970 •

• Awards •
1970 • Merited Sports Master (USSR ZMS)

• Honors •
1970-71 USSR/Russia Elite All-Star Team
1971-72 USSR/Russia Elite All-Star Team
1972-73 USSR/Russia Elite All-Star Team
1973-74 USSR/Russia Elite All-Star Team
1974-75 USSR/Russia Elite All-Star Team
1975-76 USSR/Russia Elite All-Star Team
1976-77 USSR/Russia Elite All-Star Team

• USSR/Russia Elite MVP Voting •
- 1972 (8th)

• Achievements •
• Games Played
- Career International • 276 (T22nd all-time / T10th all-time for USSR/Russia)
- Most IIHF World Championship tournaments (top pool) • 11 (T20th / T10th all-time for USSR/Russia)

• Accolades •

Lutchenko began playing along side aces Alexander Ragulin and Viktor Kuzkin. Coach Anatoli Tarasov, who never made allowances for players just because the were young, appointed the 19 year old defenseman to the first lineup. Soon Vladamir was considered one of the fastest and most mobile defensemen. With his heavy hitting style, opposing forwards were loathto clash with him in front of either the CKSA's or the Soviet national teams's net.

Lutchenko trailed only Liapkin as the highest scoring defenseman on the team. While Liapkin is remembered more for giving up the puck to create the famous Paul Henderson goal, Lutchenko is remembered as an incredible defender in the series.

"Vladimir Lutchenko played very well defensively," said Russian sports writer Vladimir Dvortsov. "He showed that even against the Canadians a defenseman can use clean bodychecks effectively. He played the real style of Soviet hockey - smart, elegant and clean."

Vladimir is arguably one of the best defensive players in the history of Soviet hockey. Lutchenko was notorious for his steady performance and unprecedented consistency throughout his career in hockey. He was well respected among his teammates and recognized as an extremely reliable player in both SCKA and the national team.

Although he had a powerful slapshot, his strongest part was his performance in defense. Lutchenko set up the record for Soviet defense players when he scored 4 goals in a game against Sweden at the Ivestia Cup in 1975. His record still remains unbroken.

The Red Army top line consisted of Vladimir Petrov, Valeri Kharlamov and Boris Mikhailov. All had played in the ’72 and ’74 series and would be mainstays on the National team for years. Patrolling the blue line were Alexander Gusev, Valery Vasiliev, who was on loan from Dynamo Moscow just for this series, and Vladimir Lutchenko arguably one of the greatest defensemen in Soviet hockey history. In goal was Vladislav Tretiak, known simply as the best goaltender in the world.

“"We had always beaten them [Canada] in the Olympics and world championships. I'd often heard that their best players were in the NHL and it bothered me that we weren't playing against them. The series proved finally that we were as good as they were."â€

• Championships •
1968 CSKA Moscow (USSR/Russia Elite)
1969 CSKA Moscow (European Champions Cup)
1970 CSKA Moscow (USSR/Russia Elite)
1970 CSKA Moscow (European Champions Cup)
1971 CSKA Moscow (USSR/Russia Elite)
1971 CSKA Moscow (European Champions Cup)
1972 CSKA Moscow (USSR/Russia Elite)
1972 CSKA Moscow (European Champions Cup)
1973 CSKA Moscow (USSR/Russia Elite)
1973 CKSA Moscow (USSR Cup)
1973 CSKA Moscow (European Champions Cup)
1974 CSKA Moscow (European Champions Cup)
1975 CSKA Moscow (USSR/Russia Elite)
1976 CSKA Moscow (European Champions Cup)
1977 CSKA Moscow (USSR/Russia Elite)
1977 CKSA Moscow (USSR Cup)
1978 CSKA Moscow (USSR/Russia Elite)
1978 CSKA Moscow (European Champions Cup)
1979 CSKA Moscow (USSR/Russia Elite)
1979 CKSA Moscow (USSR Cup)
1979 CSKA Moscow (European Champions Cup)
1980 CSKA Moscow (USSR/Russia Elite)
1980 CSKA Moscow (European Champions Cup)

• International Medals •
1969 - Gold • World Championships
1969 - Gold • European Championships
1970 - Gold • World Championships
1970 - Gold • European Championships
1971 - Gold • World Championships
1971 - Gold • Izvestia Tournament
1972 - Gold • Olympics (Sapporo)
1972 - Gold • Izvestia Tournament
1973 - Gold • World Championships
1973 - Gold • European Championships
1973 - Gold • Izvestia Tournament
1974 - Gold • World Championships
1974 - Gold • European Championships
1974 - Gold • Izvestia Tournament
1975 - Gold • World Championships
1975 - Gold • European Championships
1975 - Gold • Izvestia Tournament
1976 - Gold • Olympics (Innsbruck)
1976 - Gold • Izvestia Tournament
1978 - Gold • World Championships
1978 - Gold • Izvestia Tournament
1979 - Gold • World Championships
1979 - Gold • European Championships
1979 - Gold • Izvestia Tournament
1980 - Gold • Izvestia Tournament
1970 - Silver • Izvestia Tournament
1972 - Silver • World Championships
1972 - Silver • European Championships
1976 - Silver • World Championships
1976 - Silver • European Championships
1977 - Silver • Izvestia Tournament
1978 - Silver • European Championships
1976 - Bronze • Canada Cup
1977 - Bronze • World Championships
1977 - Bronze • European Championships
Played in 1972 and 1974 Summit Series

 

[Hawkey Town 18]

Henrik Zetterberg, C/LW
(Most of this from overpass)

Awards
Conn Smythe Trophy: 2008
TSN Player of the Year: 2007-08
Hart: 10
Selke: 3, 4, 7, 9, 9, 12, 14
All Star Center: 6
All Star Left Wing: 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 7

Top 10s
Goals: 5
Assists: 4, 5
Points: 6, 8

Michael Farber, SI, 2008:

Zetterberg can handle himself, thank you, when he is not handling the entire Penguins team. At a pivotal point in Game 4 last Saturday night, a five-on-three advantage for Pittsburgh that lasted 1:26 midway through the third period, Sidney Crosby was on the edge of the crease and ready for a power-play gimme; Zetterberg abandoned his spot at the point and burst to the net, tying up Crosby's stick with his own and knocking the Pittsburgh center off the play. Zetterberg, a finalist for the Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward, also blocked a point shot during the same sequence and intercepted a pass, enabling him to carry the puck into the Penguins' zone, get off a shot and kill some clock. That might have been the best minute-plus by any athlete since Big Brown won the Preakness. Then with Pittsburgh pressing for a tying goal in the final seconds, Zetterberg stood in front of a Sergei Gonchar shot, helping to preserve a 2--1 win in which Jiri Hudler, a Czech, had scored the winning goal.

Kostya Kennedy, SI, 2008:

That defensive ability along with, of course, the superb offensive skills that tied Zetterberg with Sidney Crosby for the playoff scoring lead (27 points) this spring, is what leads Holland and many in the Detroit organization to call Zetterberg one of the top five forwards in the NHL—or better. "In my mind," says Kronwall, "[Zetterberg] is the best player in the world."

Michael Farber, 2009:

With the continued absence of Pavel Datsyuk, nursing an injured foot, Detroit was left with just one sublime two-way center—Zetterberg—who could play head-to-head against either Crosby, Pittsburgh's captain, or Malkin, the NHL's leading scorer and an MVP finalist. They are Sid and Geno to teammates, Hemlock and Arsenic to opponents. With the last line change that came with his home ice advantage in the first two games, Detroit coach Mike Babcock had to decide which of the two Penguins most deserved the privilege of a full-time escort from Zetterberg and the attention of the No. 1 defense pair of Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski.

Crosby won—or in this case, lost.

This was less about Zetterberg checking Crosby than stalking him. The fluid Red Wing, strong on his skates, was so near he could have guessed Crosby's toothpaste brand. "That's what he tried to do the last couple of years that I've played against him," Crosby says. "He's always been close. He's a good skater. It always presents a challenge." Of Crosby's 49 shifts through two games, even-strength and power-play, Zetterberg was on the ice for all or part of 46 of them. They shared nearly 34 minutes of Crosby's 42 minutes on ice. Crosby took 35 face-offs; Zetterberg was across the dot in 27 of them.

Mike Babcock, 2008:

"Someone said to me earlier, 'You turned your best offensive players into checkers.' I never did that," said Babcock, referring to Zetterberg and linemate Pavel Datsyuk. "They're just very good both ways and deliver offensively. That's the philosophy I have, anyway. I believe if the people that are playing against the best people can score, they have to worry about them."

Vartan Kupelian, Detroit News, 2008:

Until now, Zetterberg's niche wasn't nearly so clearly defined. That's why he landed on the NHL awards ballot under "Selke" despite being every bit as valuable to the Red Wings this year as the Hart Trophy finalists -- Washington's Alex Ovechkin, who will be an overwhelming winner when the vote is announced; Evgeni Malkin of Cup finalist Pittsburgh and Calgary's Jarome Iginla.

Zetterberg is every inch as good as those three and more rounded in his game. He can light it up offensively, shut it down defensively and be a leader. This year that's good enough for the Selke. Another year like it, and he'll be among the finalists for the Hart Trophy.

Zetterberg has become a leader in the Steve Yzerman mold, and when Lidstrom is ready to give up the "C" some day, it will be a perfect fit on Zetterberg's jersey.

Mike Babcock, 2009:

I believe [Zetterberg] has a 'will tank' deeper than anybody I've been associated with. His drivetrain is fantastic.

Nicklas Lidstrom, 2009:

[Zetterberg] is always competitive. You see that every time he is out there. He's trying to stay calm out there, but he keeps coming at you shift after shift. He's not going to let you take over.

Before 2005-06
Zetterberg has put his mark on hockey history with his regular season and playoff heroics in the last few seasons. But if you like to see a longer career than 6 seasons, Zetterberg was playing at a high level before the lockout also.

2000-01: 4th in points in Swedish Elite League
2001-02: Won the Golden Puck as hockey player of the year in Sweden
2002-03: Sporting News rookie of the year (voted on by players), playing very well in a depth role for a very deep Detroit team.
2003-04: 43 points in 61 games for a deep Detroit team.
2004-05: Led Swedish Elite League in scoring during the lockout season, ahead of many other NHL players.

I think that his lockout season, at least, was worth a fair bit. The competition for the scoring race in the SEL that year was very tough, and Zetterberg won. Zetterberg had no teammates in the top 10 in scoring, and Timra finished 3rd in the regular season with very few NHL players other than Zetterberg (and Aki Berg ).

 

[Hawkey Town 18]

Charlie Gardiner, G
(Much of this info provided by TDMM)

SUMMARY

-only goaltender to captain his team to a Cup win
-charter member of the Hall of Fame in 1945

End of the year all-star teams only existed for his final 4 seasons
-First Team All-Star 3 times (1931, 1932, 1934)
-Second Team All-Star 1 time (1933)

-Vezina winner (= modern Jennings) in 1932, 1934
-Stanley Cup in 1934 (backstopping a fairly weak team to the Cup)

-Regular season career GAA: 2.02
-Playoff career GAA: 1.43 (a drop of 30%)
-Twice led the league in shutouts

-Durability: He only missed 4 games in his 7 year career

Nicknamed "The Roving Scotsman" because:

-he was born in Scotland - making him the first European-born captain to win the Stanley Cup
-he would leave his net to break up plays

Charlie Gardiner was Chicago's first hockey superstar. He led them to the top of the league and eventually their first Stanley Cup in 1934 and put hockey on the map in the Windy City.
...
As a sophomore Gardiner lost a league high 29 games despite a 1.93 GAA. The Hawks won only 7 games. But Gardiner continued to play with unbreakable spirit, and earning high praise despite the statistics. The great Howie Morenz once claimed "Bonnie Prince Charlie" was the toughest goalie to score upon.
The Hawks continued to struggle as the 1930s progressed, but Gardiner emerged to become what many people feel was the best goalie of his day. He posted 42 shutouts and 2.02 GAA in 7 seasons. He won the Vezina Trophy in 1932 and 1934 and was named to 4 All Star Teams. He played with a team that offered very little offensive support (the whole team scored only 33 goals in 44 games in 1928-29). But Gardiner's play, much like that of Dominik Hasek years later with Buffalo, made the team a contender to reckon with.

Gardiner's exceptional play was augmented by his ability to direct his teammates on the ice, a factor that led to his being chosen to serve as team captain in 1933-34.

HIGH PRAISE FOR THE YEARS BEFORE THE FIRST OFFICIAL ALL STAR TEAMS

It would be perhaps be advisable in the first place to point out that such a choice is after all merely the opinion of one man."
...
Goal: Roy Worters, backed up by Charlie Gardiner

About Worters: "he makes the hardest chances look easy"
About Gardiner: "with the team he has in front of him, we have every reason to suspect that Gardiner has very little time to collect his wits."

-The Morning Leader, Jan 26, 1929
http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...BAJ&pg=1583,2668747&dq=worters+gardiner&hl=en

But Gardiner played a great game, the sort of display local fans are beginning to expect from this sensational youngster, who seems to combine the best tricks of the late Houdini in keeping a storm of rubber out of his net. Gardiner gave another demonstration of black magic last night, and the only "curtains" he used were a puck, a goaler's stick and a keen eye and brain...

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ym8tAAAAIBAJ&sjid=IowFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3060,125121&hl=en

Late in December 1930 the New York Americans offered $10,000 to the Hawks in exchange for Gardiner, double his salary; McLaughlin refused the offer

The above occurred in the first half of the 1930-31 season, which was the first season AS teams were awarded. One could deduct that Gardiner must have been recognized as one of the league's top goalies before this season for the Americans to make such a large offer as early as December (and for that offer to be turned down).

(Frank Brimsek) is the best looking rookie goaltender since Chuck Gardiner

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...&pg=5603,7400909&dq=chuck+gardiner+best&hl=en

OUTSTANDING IN THE PLAYOFFS

The miraculous goaltending of Chuck Gardiner in the Hawks nets, was all that kept the Canucks* from scoring time after time, but after being injured twice, the Chicago marvel at last succumbed to a shot from Morenz after 51 minutes and 53 seconds of overtime play.
...
Abel on the Hawks defense was, outside of Gardiner, the greatest player on the ice.
...
George Mantha rushed Gardiner and knocked him down while trying to score. The game was held up for a minute while he recovered from a blow to the stomach. Chuck continued to perform brilliantly however, stopping seemingly impossible shots time after time .

*meaning Montreal Canadiens

-Calgary Daily Herald, March 29, 1930
http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...AIBAJ&pg=1554,3586865&dq=chuck+gardiner&hl=en

Charlie Gardiner is the greatest goalkeeper hockey fans ever saw. Saskatchewan hockey supporters cannot imagine what a team of superstars the Montreal Canadiens are - Johnny Gottselig and Harold March are the best two forwards on the Black Hawks roster.
...
Gardiner is even better than Hughie Lehman, known as "Eagle Eye' was in his prime, and the way he comes out of his goal - sometimes as much as 15 feet - just breaks the hearts of opposing sharpshooters.

-The Leader Post, April 8, 1931
http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...BAJ&pg=5341,4644892&dq=charlie+gardiner&hl=en

Particularly fascinating is the fact that in 1931, the Blackhawks were beaten by the Canadiens in the final, and Gardiner had been so stellar in goal, that immediately upon completion of the final game, the whole Montreal team carried Gardiner on their shoulders around the Forum ice, and then down the tunnel and into their dressing room, where they fed him champagne.

Additional source confirming the above: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KQg_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=AE4MAAAAIBAJ&pg=5799,2166911&dq=gardiner+carried+stanley+cup&hl=en

(Title)Chicago Hawks Defeat Detroit in Cup Series, Chuck Gardiner plays big part in Team's 4 to 1 triumph

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...AIBAJ&pg=4526,1199434&dq=chuck+gardiner&hl=en

Heroic performance in his final playoffs (READ THE WHOLE THING!):

Gardiner's finest moment came in the 1934 playoffs, as "Smiling Charlie" advanced the Hawks to the Stanley Cup Finals against Detroit. This despite the fact that Gardiner was feeling quite ill at the time. Unbeknownst to him or his doctors, Gardiner had long suffered from a chronic tonsil infection. The disease had spread and had begun to cause uremia convulsions. Undaunted, Gardiner pressed on as winning the Stanley Cup had become an obsession with him. Though playing in body-numbing pain, the Hawks prevailed over the Wings. He permitted only 12 goals in 8 playoff games - a 1.50 GAA.

A well liked and jovial fellow, Gardiner served as the Blackhawks captain, a rarity for a goalie even when it was allowed. Before the decisive 4th game, the "Roving Scotsman" showed his leadership and reportedly told his teammates that they would only need to score one goal that night. Sure enough, the game had gone into double overtime at a 0-0 tie. Suffering from growing fatigue, Gardiner was weakening considerably as the game went on. But he managed to hold the Red Wings scoreless until Chicago's XXX finally scored.

The Hawks hoisted their first Stanley Cup, but Gardiner, the only goalie to captain a Cup champion, was just as happy he could escape the ice and collapse in the dressing room. A few weeks later Gardiner underwent brain surgery after suffering a massive brain hemorrhage. Unfortunately complications from the surgery would cost him his life on June 13, 1934.

"BEST GOALIE EVER" AT HIS TIME OF DEATH?*

He (Joliat) picked an all star team (at the request of W.A. Howard, a writer for Canadian National Magazine) confined to players who played against him during his 16 years as a professional. He puts Benedict or Gardiner in goal; Shore and Noble on defense; Nighbor at centre; with Cook and Jackson on the wings. It's a well balanced unit. -

Charlie Gardiner is the greatest goalkeeper hockey fans ever saw.
...
Gardiner is even better than Hughie Lehman, known as "Eagle Eye' was in his prime, and the way he comes out of his goal - sometimes as much as 15 feet - just breaks the hearts of opposing sharpshooters.

When Howie Morenz, speed artist of the Montreal Canadiens, was at his best four years ago, he said the Winnipeg kid was the hardest netman he had ever tried to outguess.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...AIBAJ&pg=6578,1727079&dq=chuck+gardiner&hl=en

(Frank) Boucher tapped for his all-time team goalie Chuck Gardiner of the Chicago Black Hawks, defense men Eddie Shore of the Boston Bruins and Ching Johnson of the Rangers, Center Frank Nighbor of Ottawa, left winger Aurel Joliat of the Montreal Canadians and right winger Bill Cook.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...&pg=4844,3988229&dq=chuck+gardiner+best&hl=en

I always thought of him as far superior to any other goaltender in the National League

-The Montreal Gazette, June 14, 1934 (right after Gardiner died - take the quote with a grain of salt, but it's quite strongly worded).

OTHER GOALIE IS THE BEST SINCE CHUCK GARDINER

Of the big Rangers squad, only Davey Kerr, the little goalie, has been recognized as a star. There's no forward on the squad with a reputation such as Howie Morenz, Bill Cook, Nels Stewart, Chuck Conacher, and even older and more famous stars of the past. The defensemen haven't had the publicity granted Ching Johnson, Eddie Shore, or Lionel Conacher. And Kerr isn't being classed with Chuck Conacher or Georges Vezina.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...AJ&pg=3878,46195&dq=chuck+gardiner+best&hl=en

Dick Irvin is quoted as saying that Bill Burnan (sic) is the best goaler since the late Chuck Gardiner of Chicago... We'll take Brimsek even while admitting Durnan is a pretty fair puck-stopper.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...J&pg=4246,502297&dq=chuck+gardiner+best&hl=en

 

[Hawkey Town 18]

Walt Tkaczuk, C

LHS
6'0"
185 lbs

Award Voting
AS: 3, 6
Selke (only existed for his last 3 1/2 seasons): 5, 6, 15
Rangers Team MVP: 1970, 1978

Player/Coaches Polls
Best Penalty Killer: T-1st 1974 (Ramsay)
Hardest Worker: 2nd 1974 (Clarke)
Best Defensive Forward: 3rd 1981 (Gainey/Clarke)

If they ever designate a league wide trophy for the most underrated player in the National Hockey League, they should name it the Walt Tkaczuk Award.

The man with an alphabet-soup surname was never an explosive scorer but he did collect 227 goals in his 13 year career, all spent with the New York Rangers from 1968 through 1981. He was much better at moving the puck, as his 451 career assists attest. All in all, he was a consistent 20 goal, 60 point threat.

But Tkaczuk's biggest contribution to the Rangers was his using of his hockey intelligence to develop into a sparkling defensive forward, especially as a penalty killer. He was among the league's elite shadows and faceoff men too. He was an extremely important player on the Rangers, even though he was overshadowed by the glitzier players such as Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert.

Walter was also as tough as nails. Opponents described Tkaczuk as virtually unstoppable once he built up a head of steam and rushed down the ice. Walter's toughness was probably inherited from his father Mike. Mike worked as a driller at the Jamieson Copper Mine in South Porcupine, Ontario, which is where Walter grew up (he was actually born in Emstedetten, Germany!)
...
And there was nothing Walter loved to do more than play hockey. He escaped the mines unscathed and joined the Kitchener Rangers junior team. He became a 2 time OHA all star (1967 and 1968) and was named as the league's most valuable player in 1968 - ahead of future professionals Tom Webster and Danny Lawson.

"Tkaczuk stood out," remembers one scout. "He went where the puck was, fought for it and when he had it, he was a hard man to knock off it."

Even though 6'0 and 185 pounds isn't an overwhelming size, Tkaczuk's robust play was the key to his game. And he never took the easy route.

"I remember in his first season," recalled his first general manager Emile "Cat" Francis, "when he was coming in on Bobby Baun, one of the toughest checkers in the league and I thought 'Oh no, Walter!' But he kept going right at him and knocked Baun back ten feet, and kept going toward the net. That's the kind of strength he has. When he goes into a corner for the puck with two or three guys, he not only comes out with it most of the time, but he's not even off balance."

Yet despite this physical presence, Walter was extremely disciplined. He was only penalized for 556 minutes in penalties in 945 career games.

Like many rookies, Walter started off slowly in his NHL career, scoring modest totals of 12 goals, 24 assists and 36 points but he really took off in his second year, 1969-70. His 27 goals, 50 assists and 77 points would all prove to be career highs.

After his big season Tkaczuk decided to hold out until he got the raise he felt he deserved. Even though that strained the relationship between player and boss, Francis didn't hold it against Tkaczuk. Francis even described Tkaczuk as "a great young hockey player" shortly after the contract dispute was settled.

Tkaczuk quickly proved his big season was no fluke, as he very nearly equaled his numbers from the year before despite missing 2 games to the holdout (plus one game to a minor injury). Tkaczuk's 26-49-75 season led the Rangers to one of their strongest seasons in recent memory. However Tkaczuk had a learning experience in the 1971 playoffs - he played admirably but only scored once in 13 games.

Tkaczuk took that lesson to good use in the 1971-72 season. His 24-42-66 season led the Rangers to another strong finish. The Rangers, thanks largely to Tkaczuk, were able to get by Montreal and Chicago in the playoffs before meeting the powerful Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup finals.

The Bruins were of course led by Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito. Tkaczuk drew the responsibility of trying to stop the mammoth Esposito - the Bruins goal scoring machine. While the Bruins captured the Stanley Cup, Tkaczuk certainly captured the respect of Esposito and entire league in that series.

"I've never run into anyone tougher. Ever," said Espo of Tkaczuk. "Bobby Clarke of Philadelphia gives me fits because he's so fast and persistent. Jim Harrison in Toronto was as strong as a horse but Tkaczuk had a combination of those qualities."

Throughout the 1970s Tkaczuk centered the "Bulldog Line" with Bill Fairbairn and Dave Balon, who was later replaced by Steve Vickers. With their trademark tenacity and determination, the trio were favorites of the Madison Square Gardens faithful.

A serious eye injury ended Tkaczuk's career half way through the 1980-81 season.

As for his own game, Tkaczuk became the strongest man on blades in the NHL. He never looked flashy when he skated, bt he could bull his way straight through or over anyone who stood in his way. He also became an excellent face-off man and a determined team leader

Hope to add more later...