Dishing the Dirt

[seventieslord]

http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1989/04/21/page/79/article/dale-berra-arrested-on-cocaine-charge

ignore the title and scroll down to the part about HHOF inductees. Looks like aside from Lewis and Flaman (who both got in), the veterans committee was looking at Lorne Chabot (not surprising) and Bob Davidson (very surprising).

 

[Sprague Cleghorn]

Found this "funny" excerpt. Pundits predict that Lionel Conacher will not be able to make the jump from amateur hockey to professional hockey. Though they were kind of right about his goal scoring.

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=PLWDSxI5WzYC&dat=19251125&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

 

[Theokritos]

The Russian hockey handbook from 1977 I keep quoting in the Soviet thread also covers non-Soviet players. The information is very spare, but it might still add something new here and there. I will handle one country after the other, starting with Sweden in the following post. Not all the players from the handbook will be included: I will leave out several older or not-so-important players who I don't think are of actual interest for the ATD/MLD/AAA participants.

 

[Theokritos]

Sweden

1) Goaltenders

Abrahamsson, Christer (G, *1947): "Very athletic, fast reaction. The best Swedish goaltender in the early 1970s."
Holmqvist, Leif (G, *1942): "One of the best Swedish goaltenders of all times. Excellent reaction, managed to react to lightning shots from a short distance. Capably handled breakaways."
Svensson, Kjell (G, *1938): "One of the best Swedish goaltenders of all times. Particularly strong on the goal line."

2) Defencemen

Abrahamsson, Thommy (D, *1947): "Composed, shrewed and tough."
Bergman, Thommie (D, *1947): "Strong and clever."
Björn, Lars (D, *1931): "Had great tactical prowess, fine bodychecking technique and guts."
Salming, Börje (D, *1951): "Fast, technically skilled and agile. One of the best defencemen in professional hockey."
Sjöberg, Lars-Erik (D, *1944): "Considered one of the best defencemen in the WHA. Fast and agile. Supports the forwards well."
Stoltz, Roland (D, *1931): "Calm, confident and reliable. Good stickhandler who saw the ice very well. A master of fast and accurate passes."
Svedbeg, Lennart (D, *1944): "Had outstanding capacity for work and fine technique. Often joined the attack and scored many goals."
Waltin, Mats (D, *1953): "Well-versed in the physical game, mobile and has a strong shot. But not always positionally sound."

3) Forwards

Åhlberg, Mats (C, *1947): "Played the role of a 'conductor'. Helped the defence a lot, but was also a successful scorer."
Andersson, Anders (C, *1937): "Distinguished by his combinational talent."
Eriksson, Roland (C, *1954): "Distinguished by his elegance and efficient scoring."
Hammarström, Inge (RW, *1948): "Very fast and an unrivaled stickhandler."
Hedberg, Anders (F, *1951): "All-around forward, used to play center, recently on the right wing. Good timing in front of the goal, scores a lot."
Johansson, Stig-Göran (C, *1943): "Combination player, master of precise passes, good scorer."
Lundström, Tord (LW, *1945): "A versatile forward with fine technique who scored a lot."
Lundvall, Lars-Eric (LW, *1934): "Always prepared. Quick, technically skilled and a successful scorer."
Nilsson, Lars-Göran (LW, *1944): "He was the fastest forward on the Swedish national team. A successful scorer."
Nilsson, Nils (C, *1936): "Very fast with exceptional agility. Was a masterful stickhandler and a great scorer."
Nilsson, Ulf (C, *1950): "Playmaker, great technical skills."
Öberg, Carl-Göran (LW, *1938): "Had good speed. Always created advantageous situations for his partners."
Pettersson, Ronald (RW, *1935): "Contributed a lot defensively and had great endurance."
Sterner, Ulf (C, *1941): "Fast, skilled and clever. A great stickhandler. A universalist who started as defenceman."
Tumba-Johansson, Sven (C, *1931): "A technical virtuoso with exceptional speed and tactical wit."
Wickberg, Håkan (F, *1943): "Tactically excellent, played well with his partners."

 

[Theokritos]

Czechoslovakia

1) Goaltenders

1.1) Earlier players

Modrý, Bohumil (G, *1917): "One of the strongest goalies in international hockey in the 1940s. Introduced a rational way of goalkeeping with little dropping on the ice."
Peka, Jan (G, *1894): "One of the pioneers of the Czechoslovak goaltending school. The best goalkeeper in Europe in the 1930s."

1.2) Later players

Dzurilla, Vladimír (G, *1942): "Very experienced and has good instincts. Always stays in shape, has a smooth and sociable character and is a great team guy."
Holeček, Jiří (G, *1944): "One of the best goaltenders in the world. Extremely reliable and technically skilled. Excellent reaction. Unafraid of difficult situations and clutch in the crucial games."
Mikoláš, Josef (G, *1938): "Calm and confident. Good with the stick."
Nadrchal, Vladimír (G, *1938): "His reaction was outstanding and his positioning good."

2) Defencemen

2.1) Earlier players

Bacílek, Stanislav (D, *1929): "One of the best European defencemen of the 1950s. Brave and self-sacrificing."
Gut, Karel (D, *1927): "Courageous and dedicated player, good at handling and giving passes. Tactically disciplined. Had good timing in joining the attack. One of the first in Europe to use the bodycheck."
Pácalt, František (D, *1912): "Sound positioning. Particularly good at stealing the puck."
Potsch, Rudolf (D, *1937): "Good understanding of the game. A tough player who smartly covered for his partners. Often contributed offensively."
Tikal, František (D, *1933): "Smart and tactically good player, a great passer."
Trousílek, Josef (D, *1918): "Strong and tall, the best in Europe in the physical game. One of the first to block shots."

2.2) Later players

Bednář, Vladimír (D, *1948): "In excellent physical condition. Fast, agile and tactically literate."
Bubla, Jiří (D, *1950): "Tall, physically strong, selfless, skates well, extraordinarily mobile and agile. Likes to play tough physical hockey. Has a rare underdstanding of the game."
Dvořák, Miroslav (D, *1951): "Reliable, doesn't take risks, covers well for his partners. Particularly confident around his own goal."
Horešovský, Josef (D, *1946): "Physically strong. Fine sense of positioning and good bodychecking. Had a very strong shot."
Kužela, Milan (D, *1946): "Aggressive and rugged. A skillful bodychecker."
Machač, Oldřich (D, *1946): "Gritty, cool-headed and well-coordinated. Plays the body perfectly and has a strong shot."
Pospíšil, František (D, *1944): "One of the best defencemen in the world. Exceptionally reliable and a fine tactician. Plays tough, but always clean. Has a strong shot."
Suchý, Jan (D, *1944): "One of the best in the world in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Offensive defenceman, rushing and clever, with shrewd dekes. Scored more than many forwards did."
Tajcnár, Rudolf (D, *1948): "A stricly defensive defenceman. Brave and self-sacrificing."

3) Forwards

3.1) Earlier players

Bubník, Vlastimil (F, *1931): "One of the best players in international hockey and Czechoslovakia ever. Had virtuosic technique, excellent understanding of the game, high speed and a strong shot."
Danda, Bronislav (C/W, *1930): "A great technician. Very strong individual qualities with his unexpected feints and precise passes."
Kobranov, Vladimír (F, *1927): "Technically skilled player who liked the combination game. Very productive and very clean."
Konopásek, Stanislav (LW, *1923): "Good stickhandler with a lot of technical tricks and feints. A good scorer."
Maleček, Josef (F, *1903): "Excellent skater, well trained. Had amazing stickhandling, talent for combination play and an irrepressible drive to the goal."
Troják, Ladislav (RW, *1914): "Fast, enduring and a hard worker. Created a lot of assists for his partners."
Vaněk, František (C, *1931): "Good tactical understanding earned him the nicknamed 'professor'. Gave timely and precise passes."
Vlach, Miroslav (LW, *1935): "One of the fastest players in Czechoslovakia. Persistent, with a strong shot, he was never afraid to seize the initiative."
Zábrodský, Vladimír (C, *1923): "Fine technician with an exceptional knack for scoring."

3.2) Later players

Augusta, Josef (F, *1946): "Fast and smart player, huge workload, willingly helps the offence and works well with his partners."
Černý, Josef (LW, *1939): "Very disciplined, always competed hard and strictly observed the sporting regime. A model of both courage and longevity."
Golonka, Jozef (W, *1938): "One of the best forwards in the history of international and Czechoslovak hockey. Combined fine technical skills with efficiency and determination. Great acceleration, fast, keen and unusually mobile. Could beat any defenceman one against one. Equally good passer and scorer."
Havel, Jan (RW, *1942): "A fast forward of the ramming type. Successful finisher."
Hlinka, Ivan (C, *1950): "Physically strong, bold bodychecker. Skillfully covers the puck with his body. Tenacious, fast and aggressive. Strong and unexpected shot."
Holík, Jaroslav (F, *1942): "Aggressive player who is active all over the ice. Unafraid of physical encounters."
Holík, Jiří (F, *1944): "One of the best Czechoslovak forwards ever. Bold and aggressive, with excellent fighting qualities. Has an exceptionally large playing range. Equally good offensively and defensively. Expert penalty killer."
Hrbatý, Jan (F, *1942): "Very accurate passer."
Jiřík, Jaroslav (F, *1939): "One of the best wingers in international and Czechoslovak hockey. His great skating technique allowed him to nimbly avoid bodychecks. Had a sudden and accurate shot."
Klapáč, Jan (LW, *1941): "Tenacious bodychecker near the goal. Had an accurate and hard shot."
Kochta, Jiří (F, *1946): "Versatile forward who could play center and winger. Kept his mind in the most difficult situations and guided his partners."
Martinec, Vladimír (W, *1949): "One of the best forwards in the world in recent years. Keen, adroit and cunning player with good acceleration and a strong wrist shot. Equally successful as playmaker and goal scorer."
Novák, Eduard (F, *1946): "Physically strong, intense and keen player who liked to bodycheck."
Novák, Jiří (F, *1950): "Creative and fast player with original 'trademark' dekes. Managed to combine individual actions and passing."
Nový, Milan (F, *1951): "One of the best scorers in modern hockey. Has good acceleration, skillful positioning and a sudden and hard shot."
Pouzar, Jaroslav (F, *1952): "Fast, aggressive and a fearless bodychecker."
Ševčík, František (F, *1942): "Hard-working and self-sacrificing player with peculiar technique."

Conspicuously missing from the register: Václav Nedomanský who had defected to North America in 1974.

 

[Theokritos]

Finland

1) Goaltenders

Lahtinen, Juhani (G, *1930): "Best Finnish goaltender of the 1950s. Had an outstanding reaction."
Valtonen, Jorma (G, *1946): "Has good positioning and a quick reaction. One of the best players in Finnish hockey history."
Ylönen, Urpo (G, *1943): "Cold-blooded and calm. Has brilliant anticipation of where the puck is going and moves well."

2) Defencemen

Koskela, Ilpo (D, *1945): "Good skating technique. Fearless player who loved to get involved offensively."
Lindström, Seppo (D, *1941): "Positionally sound and disciplined. Good bodychecker."
Marjamäki, Pekka (D, *1947): "One of the best defencemen in modern hockey. Has strength, great positioning and good bodychecking. Often supports the forwards."
Rantasila, Juha (D, *1945): "Physically strong, likes bodychecking. Very productive, always one of the best goalscorers in the Finnish league."
Rautakallio, Pekka (D, *1953): "Reliable and tactically bright."
Riihiranta, Heikki (D, *1948): "Likes bodychecking."

3) Forwards

Hagman, Matti (C, *1955): "Aggressive scorer, one of the best on the current Finnish national team."
Keinonen, Matti (W, *1941): "Smart and very fast player with good stickhandling and dekes. Rather rough, took a lot of penalties."
Ketola, Veli-Pekka (C, *1948): "One of the best Finnish players. Strong and fast. Has excellent technique and a good shot."
Oksanen, Lasse (RW, *1942): "Physically strong, fast and aggressive."
Repo, Seppo (RW, *1947): "Fast and keen. A great finisher from the slot."
Tamminen, Juhani (W, *1950): "A playmaker. One of the best players on the Finnish national team in the recent years."

 

[VanIslander]

Ylönen, Urpo (G, *1943): "Cold-blooded and calm. Has brilliant anticipation of where the puck is going and moves well."
Rautakallio, Pekka (D, *1953): "Reliable and tactically bright."
Hagman, Matti (C, *1955): "Aggressive scorer, one of the best on the current Finnish national team."
Oksanen, Lasse (RW, *1942): "Physically strong, fast and aggressive."

These ones I am familiar with from depth all-time drafts (AAA, Double A) in years past.

The other eleven? *shrug* Is there a reason to think any of them better than the above?

 

[Theokritos]

These ones I am familiar with from depth all-time drafts (AAA, Double A) in years past.

The other eleven? *shrug* Is there a reason to think any of them better than the above?

Not sure they were, but here are some arguments:

Valtonen was the goaltender of the Finnish national team over Ylönen from 1970 to 1976. Koskela (1971 World Championship All-star team, invited to the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp in 1972 but declined) and Marjamäki (1975 World Championship All-star and Best Defenceman) earned international accolades at a time when Finland was still a clear notch below the medal contenders – something Pekka Rautakallio didn't achieve.

 

[Hobnobs]

Not sure they were, but here are some arguments:

Valtonen was the goaltender of the Finnish national team over Ylönen from 1970 to 1976. Koskela (1971 World Championship All-star team, invited to the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp in 1972 but declined) and Marjamäki (1975 World Championship All-star and Best Defenceman) earned international accolades at a time when Finland was still a clear notch below the medal contenders – something Pekka Rautakallio didn't achieve.

Pretty much this. Ill take Marjamaki out of all those defenseman listed.

 

[Theokritos]

Some nice information about the Czechoslovak national players who won the 1972 World Championship has been added on HOH thanks to DN28. In the following posts I will piece together the entries from the Czech 1972 yearbook (edited by Vladimír Malec and Igor Mráz) and the Russian 1977 handbook (edited by Arkady Komarov).

 

[Theokritos]

Czechoslovak Defencemen

Bednář, Vladimír

• Malec/Mráz: "Third WHC [in 1972] but played only twice now in Prague. He plays in 2nd League for Plzeň, hence his performance dropped compared to past. Though he is wonderfully build (183 cm, 86 kg), has enough talent and so he can be still a useful member of the team. He caught attention of Canadian observers thanks to his style."
• Komarov: "In excellent physical condition. Fast, agile and tactically literate."

Bubla, Jiří

• Malec/Mráz: "At WHC 1971 in Switzerland he surprised coaches with nice performance. Strong player, creating an impression of an 'Old Cossack'."
• Komarov: "Tall, physically strong, selfless, skates well, extraordinarily mobile and agile. Likes to play tough physical hockey. Has a rare underdstanding of the game."

Horešovský, Josef

• Malec/Mráz: "Plays for Sparta, successor of František Tikal. He plays weaker in domestic league but at WHC and OG it is completely different Horešovský. Tough, fearless, calm, good shooter. Pillar of our defense."
• Komarov: "Physically strong. Fine sense of positioning and good bodychecking. Had a very strong shot."

Kužela, Milan

• Malec/Mráz: "It was his first WHC. He is a versatile player, coaches have used him even on the wing. He is fast, fearless in close battles and fights, vital. He has still been maturing from a tactical standpoint. He could make a very good duo with Tajcnár in years to come."
• Komarov: "Aggressive and rugged. A skillful bodychecker."

Machač, Oldřich

• Malec/Mráz: "Master of bodychecks and hard shots along the ice. Scored two goals in Prague, according to experts he played in a best form of his life. He again showed conscientious approach to game and awesome skating abilities."
• Komarov: "Gritty, cool-headed and well-coordinated. Plays the body perfectly and has a strong shot."

Pospíšil, František

• Malec/Mráz: "Captain of the Czechoslovakian team along with Machač created an excellent duo and also appeared in the All-star team. One of the most popular sportsmen of CSSR, twice the winner of the Golden stick. Plays very clean and he did not receive a single penalty during the Championship."
• Komarov: "One of the best defencemen in the world. Exceptionally reliable and a fine tactician. Plays tough, but always clean. Has a strong shot."

Tajcnár, Rudolf

• Malec/Mráz: "The heaviest man of the [1972] WHC, weighs 103 kg, but definitely does not belong to the most static players. Applied himself in tough battles, put his whole heart into the game and after his hard shots 5 goals were scored. If he drops his weight a bit to be more mobile and to have better acceleration, he could continue to play internationally for a long time."
• Komarov: "A strictly defensive defenceman. Brave and self-sacrificing."

 

[Theokritos]

Czechoslovak Forwards

Hlinka, Ivan

• Malec/Mráz: "Very talented player, received the best forward award in Moscow in 1971 at the Izvestia trophy tournament, but in this season [1971-1972] he did not meet expectations. He played 5 games and 2 goals only. He has yet to fight for a place in the team."
• Komarov: "Physically strong, bold bodychecker. Skillfully covers the puck with his body. Tenacious, fast and aggressive. Strong and unexpected shot."

Holík, Jaroslav

• Malec/Mráz: "Big warrior, nothing is lost to him, could lift up others too. Man with immense will, scored 8 goals and with winning the gold he accomplished his lifelong dream."
• Komarov: "Aggressive player who is active all over the ice. Unafraid of physical encounters."

Holík, Jiří

• Malec/Mráz: "Modest man with pleasant nature. Warrior who had no equal at WHC, perfectly follows his defensive duties. Every defenseman would like to play behind him."
• Komarov: "One of the best Czechoslovak forwards ever. Bold and aggressive, with excellent fighting qualities. Has an exceptionally large playing range. Equally good offensively and defensively. Expert penalty killer."

Klapáč, Jan

• Malec/Mráz: "Pleasantly surprised [at the 1972 WHC]. He played with full effort each game and in deciding moments outstandingly managed to finish the chances. Just as Nedomanský, even Klapáč scored 9 goals!"
• Komarov: "Tenacious bodychecker near the goal. Had an accurate and hard shot."

Kochta, Jiří

• Malec/Mráz: "Player of Sparta Prague who knows how to adapt within any offensive line. He is a big individuality although it seems that he doesn't know how to let go all that he has in him on the ice. He often satisfied himself with mediocre performance."
• Komarov: "Versatile forward who could play center and winger. Kept his mind in the most difficult situations and guided his partners."

Martinec, Vladimír

• Malec/Mráz: "He is one of our most wittiest hockey players. By two assists on goals he contributed a great deal to the victory over USSR. He attacks and defends very well, has an intuition for the game, he is a constructive player. If he gains better conditioning and experience yet, he can become the backbone of CSSR team."
• Komarov: "One of the best forwards in the world in recent years. Keen, adroit and cunning player with good acceleration and a strong wrist shot. Equally successful as playmaker and goal scorer."

Paleček, Josef

• Malec/Mráz: "Played for the first time at WHC [in 1972], played 5 games. Fast, hungry, fearless but little experienced yet. He was in fact a substitute, got an opportunity and proved himself great."
• Komarov: "Tactically versed, very efficient."

 

[Theokritos]

Some movement over at the well-known site passionhockey.com hockeyarchives.com: They're working on an alphabetic register featuring profiles of every player who has ever taken part in the Olympics, World Championships, Canada Cup/World Cup and older European tournaments. So far only the first two letters (A and B) are online), but that alone covers hundreds of players. The profiles are in both English and French.

Some examples of information there that could be useful for ATD participants:

Abrahamsson, Christer:
A stand-up goalie with good rebound control. Quick, especially with his trapper. Uncomfortable wandering from the net and handling the puck. Strong on shots from a close range.

Abrahamsson, Thommy:
Defenseman noted for his hard shot from the blueline. Popular among coaches because of his winning mentality and ability to always give 110%. Made his debut on the national team 1967 in a game against East Germany. His physical style of play attracted interest from North America and he eventually played pro hockey both in WHA & NHL.

Å…hlberg, Mats:
Technical player with good scoring and playing instincts. Developed leadership and authority qualities on the ice over the years. Intelligent, calm and collected, seldom got nervous.

Babinov, Sergey:
He was seen as a mobile defenseman with a good shot from the point. Great balance on his skates and had a bit of a mean streak. Tactically good but not a finesse player.

Bergman, Thommie:
Good sized defenseman who had a North American style of play. Moved the puck well and was deceptive with his long strides, although not fast. Had the hardest shot of all Swedish players during tests just prior to the 1971 World Championships.

Bilyaletdinov, Zinetula:
Bilyaletdinov was a good and strong skater with good lateral movements. Great competitor and a hard bodychecker. Wellrounded defenseman. Was creatively limited and prefered to make simple plays. More of a destructive type of defenseman who was better at neutralizing the opponents than making things happen on his own.

 

[Theokritos]

From an 1969 THN article comparing Maurice Richard, Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull:

Gordie probably does more work defensively than did Richard or than does Hull. Neither Hull nor the Rocket really considered it necessary to work at mundane duties like backchecking and forechecking. Hull does kill penalties, usually by the most obvious method of simply grabbing the puck and bulling his way up the ice with it.
Richards said, "Why should I back check. The other fellow is usually having a heck of a time just keeping me from scoring, so I really don't have to worry too much about him getting one."

 

[seventieslord]

From an 1969 THN article comparing Maurice Richard, Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull:

I used to get raked over the coals for saying Richard wasn't a good defensive player. He really wasn't, was he? I'm not saying that needs to necessarily be held against him, but when he's in the tier of Beliveau, Hull, Harvey and Bourque, I think yes, of course it does, to the extent that it helps you to rank him among the top 5-13 players of all-time.

 

[Killion]

I used to get raked over the coals for saying Richard wasn't a good defensive player. He really wasn't, was he? I'm not saying that needs to necessarily be held against him, but when he's in the tier of Beliveau, Hull, Harvey and Bourque, I think yes, of course it does, to the extent that it helps you to rank him among the top 5-13 players of all-time.

"Raked over the coals" for holding that opinion when its fact? Strange. Because no, he wasnt a good defensive player and he openly admitted it. Read several accounts, interviews, bios etc. He was like Gretzky though rather than a sort of flitting ethereal Pixie out there The Rocket a charging Brahma. The opposition very worried, playing it defensively, no choice in the matter. Richard didnt have to, just did not play the game "defensively". He had to a bit more as he aged, something he found rather frustrating at times but you cant stop Father Time. Head willing, legs saying no... as for "ranking him".... as in "all-round player" well, you know what the story is on that. This guy was comin at ya. You not he on your heels, playing it defensively.

 

[Canadiens1958]

"Raked over the coals" for holding that opinion when its fact? Strange. Because no, he wasnt a good defensive player and he openly admitted it. Read several accounts, interviews, bios etc. He was like Gretzky though rather than a sort of flitting ethereal Pixie out there The Rocket a charging Brahma. The opposition very worried, playing it defensively, no choice in the matter. Richard didnt have to, just did not play the game "defensively". He had to a bit more as he aged, something he found rather frustrating at times but you cant stop Father Time. Head willing, legs saying no... as for "ranking him".... as in "all-round player" well, you know what the story is on that. This guy was comin at ya. You not he on your heels, playing it defensively.

By the standards of the day and on the Canadiens - Lach and Blake his linemates were better.

Early days he killed penalties, more PK goals than Howe during their respective careers.

By modern standards Maurice Richard would have been very solid defensively. Understood the value of impeding lanes and how this created offence. Few do this today or in recent times.

 

[Killion]

By the standards of the day and on the Canadiens - Lach and Blake his linemates were better.

Early days he killed penalties, more PK goals than Howe during their respective careers.

By modern standards Maurice Richard would have been very solid defensively. Understood the value of impeding lanes and how this created offence. Few do this today or in recent times.

Indeed. He wasnt exactly the "Defensive Conscience" of that line however when your playing with a guy like Toe Blake who's thinking geometrically & knowing how to optimize the break-out with Lach & The Rocket... well with a mind like that & the skills he possessed as a player.... wouldve been fun to face them as a Goalie though not so much as a skater as they could badly embarrass. I unfortunately didnt get to see live action of Montreal during that period, certainly not during Richards early through mid-career. Just old film. Very usual skater. Sort of "ran" on his blades. Legs constantly moving. Not a glider.

 

[Canadiens1958]

Indeed. He wasnt exactly the "Defensive Conscience" of that line however when your playing with a guy like Toe Blake who's thinking geometrically & knowing how to optimize the break-out with Lach & The Rocket... well with a mind like that & the skills he possessed as a player.... wouldve been fun to face them as a Goalie though not so much as a skater as they could badly embarrass. I unfortunately didnt get to see live action of Montreal during that period, certainly not during Richards early through mid-career. Just old film. Very usual skater. Sort of "ran" on his blades. Legs constantly moving. Not a glider.

Watch enough films of Maurice Richard and you should realize something about his skating.

 

[Killion]

Watch enough films of Maurice Richard and you should realize something about his skating.

All North~South. Of course he compensates having been born with a bit of a club foot along with leg & calf/heel injuries, adapted, very unusual stride. He wouldnt have been easy to read as a Goalie beyond where the puck was resting on his stick, going for the forehand or backhand, a deke (which he favored) as there wasnt the normal entirely readable shift in the feet marking the shooters commitment to whatever play beyond the stick-puck & lay of the puck. That guy looked like he didnt care, he & the puck were going to go right through you.

 

[Theokritos]

In case someone has missed it: This thread on HOH has a plethora of interesting bits and pieces on the greats of the first half of the 20th century.

 

[Theokritos]

The Russian hockey handbook from 1977 I keep quoting

If any ATD GM is looking at a specific European player from the 1960s or 1970s and struggles to get a read on his game, just shoot me a PM or post in this thread and I will look what the 1977 handbook has on the player. Digging this out won't take long as the handbook only gives a few sentences on each player.

As an example, some European players already drafted this year:

Valery Kharlamov (53th overall):
"One of the best Soviet players of all time. Not possessing a heroic physique, he earned his fame as a fine technician with the puck and excellent skater. His amazing speed and his skill in maneuvering over the ice helped him to escape from clashes with the defencemen."

Boris Mikhaylov (77th overall):
"One of the best Soviet players of all time. A fighter, unbending, staunch, not afraid of anyone or anything. He boldly crashed right into the defencemen to fight for the puck and spares neither himself nor the opponent. An outstanding scorer, he scored most of his goals from the slot. Captain of CSKA and the Soviet national team for many years, he knows how to entice and lead his partners in the game. Bravely plays on the defence and is always on the ice on the penalty kill."

Valery Vasilyev (81th overall):
"One of the best defenceman in Soviet and international hockey. Physically strong and very composed, he skates and moves well, is perfect one against one and connects to the attack skillyfully. His sense of the game and a polished pass allowed him to initiate sharp counterattacks."

Anatoly Firsov (86th overall):
"One of the best players in the history of Soviet and world hockey. Equally skilled as a playmaker and a finisher. A fine technician, he particularly stood out with his powerful and sudden slapshot, his fast skating and his perfectly honed dekes, including the feint 'skate to stick'. Had good vision of the ice and directed the attacks of his linemates impressively. He was masterful on his skates. A very clean player and a smart mentor for younger players."

Vladislav Tretyak (96th overall):
"The strongest goaltender in modern world hockey. Enjoys high popularity in all hockey nations. Has an exceptional drive and doesn't have any weakness in his preparation. Equally good on the goal line and coming out of the goal. Particularly strong in 'close combat', in turning aside shots from point-blank range, in one against one situations. Amazes experts with the consistency in his game and his work ethic in training."

 

[Theokritos]

Two players I've just been asked about:

Aleksandr Maltsev
"The model of a modern forward: harmoniously combines natural talent, fine stickhandling, the ability to give and receive a pass, elegant and effortless skating, extraordinary mobility and high speed, a brave character and rare composure. His beautiful technique and understanding of the game allows him to find original and combinatory solutions in a matter of seconds. Anticipates the moves of his opponents and partners, makes use of complex techniques quickly and at the highest speed. Clearly Cleverly alternates between an individual game and a team game. His flawless passes put his partners in good scoring positions in front of the net. Gets his strong wrist shot off very quickly and stealthily to the surprise of the goaltender."

Vladimír Martinec
"One of the best forwards in international hockey in recent years. Keen, nimble and cunning. Has very good acceleration and a strong wrist shot. Equally successful as playmaker and scorer."
II: "He is one of our most wittiest hockey players. He attacks and defends very well, has an intuition for the game, he is a constructive player."

The second quote is from a 1972 Czechoslovak yearbook and refers to the 1972 World Championship, but it should give some general insight into the player.

 

[Theokritos]

Recently drafted:

Jan Suchý
"An adroit and fast skating offensive defenceman with creative feints. Scored more than many forwards."

František Pospíšil
"One of the best defencemen in international hockey. Exceptionally reliable and a smart tactician. Plays tough, but always clean. Has a strong shot."

 

[jarek]

Recently drafted:

Jan Suchý
"An adroit and fast skating offensive defenceman with creative feints. Scored more than many forwards."

František Pospíšil
"One of the best defencemen in international hockey. Exceptionally reliable and a smart tactician. Plays tough, but always clean. Has a strong shot."

For what it's worth, I would start a defense pair with Pospisil over Suchy, even if I think Suchy is arguably better. I prefer starting with the defensive minded guy, especially if he's also quite capable of moving the puck himself.