MLD 2012 Bios (pic, quotes, stats, accomplishments, everything)

[seventieslord]

Tom Paton, G

Shameless pasting of everything dug up in the past, thank you Dreakmur and especially Iain Fyffe:

“He was a stellar goalkeeper, putting together solid efforts from 1887 through the 1894 season. The short time he did spend playing for the AAA was well spent indeed. He was, simply put, a gem.

In the 1889 final match, the AAA bashed the Montreal Victorias 6-1, thanks in large part to his work between the pipes. According to records, he singlehandedly kept the AAA in the game long enough to ensure the victory.†– Hockey-Notes.com

“After losing its first match to Ottawa, the AAA swept its remaining seven games to finish ahead of the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada pack. He was rock-solid between the pipes, or "flags," leading all net-men with a 2.25 goals-against average†– Hockey-Notes.com on 1st Stanley Cup in 1893

“The 1888 schedule culminated in an exciting one-game playoff between the Montreal AAA and Montreal Victorias. The former took the title, winning 2-1 on the strength of some fine goaltending by him.†– Hockey-Notes.com

First known hockey award – given to Tom Paton in 1885


Tom Paton’s Championship medal from 1888


First ever Stanley Cup Championship ring – worn by Tom Paton


In Brief: Today he is best known as the goaltender on the first Stanley-Cup winning team, but for little else since he hung up his skates after winning it. However hockey did not actually begin in 1893, and his career stretched back eight seasons to 1885, during which time he teamed with point James Stewart and cover Allan Cameron to put up a nigh-impenetrable defence for the mighty Winged Wheelers. By far the best goaltender of his day, the Hall of Fame has overlooked him presumably due to how long ago he played. He has no champion, and predates even players like Mike Grant and Graham Drinkwater.

Years Active: 1885 to 1893, all with Montreal HC

Date of Birth: September 30, 1855. This makes him 30 years old when his career started, or rather when organized hockey tourneys started. His age is a rarity for his era - most players were retired by the time they were 30; he played until he was 37.

Biographical Notes: Of Scottish descent, he worked as a life insurance agent, married a woman 20 years his junior and had four children (as of 1901).

Accomplishments:
- Won First Stanley Cup in 1893
- Prior to Stanley Cup, won AHAC championship in 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891 and 1892
- Won 1885 Montreal winter carnival tournament (pre-AHAC), posting three shutouts in four games, including one in the final
- Was clearly the best goalkeeper pre-1900, head and shoulders above the rest; unmatched consistency in performance
- Lowest GAA in 1885, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891 and 1893 (six of nine career seasons)

Ultimate Hockey Says
- Deserved Vezina in 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891 and 1893 (they didn't cover pre-1887, but clearly he would deserve it in 1885 as well)
- Deserved Hart in 1889
- Noted as best goaler pre-1900
- Noted as having "best glove hand" of his era - This one is complete bollocks, because there was no such thing as a glove hand in Paton's era

Career Stats

Season | GP | GAA | Record
1885|4|0.44|3-0-1
1886|4|1.44|2-2-0
1887|2|2.53|0-1-0
1888|7|1.00|6-1-0
1889|7|1.43|5-2-0
1890|7|1.85|7-0-0
1891|7|1.00|6-1-0
1892|4|2.25|1-3-0
1893|8|2.25|7-1-0
Career|50|1.51|37-11-1

Here is Iain Fyffe's blog post about Paton, which includes information about what type of goaltender Paton was, and what was the nature of goaltending in his era:

Tom L. Paton (b.1854) was a goaltender for the Montreal Hockey Club (or AAA, or Winged Wheelers) from 1885 to 1893. He is easily the most successful goaltender of the pre-Stanley Cup era, and indeed for the 19th century. His team won the Montreal Winter Carnival championship in 1885 and 1887, and the championship of the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada (AHAC) in 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892 and 1893. With James Stewart and Allan Cameron playing in front of him on the defence, the Winger Wheelers were often an impenetrable defensive fortress.

The goaltender's task in the 1880s was clearly different in execution from that of the modern goalie, due to the fact that he was prohibited from falling to the ice to make saves. However, it is easy to overstate the degree of difference; olde tyme goalers used whatever body part was handy in order to stop the puck, just like today's netminders. Quebec Hockey Club goaltender Frank Stocking, who played senior hockey from 1892 to 1901, describes the goaltender's role in Art Farrell's 1899 book Hockey: Canada's Royal Winter Game as follows:

In stopping the puck, the feet, limbs, body and hands are all used according to the nature of the shot. The stick is used to clear the puck from the goals after stop has been made, but rarely to make the stop. Some goalers use the hands much more frequently than others and make splendid stops in this way. But this depends on the individual's handiness, those accustomed to play baseball and cricket, excelling. The most difficult shot to stop results from a quick pass in front of goals at the height of about one foot off the ice.

It should be noted that Stocking wrote this passage after the introduction of goalie pads, which were introduced by Winnipeg goaltender George Merritt in 1896, who used cricket pads to protect his shins. One surmises that, before these pads were in use, a goaltender would have been more likely to use his stick to make stops, to limit the numbers of shots against his shins. Although 1880s goaltenders did wear some shin protection, it was not nearly as full as the cricket pads would be.

Also note the reference to clearing the puck; though Tom Paton was clearly an effective goaltender in terms of stopping the puck, it seems his most noteworthy feature was his skill at clearing the puck once it was stopped. From a Montreal Gazette game report of January 14, 1888, for example, we have the following:

Brown by a rush took the puck well up where Lee made a gallant effort to score without success, as Paton was on the alerts and sent it down only to be returned to him to defend his charge which he did well.

McQuisten was the first man to show up prominently; he passed it to Brown who shot for goals, but as Paton was keeping a sharp lookout it was sent up again where another spell of open play occurred.

Lee sent in another sharp one to Paton, who sent it back.

He was not just a stickhandler, though, as this passage from the January 30, 1893 edition of the Gazette suggests:

At the start the puck was carried down to the Montreal end of the ice and shot after shot was made at the goal, but Paton stopped them with his hands, stick or feet. He seemed to be in every part of the goals at once, and every time the puck was shot in it was as speedily returned, and finally Cameron scooped it up to the other end of the rink.

So I see Paton very much as a 19th Century Martin Brodeur: a goaltender who is very proficient at stopping the puck, but who also contributes greatly to his side's efforts with his stick.

THE QUALITY OF PRE-STANLEY CUP HOCKEY

Hockey from the mid-1880s to 1892 was not substantially different than hockey immediately after the introduction of the Stanley Cup in 1893. The dividing line between 1892 and 1893 is as artificial and political as the line between 1917 and 1918. As such, players from the pre-Stanley Cup era should be considered to be on par with players post-1892, at least until the professional era.

Several arguments were previously raised in an attempt to demonstrate that a relatively low level of competition existed prior to 1893. Each of these arguments will be refuted in turn.

The Nature of the Game and its Players

It was argued that hockey before 1893 was a gentlemanly game, played more for its own sake than for the competition. It was played by affluent young men, members of posh clubs. This allegedly began to change when the Cup was introduced, which gave the teams something real to strive for, and increased their incentive to do anything it takes to win.

This argument stems from the misconception that hockey before the Stanley Cup was a game played between teams from gentleman's clubs. This is false; the clubs in question were athletic clubs (such as the famous Montreal Amateur Athletic Association, who sponsored the Montreal Hockey Club). Members of these clubs joined them to undertake sport, not to assemble in the drawing room for dry sherry.

Violence has been a part of the game of hockey since its earliest years of organized competition. The players on the ice were rarely gentlemen. The following excerpts are taken from Montreal Herald game reports from the 1890 AHAC season, which of course predates the Stanley Cup by three years.

Montreal vs Quebec, 1/9/1890: The game was rather rough at times and it is regrettable to say that one of the home players forgot himself so far as to strike one of the visitors. The visitors, to their credit be it said, even when fighting against odds, stuck to their work with a commendable spirit and never seemed to lose courage.

Montreal vs Victorias, 1/17/1890: The Montreal teams gained a victory over their opponents, the Victorias, but the victory was not as clean a one as might be desired. There were three men on the winning side who resorted to very rough play. During certain stages of the game there was a good exposition of the game, but at other times there was a good deal of tripping, swiping, falls and wholesale dumping against the bank.
…
Campbell took charge of [the puck] and piloted it through several of his opponents, but his shot for goal was wide. Immediately after this Findlay and Kinghorn lost their temper and made an undesirable display of themselves on the ice to the disasprobation of the audience. This seemed to have the effect of making the remaining portion of the game rougher than it should have been.

Montreal vs Dominions, 1/31/1890: During certain stages of the game there was a good deal of ill temper shown by members of both teams...The match was fast, exciting, and at times a trifle rougher than was necessary.

Montrealvs Victorias, 3/4/1890: The match throughout was hard and fast and not of the easiest kind to describe. The puck was here, there and every where. It travelled fast and was not allowed to remain long in one place. There was a good deal of hacking and shinning, but this was not confined to one individual of one side, both taking a hand in it. The only regrettable feature of the match was the ill-feeling shown by Lee and McQuisten, who had a dispute and commenced to settle it with their fists. They both fell to the ice and had to be separated. They received a sharp reprimand from the referee. Later on Lee meet with an accident whereby he sustained a severe cut over the right eye.

In four of the seven match reports from this season, the writer felt the need to point out unnecessary violence in the game. The idea that hockey at this time was a group of gentleman playing a friendly game is simply false. Rough play was common, and as indicated in the above reports, fistfights happened occasionally as well. This only makes sense if the players were taking the competition very seriously, and were doing whatever they thought was needed for victory.

As to the alleged affluence of the players involved in the game at this time, this is certainly more difficult to determine that the above, since a hockey player's off-ice life was not often recorded for posterity. However in Win, Tie or Wrangle we get some background on a number of Ottawa players, for instance:

Albert Morel, G, 1891-1894: The son of a cabinetmaker, Morel was a student when he first joined the hockey club, and later worked as a private secretary and a bookkeeper for a lumber company.

Weldy Young, CP, 1891-1899: The son of a fire superintendant, he worked as an engraver in a watchmaking business tun by him and his two brothers.

Chauncey Kirby, C, 1891-1899: The son of a city treasurer, worked as a clerk at the Quebec Bank.

Bert Russell, LW, 1893-1896: Worked as a draughtsman for the Geological Survey.

Although there may be a tendency toward white collar work, none of these descriptions seem to indicate a particularly affluent lifestyle. Indeed, the player best described as affluent from the early days of Ottawa hockey would be Frank McGee, who didn't play senior hockey until 1903. McGee came from one of Ottawa's most prominent families, growing up in the “magnificent home†of his father, who was the clerk of the Privy Council, the highest-ranking civil service office in Canada. He worked as a timekeeper for the railroad, but it is certainly fair to say he came from an affluent family. However, he played at a time when the game was supposed to be becoming more serious, due to the Stanley Cup.

Similarly, census records can give us some insight into what players did for a living at a time when they didn't receive a penny for playing hockey. The following players all played at the highest level, prior to the introduction of the Stanley Cup. This is what the 1891 census lists their professions as:

Barlow, Billy - clerk
Bignell, Herbert - insurance clerk
Clapperton, Alexander - dry goods clerk
Cafferty, Thomas - lithographer
Davidson, Robert - grocery clerk
Fairbairn, William - insurance clerk
Hodgson, Archie - whale stationer
James, George - hardware clerk
Kinghorn, James - mill clerk
Larmouth, F.M. - brokerage clerk
Lee, Sam - trunkmaker
Lesser, Joshua - agent
Low, George - bank clerk
McDonnell, John - photographer
Routh, Havilland - clerk
Shearer, Andy - lumber merchant
Warden, William - bank clerk

Again, there does seem to be a tendency toward white-collar jobs, but unless “grocery clerk†or “hardware clerk†implies “affluent†to you, then there's no reason to think these men were particularly well-off in society, members of restrictive upper-crust social clubs.

Something to Play For

Related to the above, it was argued that before the Stanley Cup, teams did not have anything to play for. As such they treated the game more as a pastime than a competition.

This argument is false. The first AHAC season was in 1887, and the association named a champion at the end of each season. Before the AHAC was formed, the Montreal Winter Carnival (which started in 1883) served to determine the champion team for the season. When the Carnival was cancelled in 1886, the teams decided to hold a tournament amongst themselves to determine a champion.

Just because the Stanley Cup was not there did not mean there was no championship to be won. The Stanley Cup is viewed as the be-all and end-all in hockey by modern eyes, but that was simply not the case in its early years. It was highly prized, but other championships were important as well. In 1901, the Ottawa team, new champions of the CAHL, declined to challenge Winnipeg for the Stanley Cup even though they would have had at least an even shot of taking it. They had just won a hard battle for the league championship, and decided that was enough for them; the Stanley Cup was not worth it that year.

If anything should be viewed as giving teams something to play for, it should be the Winter Carnival Tournament. It was that event that really sparked the growth of competition in Montreal, and led directly to the establishment of the Ottawa Hockey Club.

The first excerpted game report above provides a quote about how the Quebec team never lost courage even in the face of unfavourable odds against them. This is not the description of a team out for a skate. Courage is not needed when undertaking a pastime. This is a team doing their utmost to win out against their opponents, trying even when it seemed the game had already been lost.

Player Turnover

It was argued that since few pre-Stanley Cup players continued to play in the post-Stanley Cup years, this demonstrates a significant increase in the quality of competition. Players who played before were allegedly now unable to compete.

This argument misses a very basic fact about hockey at the time: almost all players had very short careers, by modern standards. As players got into their late 20s, family and other responsibilities often came into play, meaning they had less time to devote to getting their shins whacked by sturdy pieces of wood. This trend continued into the early professional era. Here are some notable players from this era, and the age at which they played their last senior-level game:

Havilland Routh - 25
Billy Barlow - 26
Mike Grant - 28
Graham Drinkwater - 24
Bob McDougall - 22
Clare McKerrow - 22
Fred Scanlan - 25
Harry Trihey - 23
Art Farrell - 24
Frank McGee - 23
Blair Russel - 27
Herb Jordan - 26
Marty Walsh - 27
Russell Bowie - 27

With players retiring so early, it is unsurprising that few of them would be in the same league in X number of years, since they have so few years in their career to begin with. As such, even if few players who were playing in 1890 are still playing in 1895, this does not mean the quality of competition necessarily increased, because the same can be said for 1895 compared to 1900.

To demonstrate this, I examined several pairs of seasons. For each season, I noted which regular players (ie, those playing at least half of their team's games) were still regular players five seasons later. I did this in two-year intervals. The results are below.

1888 to 1893 - 7 players (Hodgson, McQuisten, McDonnell, Cameron, Stewart, Paton, Patton)
1890 to 1895 - 5 players (Cameron, Brown, Watson, Davidson, Jones)
1892 to 1897 - 4 players (Brown, Scott, Young, Watson)
1894 to 1899 - 8 players (Kirby, Watson, Young, Brown, Elliott, Grant, Collins, Stocking)
1896 to 1901 - 4 players (Stocking, Westwick, Cahill, Pulford)
1898 to 1903 - 2 players (Westwick, Pulford)
1900 to 1905 - 5 players (Bowie, Russel, Hogan, Boon, Pulford)

The average number of players is five, and there is no pattern here. Therefore the observed player turnover after the Stanley Cup came into play was merely the normal amount of player turnover for this era. This rate continued on after the Cup was introduced.

Hall of Fame, or the Lack Thereof

It was argued that if the players from the pre-Stanley Cup era were so good, then at least a few of them would have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The selection committee usually had first-hand knowledge of the players they inducted, and didn't deem any player from this time worthy of the honour.

This appeal to authority is flawed, since the Hall of Fame selection committee has made numerous selections, even its early years, which can be described as questionable at best. The first Hall of Fame induction was in 1945, 62 years after the first Winter Carnival tournament. The idea that the committee had first-hand knowledge of early players is unsupportable. The first selection committee was made up of the following men:

Red Dutton (born 1898)
Art Ross (born 1886)
Lester Patrick (born 1883)
Abbie Coo (born 1885)
Wes McKnight (born 1909)
Basil O'Meara (botn 1892)
W. A Hewitt (Born 1875)

In addition, there were Frank Sargent and J.P. Fitzgerald, whose birth years are unsure. Clearly there is little evidence that the committee would have had first-hand knowledge of players active in 1890, some weren't even born yet and several others were but a few years old at the time. There is no reason to think these men had any particular insight into the earliest players.

The only one we know to be old enough, W.A. Hewitt, was a native of Toronto and began his newspaper career in 1895 at the Toronto News. Toronto was of course not involved in the highest level of hockey at this time. Notably, he transferred to Montreal to work at the Montreal Herald as sports editor in 1899, when Mike Grant was still active and Graham Drinkwater had only just retired. He would have had no direct experience with Tom Paton, then, but plenty with Mike Grant.

Conclusion

Since hockey in the 1880s era was so similar to the 1890s era, it is unfair to discount its players while not doing the same for men like Mike Grant, Graham Drinkwater, Alf Smith and Harvey Pulford as well. An argument can be made that the professional era brought a higher degree of competition; however the point of this discussion is merely to establish that there is no substantive difference between hockey in 1890 and hockey in 1895. If the players from 1895 (Drinkwater, Grant, Havilland Routh, Bob McDougall) are worthy of consideration, then so are the players from 1890. There may be a discount necessary, but not moreso for 1890 than 1895.

 

[Hedberg]

C Ted Hampson

5'08, 165 lbs
Shoots Left
Togo, Saskatchewan, Canada

108 G, 245 A, 353 Pts in 676 NHL GP
60 G, 143 A, 203 Pts in 305 WHA GP

Played in 1969 All-Star Game
6th (68-69), 9th (66-67) in Assists
Captain of the Oakland/California Golden Seals 1968-1971

Legends of Hockey

What he lacked in size, he more than made up for with quickness and agility on the ice, making him the perfect hound for checking other teams top offensive threats. Known throughout his entire career for his defensive capabilities, the one season that stood out from an offensive point of view was in 1968-69 when he set career highs with 26 goals, 49 assists and 75 points while skating for the Oakland Seals.

Shorthanded: The Untold Story Of the Seals (originally posted by seventieslord)

If you were to choose a player to personify the Oakland Seals in the first four years of their existence, Ted Hampson would be as good a choice as anybody. Hampson stands second on the all-time scoring list with 184 points, and has the record for points scored in a season... he holds the record for assists, and is sixth all-time in goals. He served as captain of the seals from 1968-69 until he left the team during the 1970-71 season, and represented the club in the All-Star game. But more than that, Hampson was the heart and soul of the early Seals clubs. **** ******** described Hampson as "the hardest worker on the team, a great leader and an inspiration." Many of his teammates shared that view.

...he played with the Rangers and Red Wings, mostly in a defensive or checking role... Despite his lack of physical size, nobody questioned his desire. "He was abour 5'6" in stature but 6'5" in heart," former teammate **** ******* said. Dennis Hextall, who played both with and against Hampson, added, "He never quit. You could knock him down, but he'd get right up and go faster."... Hampson recalled that ********** gave him the nickname "The Tick" "because I latched on and never let go", Hampson said.

Two former linemates did a great job of summing up what Ted Hampson meant to the Seals. **** ***** described Hampson as "a real 3D player: dedication, determination and desire. He gave 110 percent every night." Meanwhile, **** ********** called Hampson "the ultimate player for determination, a team player who gave his all every shift. He didn't know when or how to quit." Determination, hustle, effort, desire. Ted Hampson possessed all these qualities on the ice and they made him the heart and soul of the Seals.

Fred Clover, California Seals Coach

Anybody would be happy to have Ted Hampson, a good guy and a hard worker. You might call him an overachiever but I don't think so; he had a big heart. I could use him on the power play, penalty kill and double shift him and he never said a word. He was a good leader, too.

The Complete Handbook Of Pro Hockey 1976 (originally posted by seventieslord)

Nicknamed "The Tick" because of his skin-tight checking ability... Has been the Saints' captain since their formation... Coach Harry Neale said of him, "The only bad thing about Teddy Hampson is that if he ever quit to start coaching, he wouldn't have a Teddy Hampson on his team." Fine penalty killer... Voted most sportsmanlike player in both leagues (actually most dedicated in NHL, most sportsmanlike in WHA)

 

[Hedberg]

LW Gaétan Duchesne

5'11, 200
Shoots Left
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

179 G, 254 A, 433 Pts in 1028 GP

Doug Wilson:

Gaetan, in every way, epitomized what a team player should be — unselfish, caring and supportive of his teammates. His love for the game was unmeasured and despite his relatively short career in San Jose his connection with our fans was amongst the strongest of any player to ever wear our uniform. He was a remarkable man who will be deeply missed.

Washington Capitals Legends:

"Outstanding." That's how coach Bryan Murray described Gaetan Duchesne in just his second season in the National Hockey League. However that label could have been applied to anyone of Duchesne's 14 NHL seasons.

By year two he was one of the top players in the league in his role - defensive forward. He often teamed Duchesne with fellow defensive stalwarts Doug Jarvis and Bobby Gould to form one of the most effective checking units in hockey.

"I like to play Gaetan against the opposition's best right winger" continued coach Murray. There sure were a lot of good right wingers in the early 1980s too - Bossy, Lafleur, Kurri, Mullen.....

"I can see an almost game-to-game improvement in his play. Experience will only help him. He has certainly yet to reach his peak." Murray continued of the Rejean Houle-clone.

Murray seemed not too concerned about "Gator's" lack of offensive contributions.

"He'll always be an adequate scorer, but never a big scorer. He is a hard working responsible defensive player. I realize there is a tendency for him not to get much credit because he doesn't score. Over the years though, as he gets more experience, he'll get the recognition he deserves."

Murray proved to be right. Duchesne ended up playing in over 1000 NHL games and was highly regarded throughout hockey circles. He was always popular with his teammates, who definitely appreciated his contributions if no one else did.

Pittsburgh Press, Apr 13, 1986

It was the only goal Bossy managed against the Capitals, thanks to the relentless checking of Washington left winger Gaetan Duchesne. "We got great defensive play from Duchesne" Capitals defenseman Rod Langway said. "He was an unknown, but now he's put himself on the map."

San Jose Mercury News, Jan 30, 1994

The Sharks obtained winger Gaetan Duchesne from the Dallas Stars in June because of his strong defensive skills and his ability to kill penalties.

 

[Hedberg]

C Normie Himes

5'09, 145
Shoots Right
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

8th (29-30) in Goals
3rd (32-33), 6th (29-30), 8th (31-32) in Assists
7th (29-30) in Points

106 G, 113 A, 219 Pts in 402 NHL GP

City of Cambridge Hall of Fame:

Although small in stature Normie Himes demonstrated an athletic ability in a wide variety of sports including some dominated by much larger men. He proved a gifted amateur on the baseball diamond and on the curling rink. He demonstrated a solid ability in basketball and rugby, was an able competitor in swimming and track and field. He excelled professionally as a hockey player and finally as a golfer. It was on the hockey rink, however, that Mr Himes was to make his most significant mark.

Mr Himes was described by his contempories as "unquestionably the backbone and sparkplug of the New York Americans", "the Galt terror", the "Little Giant", "the greatest playmaker in the league" and "one of Canada's natural athletes." It was perhaps his misfortune to play on what was, at best, a mediocre team. Had his supporting cast been stronger, he would undoubtedly received the recognition he deserved. One commentator suggested that Mr Himes "should be judged the MVP in the league if the Americans weren't so far down in the standings." In a total of 399 professional games between 1926 and 1935, an average of about 40 games a season, Mr Himes scored 106 goals and 113 assists for 219 points, an average of about 30 points a season. This may not appear to be much by today's standards but came at a time when 50 points could place a player in the top five in league scoring.

Greatest Hockey Legends

At 5'9" and 145lbs, Normie Himes was a diminutive and heady center with the New York Americans from 1926 through 1935. In 399 games Himes scored 106 goals and 113 assists for 219 points.

Himes was described as a brilliant playmaking center, and an underrated scorer. While he was not necessarily the star of the Amerks, he was the backbone. He started out as a reserve center (kind of like a 3rd or 4th line player nowadays). He really impressed in his opportunities to play. He finally displaced husky Bill Burch when Burch suffered a bad knee.

Wearing his trademark black ball cap, Himes emerged as the Americans leading scorer for the net seven seasons. His best year came in 1929-30, scoring 28 goals in the 44 game NHL schedule and had 50 points.

The Americans never had much team success, likely why Himes did not earn the notoriety he probably should have. As one commentator suggest, Himes "should be judged the MVP of the league if the Americans weren't so far down in the standings." In 1930 he finished 6th in Hart trophy balloting.

There was no All Star game back in those days, but Himes was one of the players chosen in the very first All Star game, which, in 1934, was actually a benefit game for fallen player Ace Bailey.

He was a crafty pivot blessed with intelligent burst of speed, very durable despite his size having played 360 consecutive games. He could be dazzling at times, but for the most part was an underrated star.

 

[Dreakmur]

Jimmy Roberts !!!​

Awards and Achievements:
5 x Stanley Cup Champion (1965, 1966, 1973, 1976, 1977)
3 x Stanley Cup Finalist (1968, 1969, 1970)

3 x NHL All-Star Game Participant (1965, 1969, 1970)

Statistical Accomplishments:
Short-Handed Goals – 3rd(1972), 6th(1966), 8th(1970), 11th(1965), 14th(1977), 16th(1968), 16th(1969), 19th(1971)

Between 1965 and 1977, Roberts was 6th in Short-Handed Goals. He trailed, Derek Sanderson, Dave Keon, Ed Westfall, Bobby Clarke, and Phil Esposito. He was tied with Pete Mahovlich and Don Luce.


Best penalty killing wingers by the numbers, 1968-2010

Player | PKTime | TeamPK+
Craig Ramsay | 7.96 | 0.77
Ed Westfall | 7.68 | 0.80
Bob Gainey | 6.58 | 0.83
Don Marcotte | 5.39 | 0.80
Kelly Miller | 6.16 | 0.85
Bill Barber | 3.71 | 0.80
Brian Rolston | 4.48 | 0.86
Jari Kurri | 4.14 | 0.86
Jim Roberts | 4.87 | 0.88
Jay Pandolfo | 4.92 | 0.89

Forwards on the penalty kill

Rk | Player | GP | SH% | TmPK+
1 | Ed Westfall | 863 | 69% | 0.80
2 | Don Luce | 894 | 66% | 0.81
3 | John Madden | 712 | 62% | 0.89
4 | Craig Ramsay | 1070 | 59% | 0.77
5 | Lorne Henning | 543 | 57% | 0.75
6 | Doug Jarvis | 964 | 55% | 0.79
7 | Bill Collins | 768 | 54% | 1.04
8 | Lew Morrison | 581 | 53% | 1.05
9 | Guy Carbonneau | 1318 | 52% | 0.91
10 | Dave Tippett | 721 | 51% | 0.88
11 | Gregg Sheppard | 657 | 51% | 0.91
12 | Dave Poulin | 724 | 50% | 0.79
13 | Jim Roberts | 567 | 50% | 0.83
14 | John Chabot | 508 | 49% | 0.96
15 | Don Marcotte | 867 | 49% | 0.80
16 | Jay Pandolfo | 767 | 49% | 0.89
17 | Steve Kasper | 821 | 49% | 0.92
18 | Derek Sanderson | 594 | 49% | 0.80
19 | Bill Clement | 719 | 48% | 0.89
20 | Samuel Pahlsson | 557 | 47% | 0.97
21 | Rod Brind'Amour | 1404 | 46% | 0.99
22 | Butch Goring | 1107 | 46% | 0.89
23 | Kelly Miller | 1057 | 46% | 0.85
24 | Bob Gainey | 1160 | 45% | 0.83
25 | Bob Nevin | 664 | 45% | 0.95
26 | Todd Marchant | 1038 | 45% | 1.00
27 | Paul Woods | 501 | 44% | 1.08
28 | Bob Corkum | 720 | 44% | 1.03
29 | Mike Peca | 864 | 44% | 0.89
30 | Dirk Graham | 772 | 42% | 0.91
31 | Ron Wilson | 832 | 42% | 0.93
32 | Stephane Yelle | 921 | 41% | 0.91
33 | Brent R Peterson | 620 | 41% | 0.92
34 | Dave Hannan | 841 | 41% | 0.91
35 | Mark Messier | 1756 | 41% | 0.90
36 | Larry Patey | 717 | 41% | 0.95
37 | Marc Bureau | 567 | 41% | 0.99
38 | Ryan Johnson | 609 | 41% | 1.06
39 | Murray Oliver | 597 | 41% | 1.14
40 | Scott Pellerin | 536 | 40% | 0.79
41 | Red Berenson | 821 | 40% | 1.03
42 | Claude Lapointe | 879 | 40% | 1.02
43 | Bobby Clarke | 1147 | 40% | 0.81
44 | Jerry Butler | 641 | 40% | 1.00
45 | Dale Mccourt | 532 | 40% | 1.05
46 | Craig Conroy | 928 | 40% | 0.90
47 | P.J. Axelsson | 797 | 39% | 0.99
48 | Joel Otto | 943 | 39% | 0.90
49 | Kevyn Adams | 540 | 39% | 1.06
50 | Glen Sather | 655 | 39% | 0.93

While not large at 5’10†and 165 pounds, Roberts was robust in his play and became known as a top checker and penalty killer. He had good speed (a great quality for a defensive forward) and was willing to give up offense to play a sound defensive game.

…

His defensive skills and his ability to drop back and play on the blue line kept him in the NHL almost his entire career. In his later years with Montreal, he showed players like Bob Gainey and Doug Jarvis how to excel in a primary checking role.

As a youngster, Jimmy Roberts kept his eyes open for every opportunity to move ahead in the world of hockey. His first big strike came when he laced up for the Peterborough Petes of the OHA in the late 1950s. It was there that he fell under the direction of the team's coach, Scotty Bowman.

Having been pointed in the right direction, Roberts turned pro with the Montreal Royals of the EPHL. He then jumped to the Hull-Ottawa Canadiens for a couple of seasons before stepping up to the AHL and the CHL with the Cleveland Barons, Quebec Aces, and the Omaha Knights.

Late in the 1963-64 season, he saw his first NHL action with Montreal, picking up 13 games, his first assist, and a run in the playoffs. The move marked the start of a lengthy big-league career with no return trips to the minors.

Over the next three seasons, Roberts established himself as what Conn Smythe described as "a hewer of wood and a hauler of water." In other words, Roberts was an unspectacular but dedicated player with a strong commitment to team play. He was once described as being built like a mooring post for a battleship. When he hit the ice, he was an alert and intense competitor.

With the Habs, Roberts' job was to work as the backdrop to a lineup replete with stars. He killed penalties and slowed opposition lines like water in a deep freeze. In 1967, however, the expansion St. Louis Blues made Roberts their first-ever selection. He joined the club and relished his role as a leader and tireless toiler. He also began to play defense in addition to his wing duties.

During the course of his four and a half seasons with the club, his point totals rose and he was awarded the team's captaincy in 1971 as a result of Red Berenson's departure. But shortly thereafter, the Blues found themselves in need of an offensive threat to take the load off Garry Unger. They traded for Phil Roberto of the Canadiens and used Roberts as collateral.

So he returned to the familiar ice of Habs' hockey where he'd already won two Stanley Cups during the '60s. This time around, he was the grizzled veteran known as "Old Dad" although he still had plenty of spirited hockey left to play. By the time he was traded back to the Blues in 1977, he had occasion to enjoy three more league championships.

Roberts rejoined the Blues for one final season in 1977-78 and then retired. Since leaving the ice, he has coached with the Buffalo Sabres, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Springfield Indians, the Hartford Whalers and the St. Louis Blues.

ALWAYS A RELIABLE STAY-AT-HOME DEFENSEMAN, JIMMY ROBERTS SUITED UP FOR OVER 600 GAMES IN MONTREAL.

Toronto native Jimmy Roberts played over 1,000 games during his 14-year NHL career. Most of his time was spent in Montreal as a member of the squads of the 1960s and 1970s, while having his name engraved on the Stanley Cup five times.

A tireless worker, Roberts was the ultimate team player. Toiling in relative obscurity and driven by a ferocious competitive nature, he contributed to some of the greatest teams in Habs history.

The Canadiens were the fourth team for which Roberts suited up in 1963-64. He appeared in 15 regular season matches, picking up his first NHL point (an assist) and he dressed for all seven of the Habs’ playoff games that season.

Cracking the Canadiens’ lineup permanently in the fall of 1965, his job was to kill penalties and cover the top scorers in the league, a role he embraced and performed as well as anyone in the NHL. Fast enough to match most opponents and strong enough to handle the physical requirements of his specialty, Roberts was a key contributor to the Stanley Cup Championships of 1965 and 1966.

Left unprotected prior to the expansion draft in 1967, Roberts was scooped up early. St. Louis selected him with their first pick, and he played a big role in helping the expansion Blues to the Finals in each of their first three years of operation. No longer limited to an exclusively defensive role, Roberts showed that he had a scoring touch as well, picking up a dozen or more goals in each of his four complete seasons with St. Louis.

Reacquired by the Canadiens in 1971-72, Roberts resumed his defensive responsibilities and was soon smothering opposing forwards with his energetic and effective play. He managed to find the twine 14 times the next season, one that ended with his third Stanley Cup parade. He potted 13 goals in 1976, the year Scotty Bowman took over the Montreal bench, and helped lead the Habs to the fourth Stanley Cup of his career.

Months after earning his fifth mention on the Cup, Roberts was sent back to St. Louis in August 1977, traded for the Blues’ third round pick in the 1979 Amateur Draft. The Habs completed the transaction with the selection of promising young forward Guy Carbonneau.

Roberts retired after the 1977-78 campaign and began a successful and ongoing coaching career.

 

[Velociraptor]

Ronald "Chico" Maki, RW

Position: Right Wing
HT/WT: 6'1", 180 lbs
Handedness: Right
Nickname(s): "Chico"

- 1-time Stanley Cup Champion (1961)
- Played in NHL All-Star Game three times (1961, 1971, 1972)
- scored 143 goals and 292 assists for 435 points in 841 games, adding 345 penalty minutes.
- scored 17 goals and 36 assists for 53 points in 113 playoff games, adding 43 penalty minutes.

Top 10 Finishes:
Shorthanded Goals - 5x - (2, 4, 7, 7, 10)
Game Winning Goals - 1x - (4)

The Sun - Apr 25, 1968

Chico Maki ... Jean's shadow

The Chicago Black Hawks' coach assigned swift - skating Chico Maki to check Montreal's Jean Beliveau throughout the fourth game of their Stanley Cup semi-final, and the result was a 2-1 Hawk victory.

Meriden Journal - Apr 25, 1968

Billy Reay moved Chico Maki, normally a right wing to center specifically to check Montreal's Jean Beliveau, who had scored five goals in the first three games of the series.

"Maki takes a lot of pride in his checking" said Reay, after Beliveau had been shut out by Maki.

Chicago Tribune - Apr 12, 1974

Maki's normal checking game just stood out a bit more last night...

Legends of Hockey

In his first year with the Teepees, Maki played a checking role, with his main objective to stop the oppositions top forwards. By his second year, Maki received more offensive responsibilities and it showed in his offensive numbers. Playing alongside the likes of Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita didn't hurt either. In 1958-59, Maki was one of the team leaders and contributed 41 goals and 94 points in 54 games.

 

[seventieslord]

Barry Gibbs, D

- 5'11", 195 lbs
- 11th and 13th in All-Star voting (1972, 1973)
- Played in NHL All-Star Game (1973)
- 3 34+ point seasons
- Averaged 25.19 minutes per game for 792 games for teams with an average GF/GA ratio of 0.95 & 2% below average defensively
- Top-3 in total TOI on team 11 times (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 3, 3)
- Top-3 in ES TOI on team 10 times (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 3, 3)
- 3.5 seasons as #1 defenseman on top-5 defensive team (1972, 1973, 1975, 1976)
- 32% PP usage, 51% PK usage
- Best defensemen points percentages: 64, 64, 53, 47, 41, 40
- CHL Top Defenseman (1969)

Note that in the 1972 season, Gibbs had proven himself as the top defenseman on a team that was 2nd best in GAA, before the WHA took any players away from the NHL. This significantly weakens the argument that the watered down NHL contributed to his "dominance" as a minute munching defenseman.

Defenceman Barry Gibbs played nearly 800 games for five different team between 1967 and 1980. He was an aggressive defender in his own end and could supply a decent amount of offense from the point.

Born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Gibbs played junior with the Estevan Bruins. He was the first player taken in the 1966 Amateur Draft when the Boston Bruins called his name. Although he saw some NHL action, Gibbs spent most of his first two pro seasons developing with the CHL's Oklahoma City Blazers. In 1969 he was named the CHL's top defenceman and placed on the first all-star team. The Bruins were deep on the blueline with the likes of Bobby Orr, Don Awrey, Dallas Smith and Rick Smith so Gibbs was sent to the Minnesota North Stars for draft picks.

The steady rearguard spent 5 1/2 years supplying solid two way play on the Stars. In 1971 he was one of best players when Minnesota gave the Montreal Canadiens all they could handle in the Stanley Cup semifinals. Two years later he scored a personal high ten goals and was picked to participate in the NHL All-Star game. In January, 1975, the veteran blueliner was traded to the Atlanta Flames for Dean Talafous and Dwight Bialowis. He was an integral part of the club for parts of four seasons then played briefly with the St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings. In 1980-81, Gibbs played his first minor league season in a decade before retiring.

Tough is the word for Barry Gibbs.

the best of the North stars young defenseman are Barry Gibbs and *********... both love to hit… A rugged defender who plays a hitting game… It shows in his penalty minute totals… Leading scorer among Minnesota defenseman… Has a strong, accurate shot

likes the rough stuff…

A constant offensive threat, Barry is one of the steadiest defensemen around. He's no stranger to body contact, either.

up-and-coming young blueliner whose absence was felt last season when he missed 15 games with injuries after being picked to play in All-Star game… Still showed puck carrying at shooting skill… He and Ted Harris form a strong tandem on defense… Spent his formative Pro years in Boston minor-league system, where he developed an aggressive style of play.

In addition to being an all-star caliber defenseman, Barry is also an offensive threat for the North Stars. Reliable and steady with the puck, Barry is also one of the toughest bodycheckers in the league. Barry is good at clearing the puck from danger. He's a good skater and he owns a hard, accurate shot from the point.

turned in his finest NHL season statistically, but would trade the points for a better North stars –… One of top choices for All-Star game two years ago, but slipped last season along with rest of team… Still team's best all-around rearguard… Excellent shot from the point, effective at bringing a puck up ice.

An exciting offensive defenseman who often makes rink-long rushes.

flames were delighted to obtain him in midseason deal with Minnesota… Said Cliff Fletcher: "Gary is one of the 10 best defensemen in the league."… He lived up to expectations… Credits Ted Harris with helping to polish his defensive skills.

solid, hard-hitting hockey is Barry's style. He's an excellent puckhandler and excels at making pinpoint passes. Barry is cool under pressure by enemy forwards.

big addition to Atlanta defense… Handles puck well, steady under pressure…

Regarded as one of the best defensemen in the NHL

rugged two-way defenseman who developed hard-hitting style of play in the Bruins organization… Established himself as a quality major league defenseman with Minnesota… Polices the right side and is adept at neutralizing left-wing to come into his own and challenge him one-on-one… Doesn't score many goals but has a knack for getting most of them on slapshots from the blueline point… With his beard and helmet, remind some observers of Bluto, the sinister looking guy in the Popeye comics.

Rugged defensemen just reaching his prime… Bounced back from bouts with flu and mononucleosis two years ago… Also played in Atlanta where he was popular with fans for textbook defense… Impossible to beat one-on-one.

for a guy has to frequently hurt as Gibbs, it's amazing he lasted 13 years at 797 games in the NHL. Once, with Minnesota, he broke his jaw and had it wired shut for six weeks. He missed three games. Another time, he played half the season with a broken wrist without even knowing it.… Cliff Fletcher called Gibbs one of the 10 best defensemen in the league. Hyperbole, perhaps, but Fletcher was not alone in this belief.

Most Times #1 defenseman (PP time removed) - or #2 and less than a minute behind on an elite defensive team (top-5 1967-1979, top-6 1980-2000, top-7 2001-2012)

Bourque | 15
Stevens | 14.5
Chelios | 11
Potvin | 9
Robinson | 8
Mitchell | 8
Lidstrom | 7
Desjardins | 6
D.Hatcher | 6
Chara | 6
Hajt | 5
Howe | 5
Ramsey | 5
Johnsson | 5
D.Smith | 4
Laperriere | 4
Orr | 4
White | 4
Savard | 4
Schoenfeld | 4
O'Connell | 4
Langway | 4
Macoun | 4
Leetch | 4
Zhitnik| 4
(undrafted 90s defenseman) | 4
(undrafted 90s defenseman) | 4
Foote | 4
Gibbs | 3.5
Park | 3.5
Zubov | 3.5
Jo.Watson | 3
Horton | 3
Neilson | 3
Stapleton | 3
Baun | 3
Seiling | 3
Lapointe | 3
McCrimmon | 3
U.Samuelsson | 3
(undrafted 90s defenseman)| 3
S.Smith | 3
Weinrich | 3
Pronger | 3
Niedermayer | 3
(undrafted 00s defenseman) | 3
(undrafted 00s defenseman) | 3

Bolded were available heading into this draft.

 

[seventieslord]

Scott Mellanby, RW

- 6'1", 201 lbs
- Stanley Cup Finalist (1987, 1996)
- 8th in playoff goals (2002)
- 22nd All-time in games played with 1431
- 23rd All-time in PIM with 2479
- Captain of two NHL franchises for a total of 6 seasons
- 8 20-goal seasons
- 7 50-point seasons
- 148 NHL Fights (43-37-23 in recorded decisions, www.dropyourgloves.com)
- Played in NHL All-Star Game (1996)
- Career Adjusted +22
- Best points percentages: 61, 57, 55, 54, 49, 47
- Best ES points percentages: 61, 54, 53, 51, 51, 49

A combative right-winger with an above average scoring touch... Over the years, he reached the 20-goal mark eight times and was valuable team leader who often played his best hockey in the post-season... The hard-working youngster scored eleven goals and played solid defensive hockey under Mike Keenan in 1986-87. He also contributed ten points when the club reached the Stanley Cup finals that spring. Mellanby's scoring touch and diligent effort all over the ice made him one of the Philly's top players... The robust forward scored 82 points over two years with the Oilers and helped Edmonton reach the semi-finals in 1992. After the Florida Panthers claimed him at the 1993 Expansion Draft, Mellanby became a regular with the club for seven and a half years... he was an offensive and emotional leader on the young club when it marched all the way to the Stanley Cup final... As the team struggled in the late 1990s, the classy veteran continued to battle. In February 2001, the powerful St. Louis Blues acquired him as they readied themselves for the playoffs. Mellanby scored three goals while helping the club reach the Western Conference championship... As a member of the Thrashers, Mellanby would be named Captain in only his second season with the club. That season he would help the Thrashers reach the playoffs for the (only) time in franchise history...

added to the depth of the flyers offense a time it was seriously needed… Mellanby continued to be a force behind team success… He could score and fight… Mellanby took leadership qualities to other teams… The work ethic and competitiveness established in Philadelphia remained very much alive in Florida.

Scott Mellanby seemed too young for the NHL and certainly not ready to be an impact player. But the man who brought him into the fold – GM Bobby Clarke – had no doubts about the young man's future. "If he wasn't ready for the NHL, we wouldn't have signed him. We've been watching him for a long time and we like what we see."… "My game then was getting into the corners, working the puck out".… In the 1987 playoffs he looked every bit the well-rounded player Clark thought he would be. "Scott fit in well," recalled former teammate Ron Sutter. "He was good along the boards, rarely made a mistake and played an all-around game."… At this point Mellanby's career appeared ready for an orbit to significantly higher level. He was playing all ends of the ice, doing the intangibles that appeal more to management and stats loving fans and gaining NHL maturity…

Mellanby is a good, hard skater with a lot of drive and the ability to back up a defenseman at the blue line. Right now, he goes right to the defenders and does so at one speed, so he'll have to moderate that to be successful. He checked fairly well in his first year in the league, and his skating and hockey sense helped him there. Mellanby has the ability to read the play – both offensively and defensively – and that ability should improve as his experience increases. He has a hard shot which should be released quicker, and Scott likes to draft cross ice to the left face-off circle before delivering it.… Mellanby is a physical winger and he uses his size to advantage offensively and defensively. He'll use his body to check and – like most flyers – enjoys the hitting part of the game. But he'll also drive to the net with his strength by staying with the puck even when he is checked. He strong enough to not only get his arms and hands free, but also to get off a quality shot. Just as he has the determination to drive to the net despite the opposition, Mellanby has the determination to make it in the NHL. He works hard at improving his game and showed that he has the character to rebound from setbacks.

though the strength of Mellanby's game found in the physical aspects of hockey, he is still a good – and improving – finesse player. He's a strong and powerful skater, but he's a little stiff. That means he's not very agile or fluid, and straightahead style is to his benefit. He uses his teammates fairly well, and can make plays coming out of the corner with the puck… Has a good shot, quick and strong… Gets planted in front of the net on the flyers PowerPlay… Has outstanding size and strength… Puts those assets to work in a strong boards and corners game, and he's a good bet to outmuscle the opposition for the puck… He willingly uses his body to check and enjoys the hitting part of the game…

has yet to fully acclimate to the speed of the NHL game in terms of play reading and puck movement, but he continues to show the understanding of the play's implications and he does get into scoring position eventually… Plays the physical game with gusto… Has a tendency to go one step too far…

Mellanby brings a number of weapons to bear in his finesse game… Read the ice well and get into position to score… Has the hand skills to score from in tight as well… Not a graceful skater by NHL standards, but a driving skater, and that power generates speed for him down the way… Can be defensively reliable, but can also make mistakes in his positional play.

Mellanby is a grinder with a fine scoring touch the potential to produce 30 to 35 goals… Hands are the least of Mellanby's worries… As a skater, he is something of a workman… Falls somewhat short in imagination away from the puck… Mellanby does some of his best work in confined areas along the boards of the corners. There, the game slows to a crawl more suited to his speed, Mayor he can scrum for the puck – using the strength his upper and lower body to significant advantage. Mellanby will throw his shoulder into people, will reveal a mean streak and will fight if things sink to that.

has a decent burst of straightahead speed, which helps him drive to the attacking zone the dump and chase game. Has a finesse move or two, plus a decent scoring touch. He is alert and responsible away from the puck, more from the defensive sense of the offensive sense. He would have more goals if he spotted the holes and jumped into them in the attacking zone… Mellanby hits eagerly. He is especially active in the attacking zone of course, forechecking aggressively. He is better, though, in confined areas where it is just Mellanby, a defenseman and a tango for the puck in the corner.… He's not going to make it on his hockey gifts alone; Mellanby needs to flesh out the bones of his game with hard work. He knows that, accepted, and plays as though honored by the privilege of wearing and NHL sweater. Desire is the turbo drive of his game.

in the mold of a power forward, Mellanby isn't blessed with great agility or moves, but he skates with speed and force. He isn't shy about banging bodies or battling along the boards for a loose puck. He throws his share of body checks and will shed his gloves for occasional bout, but he's no goon... Mellanby isn't much of a playmaker. He gets his share of assists, but is more useful as a finisher.

WILL - play it tough

his effectiveness comes in tight spaces where he can use his size. He is good on the power play, working down low for screens to tip. He doesn't have many moves, but he can capitalize on loose pucks… Mellanby seems to score goals that count. 24% of his goals over the past three seasons were game winners… Mellanby has become very responsible defensively… Mellanby forechecks aggressively, using his body well to hit and force mistakes in the attacking zone. He participates in one-on-one battles in tight areas and tries to win his share. He is also willing to mix it up and take penalties of aggression.

strong skater and a willing banger... His leadership helped the younger players on the team… One of the reasons the Panthers were so competitive in their first year in the NHL was the presence of players like Mellanby…

WILL - score and play tough
CAN'T - be a fancy Dan
EXPECT - excellent leadership
DON'T EXPECT - good manners

the goals don't come naturally to him, but he is determined and pays the price in front of the net.

He'll camp in front of the net and scrounge for rebounds and deflections.

WILL – bump and grind
EXPECT – a leader

Mellanby is a powerful skater who crashes the zone and camps in the high slot, creating havoc with his size and strength. A willing banger, Mellanby has experienced a tremendous revitalization in his career since becoming a cornerstone veteran on a talented, hard-working team. He has been a pillar of strength… You have to look hard to find something wrong with Mellanby's game. Criticizing him for his lack of foot speed for example, is like putting down a piece of chocolate because it doesn't taste enough like sirloin steak… He has worked hard and become one of the NHL's most respected leaders.

WILL – win respect
CAN'T – be underestimated
EXPECT – great team guy
DON'T EXPECT – to push him

his success is based on his work ethic. Any letup and the letdown will come in the scoring department.

he was the Panthers main target on the first power-play unit… He works for screens and tips… Has developed a quicker release and more confidence in his shot… Seldom misses an opportunity to rub his glove in an opponents face… He's very strong along the boards and uses his feet when battling for the puck.

has become more of a defensive player in recent seasons

Panthers coach Terry Murray, feeling Florida needed to be reenergized, recently placed grinding forward Scott Mellanby on a line with star wing Pavel Bure and center Viktor Kozlov. Mellanby's physical presence should give his highly skilled linemates more room to work.

he could be a rental player down the stretch for playoff team with the more traditional style that Florida's.

added leadership to the blues, and management like him enough to give him a new two-year deal… Will still give his best effort on a nightly basis.

The Blues' coaching staff is raving about 35-year-old forward Scott Mellanby, who plays on the top line with Pavol Demitra and Keith Tkachuk. Mellanby seems to always end up with loose pucks along the boards, and it's difficult for defensemen to move him out of the slot. In St. Louis's first-round victory over the Black-hawks, his presence kept checkers from shadowing Demitra, who had three goals

he has played through pain, both physical and personal… He is a gamer… He had an outstanding playoffs.

every successful team needs a heart and soul guy just like him… He kept the blues from feeling sorry for themselves for being without Chris Pronger most of the season.

The rule is unclear, but the Panthers are certain Scott Mellanby was not to blame for plowing into goaltender Mike Richter on a controversial play ...

known for playing best when he plays prickly...

one of the NHL's most respected leaders

 

[seventieslord]

Harry "Moose" Watson, LW

- Height unknown, 165 lbs
- Member of the HHOF
- Member of the IIHF HOF
- Olympic Gold Medalist (1924)
- Led 1924 Olympics with 50 points in 5 games
- Allan Cup Champion (1922, 1923)
- OHA MVP (1922, 1923)
- Top-4 in OHA scoring 5 times (1st-1917, 2nd-1920, 4th-1921, 3rd-1922, 4th-1923)
- Best OHA percentage (of #1) scores: 100, 96, 89, 82, 75
- OHA 1st All-star Team (1917, 1922, 1923)
- OHA 2nd All-star Team (1920)
- Missed 1918 and 1919 seasons serving in WW1

Although he was born on Canada's East Coast, Harry Watson spent the first few years of his life in England. When his family moved back to Canada, Watson learned to skate and play hockey on the frozen rivers and ponds, as did many of his neighbourhood friends. When the family moved to Toronto in 1913, Harry signed on to play for the Whitby Athletics of the OHA. He moved on to St. Andrews College in the OHA Jr. league and was named a First Team All-Star in 1915. By the 1916-17 season, he was leading the OHA Sr. league with 18 goals while playing eight games with Toronto Aura Lee.

Watson joined the Flying Corps and served overseas during the war before returning to hockey action with the Toronto Dentals of the OHA Sr. league. He made it back in time for one playoff game against the Hamilton Tigers in which he scored a goal in a losing cause.

In 1919, the Toronto Granites hockey team was formed by the eponymous curling club and Watson was their star player, leading them to Allan Cup titles in 1921-22 and 1922-23. The Granites went on to represent Canada at the 1924 Olympics and win the gold medal, with Watson scoring an astounding 37 goals in five games against the competition. Individual awards followed Watson as well; he was named to the OHA Sr. Second All-Star Team in 1920 and made the First Team All-Stars in 1922 and 1923. He was also named as the OHA Sr. most valuable player in 1922 and 1923.

The fame of the Granites and their exploits did not go unnoticed by the National Hockey League. A number of the Granites players, notably Watson, Hooley Smith, and Dunc Munro, were made offers to turn professional. Smith and Munro agreed to turn pro, but Harry Watson clung proudly to his amateur status.

Harry Watson was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1962.

Of all the promising amateur hockey players in the early years of the NHL's existence, none was greater than Watson

Watson started his career in 1919 with the Toronto Dentals before moving to the Toronto Granites the next year. By 1922 the Granites, led by Watson's unmatched stick handling and speed, won the Allan cup in both 1922 and 1923. The Allan Cup is given to the Canadian Senior Amateur champions.

As a reward for being the 1923 Allan Cup champions, the Toronto Granites were chosen to represent Canada at the 1924 Winter Olympics at Charmonix, France. It was there where Moose Watson enjoyed his greatest athletic achievement and established himself as perhaps the greatest of all Canadian Olympic hockey performers.

The first game was against Czechoslovakia. Watson and teammate Albert McCaffery were a two man wrecking crew, destroying the eastern Europeans 30-0. Watson scored 11 of the 30 goals.

The tournament also featured 20-0 win over Sweden and a 33-0 victory over Switzerland. By the end of the 1924 Winter Olympics, Canada won the gold medal by scoring 110 goals in just 5 games, and giving up only 3. Watson led the way with an unthinkable 36 goals on the outside rink in Charmonix, France!

When Watson returned with the gold medal draped around his neck, he was bombarded with offers from professional teams from just about everywhere. Everyone wanted the heroic Watson who was considered to be the best amateur player. The Montreal Maroons even offered a then-staggering sum of $30,000 to join their team, which would have made him the richest man in professional hockey. Watson responded to all of his countless offers by retiring.

Here is Iain Fyffe's take on Watson's all-time value. He does not think he was a HHOFer; however, when you look at how much career value he "compiled" in about half as many games as the players around him on the list, it is pretty impressive:

The Probably-Not-Meritorious Men of the 1920s

Rank | Player | Pos | GP | TPAK | Score | Hall?
34 | ADAMS, Jack | 5 | 849 | 2.56 | 72.9 | Yes
35 | BAILEY, Ace | 7 | 784 | 2.77 | 70.9 | Yes
36 | BURCH, Billy | 5 | 962 | 2.67 | 70.5 | Yes
37 | MUNRO, Dunc | 3 | 688 | 3.22 | 70.5 | No
X | TRAUB, Percy | 3 | 1025 | 2.29 | 65.8 | No
X | WILSON, Phat | 3 | 1067 | 2.51 | 65.3 | Yes
X | TRAPP, Bobby | 3 | 809 | 2.47 | 62.5 | No
X | HIMES, Norm | 57 | 943 | 2.52 | 61.8 | No
X | WATSON, Harry | 5 | 462 | 3.29 | 61.4 | Yes
X | GREEN, Wilf | 7 | 674 | 2.4 | 57 | Yes
X | GREEN, Red | 6 | 666 | 2.29 | 56.9 | No
X | GOHEEN, Moose | 3 | 578 | 2.54 | 54.9 | Yes

Harry Watson is a bit different. Although surely inducted for his performance in the 1924 Olympics, Watson was in fact an excellent player, one who could have most likely had a very good NHL career should he have chosen that route. He effectively retired from hockey at age 26, as so many amateur players did, playing only a game or two per season after that. If he had a full-length professional career, he'd be much closer to the "maybe yes" line here, although he lacked the (at least) one really big season most Hall-of-Famers have.

WESTERN CHAMPIONS ARE BEATEN BY GRANITES, WATSON STARS

Harry Watson, hailed as the best forward in the OHA, was easily the most effective man on the ice. In Rodson and McCaffrey he had two capable assistants. The pretty combination work of this trio was practically the only bright feature of the contest.

Here is my crude attempt to make sense of his offensive value as an ATD/MLD player from two years ago:

What Might Moose Watson's Stats Have Looked Like If He Was In the NHL?

Moose Watson isn't impossible to compare to NHL players - there are plenty of players of known value, who played between 16 and 61 games as forwards in the SOHA. I basically made a rather simplistic formula that you should all be able to follow, in order to come to a reasonable conclusion about his NHL-level offensive capabilities. Basically, the more games a player played in the SOHA, the more valuable their data becomes and the more it weighs into the final result.

First, Harry Watson scored 84 points in 46 SOHA games for 1.82 PPG. He had 47 in 27 playoff games (including Allan Cup) for 1.74 PPG.

Here are some comparables:

Bert McCaffrey

McCaffrey joined the NHL rather late, and by the time he left, he was among the NHL's oldest players. He was decent enough that he was taken in AAA10. He had a pedestrian 73 points in 260 games, but this was at the ages of 31 to 37, and through the NHL's inagural dead puck era. During the range of his career, Cook and Denneny badly outscored him past age 31, and he tied Frank Fredrickson. His PPG average at the same ages in the same period was similar to Punch Broadbent and Ty Arbour, a very good western player who came over post-merger and didn't have quite the success that Art Gagne did. McCaffrey also had 3 points in 8 playoff games. In the SOHA, McCaffrey played 61 regular season games and 23 playoff games, averaging 1.31 and 1.08 PPG. Conclusion: Watson outscored McCaffrey by 39% and 61% in the OHA, and likely would have done the same in the NHL had he played at those ages.

Shorty Green

Green was not an excellent player, but he had flashes of greatness, particularly in 1925. He has likely found his niche as a 4th line MLD player. In the SOHA he played 16 and 14 games, averaging 2.00 and 2.07 PPG from age 27 to 30. Conclusion: Watson scored at 91% and 84% of Green's rate in the SOHA. Green is, however, the smallest sample size here.

Ernie Parkes

Parkes was an average PCHA player who put up 30 points in 83 games over 3 seasons, and 0 in 17 games at age 27 in the NHL. In the SOHA he had 2.09 and 0.92 PPG in 53 and 12 games. Conclusion: Watson scored at 87% and 189% of Parkes' rate in the SOHA.

Carson Cooper

Carson Cooper's value is well-known. He's an MLD first line winger who was 2nd and 3rd in the NHL in goals. He averaged 2.33 and 1.50 PPG in the SOHA. Conclusion: Watson scored at 78% and 116% of Cooper's rate in the SOHA.

Billy Burch

Burch is a 2nd-4th-line ATD player who won a Hart trophy. He scored 1.95 and 1.50 PPG in the SOHA over 19 and 2 games. Conclusion: Watson scored at 93% and 116% of Burch's rates in the SOHA.

Hap Day

Day is in the ATD because of his time as a defenseman. But he was a very good NHL forward for a few years, too. He had 54 points in 106 games from age 23-25 and 0 points in 2 playoff games. I assume he was a forward in his SOHA days, because he scored 1.45 and 0.87 PPG in 22 and 8 games in the SOHA. Conclusion: Watson scored at 126% and 198% of Day's rate in the SOHA.

Normie Himes

Himes is an average to good 2nd line MLD center. He was a one-man show for the NY Americans from age 23-31 in the NHL, scoring 219 points in 402 games. He scored 0.92 and 1.00 PPG in the SOHA. Conclusion: Watson scored at 198% and 174% of Himes' rates in the SOHA.

Bill Carson

Carson was a very good NHL player for a very short time. In 4 seasons, three of them very low-scoring, he had 78 points in 159 games. He was top-10 in goals twice and then top-10 in assists another year. He had 1.69 and 2.06 PPG in 70 and 16 SOHA games. Conclusion: Watson scored at 108% and 84% of Cooper's rate in the SOHA.

Watson played from age 18 through 27 in the SOHA. (he played very sporadically for 7 more years) We have no comparables from ages 18-21 but we have a minimum of three at each age from 23 through 32, so let's go with those as his ten-year period.

I made a chart with each of these 8 comparables, and the number of adjusted points they scored at each age according to hockey-reference.com. I then multiplied these numbers by Watson's factor (1.16 if he scored at 116% of that player's rate, for example). Then I multiplied those numbers by the total number of SOHA games of that player, so that a guy who played 55 SOHA games would be much more "certain" than a guy who played 16. here are the adjusted point totals I came up with for Watson after shifting by just one year so that his whole career can be stated in NHL terms:

age 23 (19) - 1918: 54
age 24 (20) - 1919: 62
age 25 (21) - 1920: 34
age 26 (22) - 1921: 101
age 27 (23) - 1922: 71
age 28 (24) - 1923: 85
age 29 (25) - 1924: 77
age 30 (26) - 1925: 98
age 31 (27) - 1926: 76
age 32 (28) - 1927: 61

This translates into point totals of about 32, 16, 19, 45, 32, 32, 17, 41, 20, and 14.

Based on these totals it is plausible that perhaps he could have led the NHL in points once and been the top-5 as many as five times; however, due to the timeshifting I did, this is far from certain.

After the NHL's first ten seasons, Watson may have had 268 points in about 263 games. (I used 263 games as this is the most anyone played during that time, and this period represents his ten-year prime and only some of other players' primes)

263 points would have seen him 2nd all-time behind Cy Denneny's 327 points by the end of the 1927 season. His 1.02 PPG average would have been well behind what Malone, Lalonde, and Denneny put up, a bit behind Dye and defenseman Harry Cameron, and slightly ahead of Jack Darragh (weaker HHOFer), Frank Nighbor (very valuable player who was aging and fading offensively), Corb Denneny (strong Odie Cleghorn-like non-HHOF offensive player), and Reg Noble (although this includes three seasons as a defenseman; Noble performed at a Babe Dye clip when he was a forward) - Each one of those players comes with a bit of a disclaimer, but it is still very good company to be in.

A few more caveats:

1. I made the assumption that a 23-32-year old Watson was about as good as an 18-27-year old Watson. Maybe he wasn't.
2. Watson missed a year for the war. This was not accounted for.
3. We know much more about how all those other guys played and this increases their value relative to Watson, of whom we know very little. (I bet a google news search would help this)
4. This was complete conjecture based on statistics but based on solid logic. However, Watson never played against the best, and these guys did, so anyone who did close to what he may have done without a "what if" attached, should be valued higher than Watson.

Conclusion: Harry Watson appears to have the talent to play a top line role in the MLD. His playoff numbers were very close to his regular season numbers, and maintained over a large period of time as well. Without more information as to how he played, it would be tough selling him as a 3rd/4th line ATD player, but if he was a tough player or defensive star, I see no reason why he couldn't play in the bottom six there. After all, the guy was named a HHOFer, and unlike some earlier amateurs, his pro contemporaries were of outstanding stature. It is fair to speculate that he was directly compared to them when the HHOF was voting on him just 30 years after he last played.

A couple more points of reference, based on an admittedly small sample:

1924 Olympics. Canada's 1st line was Moose Watson - Hooley Smith - Bert McCaffrey. In 5 games:

Watson: 36-14-50
McCaffrey: 21-15-36
Smith: 17-16-33

Now obviously it is a stretch to conclude that Watson had 50% more offensive potential than Hooley Smith. After all, he was 26 and Hooley was just 21. But, Bert McCaffrey, 30 at the time, turned out to be a very good NHL player, joining at 31 and having a season at 13th in scoring. It's reasonable to conclude Watson had significantly more upside than McCaffrey.

Moose was offered a then staggering $10,000 to play in the NHL in 1924 but he turned it down. Professional sports wasn't the end all and be all in those days, even though that was a pretty sum of cash he was offered (a brand new car, the Ford Model-T, cost only $290 in 1925).

Here is what his contract offer is worth in today's dollars:

$593,000.00 using the nominal GDP per capita
$1,570,000.00 using the relative share of GDP
http://www.measuringworth.com/uscompare/

A good passage that shows how the Granites Club was viewed, how Watson was coveted by NHL teams, and what happened to the other players on the team. Note that circa 1920-1924, Watson was better than all these players, two of whom went on to very respectable NHL careers and one who went on to a HHOF NHL career.

How good was that Granites team? Two forwards, Hooley Smith and Moose Watson, are enshrined in the HHOF. After an illustrious amateur career with the Granites, Smith left for the NHL. He would win a Stanley Cup with the Senators, but gained more fame after he moved to the Montreal Maroons, where he played on the famous "S" line. but Smith wasn't the Granites' star player. That honour went to "Moose" Watson, who was named the MVP in Ontario senior amateur hockey in 1922 and 1923. According to Ted Reeve, the famed sportswriter for "The Telegram", "The Granites could beat the Leafs on their lunch hour." Of course, in 1924, the Granites would have played the St. Pats, but Reeve was writing from a historical perspective. No matter the NHL team, the Granites would have given them a game.

the Granites simply dominated the (Olympic) tournament. they played five games, and none were close... Watson scored the winner (vs. USA) despite being knocked unconscious in the opening minutes of the game. It's not like Watson couldn't have scored in his sleep - he had 37 markers in 5 games. When the team returned to Canada, the NHL came calling and Watson stunned pretty well every hockey expert in the country by turning down the offers to play in the league, thus earning him the title of the finest amateur player in history.

Team captain Dunc Munro did listen to the offers from the pros; he went to the NHL after the games. He won a stanley cup in 1926, but his career was cut short by heart problems. Defender Bert McCaffrey went on to play for the Pirates and Canadiens; defender Beattie Ramsay, after university, skated with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

 

[Dreakmur]

Charlie Sands !!!​

Awards and Achievements:
Stanley Cup Champion (1939)

All-Star voting – 3rd(1938), vote (1939)

Scoring Accomplishments:
Points – 19th(1940)
Goals – 8th(1937), 10th(1938), 20th(1935)
Assists – 8th(1940)

Point percentages – 67, 58, 57, 51, 50
Goal Percentages – 78, 74, 60
Assist Percentages – 71, 50

Forward Charlie Sands played over 400 NHL games with four different clubs in the 30s and 40s. He was a decent offensive player who could check well and rarely found himself in the penalty box.

Born in Fort William, Ontario, Sands played with the local Forts and Port Arthur Ports of the TBSHL before dressing for three games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1932-33. He spent most of that season with the IAHL's Syracuse Stars then scored eight goals as a solid role player for the Leafs the next year which included participation in the Ace Bailey Benefit Game.

In May, 1934, Sands was sent to the Boston Bruins for cash. He fit in well and scored 15 goals for his new club while playing on a line with Marty Barry and Max Kaminsky. Two years later he scored a personal high 18 goals for the club while teaming with Bill Cowley and Rey Getliffe.

Early in the 1939-40 season Sands was sent to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Herb Cain. He was a fine checker and playmaker for four years with the Habs before he was loaned to the New York Rangers for a few games in 1943-44. Sands retired in 1945-46 after playing a few contests for the Los Angeles Monarchs of the PCHL.

Born in Fort William, ON, Charlie Sands broke into the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1932-33 and was ceded to the Bruins two years later. After capping a four-year stay in Boston with a Stanley Cup Championship in 1939, he and Ray Getliffe joined the Canadiens in 1939-40.

The 5-foot-9, 160-pound, right winger scored nine times and proved his worth as a playmaker, assisting on 20 other goals and finishing second to Toe Blake among Habs scorers.

A solid two-way player, Sands spent four seasons in Montreal, one of a handful of players who remained as Dick Irvin retooled the team from the ground up in the early years of his reign behind the bench.

Slipping to a 13-point season in 1940-41, Sands rebounded with 27 the next, despite missing 10 of the games on the schedule. 1942-43 was Sands’ last in a Canadiens sweater. He appeared in 31 games and recorded a dozen points as the younger Gordie Drillon and Joe Benoit accounted for most of the minutes on the right side.

Their emergence and the return of a promising prospect in Maurice Richard, who had accumulated eleven points in sixteen games in 1942-43, brought an end to the 31-year-old veteran’s time in the Canadiens uniform. Someone new would wear No. 9 for the bleu-blanc-rouge beginning in 1943-44.

Although his rights remained with the Canadiens on paper, Sands became a Ranger for 1943-44 in an arrangement that saw fiery New York forward, Phil Watson, play his only season with Montreal.

Dressing for only nine Rangers games in 1943-44, Sands found that life on the west coast agreed with him, playing on until 1946-47 in Pasadena, Los Angeles and Fresno.

 

[seventieslord]

Anze Kopitar, C

- 6'3", 227 lbs
- Stanley Cup (2012)
- Led Playoffs in Goals, Assists, Points, +/- (2012)
- Has placed 15th, 15th, 17th in points (2010, 2011, 2012)
- Best (only) 6 points percentage scores: 78, 74, 74, 73, 60, 54
- Has led Kings in scoring 5 times, by margins of 22, 17, 16, 10, 7 points
- Twice 9th in Selke Trophy Voting [2011:0-2-4-5-6(55), 2012:0-3-4-4-9(62)]
- Has killed 27% of penalties for teams 7% better than average
- Played in NHL ASG (2008, 2011)
- Missed just 17 games in 6 seasons
- 14 points in 17 games in the World Championships - "A" Pool only - all at age 17-20
- 5th in World Championship Scoring (2006)

As good as they come with the puck on his blade. He is able to beat defenders one-on-one and dangle the puck at will. He has great size and strength and his skating stride will only get better over time. He'll become a superstar as soon as he improves his defensive zone coverage and his play away from the puck.

Already a bonafide star at the tender age of 21. Great size allows him to control the cycle game in the corner with remarkable ease. Defense still doesn't come quite as naturally to him, but he gained valuable experience as Slovenia's #1 penalty killer at the World Championships.

dropoff in points was due to an increased defensive focus under coach Terry Murray, which hurt the offense collectively. He is the whole package at centre, and is poised for bigger things.

bounced back from subpar 09 to lead the Kings with career highs across the board, though was mostly held in check during playoff debut... it was a hot and cold ride as he was leading the league in scoring early on before hitting the skids... big, creative playmaker with soft hands and a quick, powerful shot... slippery 1-on-1... dangles by defenders exploiting his crafty stickhandling and giant wingspan...increasingly more responsible defensively, even if technique is still raw... takes inefficient routes away from the puck, even turning his back on the play, and can be guilty of exiting zone prematurely... would benefit from a higher level of intensity and toughness on the puck at crucial times... got pushed around by the Canucks in the playoffs... improving his stamina and strength are essential to reach that next level.

While it is often meaningless to use the word "underrated", Kopitar is probably one of the five best all-around centers in the NHL. Few forwards are as capable of controlling the play at even strength and being primary contributors on both special teams, but Kopitar is one. He should have been a finalist for the Selke trophy... Among centers, only Henrik Sedin and Steven Stamkos put up more points at even strength than Anze Kopitar's 54, making him a truly elite scorer in 5-on-5 situations. Unfortunately, this step forward at evens was matched by a step backward on the power play - he recorded 38 points on the man advantage in 2009-10 compared to just 18 last year. In any case, the Slovene center is a high-end offensive player.

Reaped the rewards of improved conditioning and by March had crept into the top-10 scorers before tearing ankle ligaments... ended consecutive games streak at 330... makes decisions at his own pace and seemingly has more time to process the game than others... disguises his intentions better than most - holding the puck and delaying an extra moment... increasingly more responsible defensively... stays patient in coverage lanes and is starting to exploit his size away from the puck... strength upgrades have translated into a quicker first step and acceleration gear... still would benefit from spinking intensity at times and driving to the net with greater purpose... tends to think pass first, when he has the skill and creativity to weave his own path.... evolving into elite two-way player.

"It's an amazing transformation, working so closely with them. They're better people than they are hockey players. And that says a lot about how much I think of them," (Kings assistant coach) Kompon told NHL.com. "Anze Kopitar is a great person, but he's also a great hockey player. The way he has learned to play the game, he is equally as good offensively as he is defensively. That couldn't be said six years ago."

#8 (5th among centers): Anze Kopitar. Anyone who watches the Western conference on a regular basis already knew how good Kopitar is. those who watched the playoffs in the spring found out for themselves. His combination of size, speed and skill is breathtaking. Kopitar is quickly becoming the best two-way center in the NHL.

 

[seventieslord]

Paul Shmyr, D

- 5'11", 170 lbs
- Stanley Cup Finalist as captain (1981)
- Avco Cup Finalist as captain (1979)
- WHA Top Defenseman (1976)
- WHA 1st All-Star Team (1973, 1974, 1976)
- WHA 2nd All-Star Team (1979)
- Top-12 in WHA defense scoring 6 times (5th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 12th)
- Best defensemen points percentages (*rough translations from WHA): 59*, 53, 50*, 47*, 43*, 42*
- 1974 Summit Series Participant
- Captain of two WHA Franchises and one in NHL
- Was a #2/3 defenseman for 1972 Seals and 1980 Stars with a stellar WHA career in the 7 years in-between, and a depth player in 70, 71, 81, 82
- In 1981, at 36, was 3rd-oldest defenseman in NHL (Vadnais, Savard) - played more games than either, and more minutes per game than Vadnais
- averaged 19.16 minutes per game in 344 NHL games (ages 23-26, 34-36)
- 87 fights in 930 NHL/WHA reg/PO games

Known as a team leader, Paul Shmyr a talented defenceman began his NHL career with a brief three game stint with the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1968-69 season. Before the NHL he played in the WHL, IHL and CHL from 1966 to 1968 and would return to the CHL after being sent down by the Hawks.

He would play the next season with both Chicago and their CHL affiliate Dallas Blackhawks. The 1970-71 season would see Shmyr spend his first full season in the NHL as a Hawk, only to be traded to the California Golden Seals before the start of the next season. He would only play one season for the Seals before moving to the WHA.

It was in this new league that Shmyr would shine, being named a first team all-star in '73, '74 and '76 while playing with the Cleveland Crusaders, as well as being a second all-star team member in '79 with the Edmonton Oilers. Shmyr would also be honoured for his defensive skills by winning the Dennis A. Murphy Trophy as the WHA's top defenceman for 1976.

After four seasons as the Crusaders captain, Shmyr was traded to the San Diego Mariners in 1976 where he would spend just one season before signing as a free agent with the Oilers, becoming their captain for the next two seasons. He was looking forward to making his return to the NHL when the Oilers were set to enter the league in 1979, but to Shmyr's shock his return came in Minnesota not Edmonton.

After the disappointment of uprooting his family to a new city to play hockey, Shmyr quickly became the leader of a young North Stars team, which he captained into the playoffs where they had a good run that finally ended in the semifinals. The next season would see the North Stars go all the way to the finals becoming the beloved underdogs trying to derail the New York Islanders Cup run. Shmyr would watch most of the playoffs from the sidelines after an injury kept him out followed by the coach sitting him. When Shmyr did return, it was in the finals, where he played his best game in some time, leading the North Stars to their only win in the Stanley Cup finals.

In the off-season Shmyr would sign with the Hartford Whalers as a free agent and would play his last season in hockey, hanging up his skates for good in 1982.

started his hockey career as a center but moved back to defense because of his solid checking ability... one of the league's better fighters who doesn't look for trouble, but doesn't shy away, either.

Shmyr is a high-scoring defenseman that also plays a serious physical game that added a dimension of toughness to the Crusaders...

One of the two best defensemen in the league, has the keen capacity to hit just the right people to dull a team's zip... and when he hits, it's usually for keeps... always a top performer, earned many an all-star game nod after a superb season...

WHA CORRESPONDENTS POLL

Hardest Hitter
1. Paul Shmyr 18 pts
2. XXXXX 6 pts

Hardest Worker
T4. Paul Shmyr, one first place vote

Best Fighter
1. XXXXXX 15 pts
2. Paul Shmyr 10 pts
3. Gordie Howe 9 pts

Best Defensive Defenseman
1. Paul Shmyr 30 pts
2. Pat Stapleton 10 pts

Shmyr has supporters who insist he's the WHA's best defenseman. They love his gritty style, charging into people, glaring at forwards through those slits he calls eyes, and twisting up the ice to lead a rush that seems to know where it's going... a premier defenseman... leather-tough... "he's not that big but when he hits you it's like someone flailing you with a bag of bones", said his former coach, Bill Needham... one of just two Crusaders to play in all 78 games...

Shmyr means as much to the Crusaders' defense as any defenseman in the league means to his team. But during his 29-game absence, Shmyr was missed as much for his abilities to generate an offense as for the way he anchors the defense... just as tough as he looks, through those squinty, Clint Eastwood eyes... good team man... leads an excellent rush.

A dependable player, a hard hitter and a good team man.

Best defenseman in the league... he hits like a whip. He has been described as sinew wrapped around a pile of protruding bones... the only WHA defenseman picked to play for Canada in the 1976 Canada Cup Series... consistently the best player on the ice, sbreaking up rushes, starting them, handing out bone-jarring checks, intimidating forwards with an icy stare... logs long minutes of ice time...

A so-so season tarnished his reputation after four good ones... raw boned individual who hurts when he hits... when he's feeling right he has that lean and hungry look.

A workhorse... endeared himself to Edmonton fans with his consistently good play, especially in the stretch where the team was decimated by injuries... worked so hard his weight dipped to 165 pounds at season's end... Team captain who wears a "K" instead of the traditional C, in keeping with Ukranian heritage... Has the raw-boned countenance of a desert cowboy.

The Wha's most efficient player last season, posting a plus of 37... plays aggressively, banging people around with a frame that seems all bone... extremely durable.. nicknamed "Kaptain Krunch."

Edmonton coach Glen Sather calls him one of the best team leaders in hockey... a hitter with ability to motivate teammates on ice, on bench, or in dressing room... has potential to become coach.

 

[vecens24]

Martin Gelinas, LW

Gelinas earned a lot of respect for his hard working, honest game. He showed up every night, gave it his all and was a great teammate.

Career Highlights:
Stanley Cup Champion (1990)
Stanley Cup Finalist (1994, 2002,2004)

Regular Season:
5 time 20+ goal scorer.
2 time 30+ goal scorer.
Top 10 Even Strength Goals: 1997
Top 10 Short Handed Goals: 1996


Playoffs:
Was part of the memorable Kid Line for Edmonton's post-Gretzky championship in 1990 with Graves and Murphy.
Finalist with Vancouver in 94, Carolina 2002, and Calgary 2004.

LOH:

Gelinas played the best hockey of his career in Vancouver and registered consecutive 30-goal seasons in 1996 and 1997. Early in 1997-98 he was sent to the Carolina Hurricanes where his speed and leadership helped keep the team competitive over the last four years. After two years of playing a more defensive role, Gelinas notched 23 goals in 2000-01 and helped his club give the defending Stanley Cup champion New Jersey Devils a tough six game battle in the opening round of the post-season.

Gelinas returned for a fifth season in 2001-02 and scored the overtime winning goal in game six of the Eastern Conference Final against the Toronto Maple Leafs, clinching the Hurricanes their first ever Stanley Cup Final appearance. Carolina would eventually fall to the Detroit Red Wings and subsequently signed as a free agent with the Calgary Flames in the off-season. Upon his arrival with the Flames, Gelinas continued his strong two-way play and was a key player in Calgary's run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2004 against the eventual Cup champions from Tampa Bay.

Joe Pelletier:

He went on to Quebec where his play was so poor that the Nordiques put him on waivers. The Vancouver Canucks plucked up Gelinas. It was in Vancouver that Gelinas, along side close friend Trevor Linden, really found his game. He was able to mesh his speed and physical game with a couple of 30 goal seasons.

http://thehockeyguys.net/unsung-heroes-martin-gelinas/

Some players are defined by their points totals. Some are defined by their work ethic and others are defined by their personality, yet one player stands out who could be defined by all three. But possibly the most defining characteristic of this players career is that goofy grin which always seemed to overtake his face after a triumph. The grin that always seemed to say “I’m just happy to be here”

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/cup02/games/2002-05-28-car-tor.htm

Forward Martin Gelinas poked home the winning goal past Curtis Joseph for a 2-1 win at 8:05 of overtime after a giveaway by Toronto's Alexander Mogilny. And because of that, the Carolina Hurricanes — for the first time in the franchise's 23-year history — are off to the Stanley Cup Finals.

"We were a shot away from going to the Finals, and that's what we more or less talked about (between periods)," Wesley said. "We've shown resiliency through the whole playoffs and the whole season. We bounced back tonight and Marty came up with a huge goal for us to move to that next step."
Maurice said it was appropriate that a grinder and not a star scored the game-winner.
"Marty worked so hard," he said. "He deserves a little sunshine."

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/cup/2004-05-05-cupline-gelinas_x.htm

Ending a playoff series with a winning goal in overtime is becoming a habit for Calgary's Martin Gelinas. Gelinas did it again Monday night with 46.9 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Flames a clinching 1-0 victory against the Detroit Red Wings in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Gelinas became the first NHL player to end three playoff series with an overtime goal. He did it against the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 of the conference quarterfinals this year and in the 2002 Eastern Conference final against the Toronto Maple Leafs — beating current Red Wings goalie Curtis Joseph, no less — when he was with the Carolina Hurricanes.
In other words, he has scored the clincher in the last three series his team has won.

"Every time you get to play in overtime, you get psyched up," Gelinas said. "I get psyched up. I want to be the guy that puts the puck in the net."

 

[Velociraptor]

Nick Libett, LW

Position: Left Wing
HT/WT: 6'1", 175 lbs
Handedness: Left
Nickname(s): "Spock"

- captained the Detroit Red Wings in 1973.
- Played in the 1977 NHL All-Star Game.
- 6 20+ goal seasons
- 7th in 1979 Selke Voting
- scored 237 goals and 268 assists for 505 points in 982 games played, adding 472 penalty minutes.
- scored 6 goals and 2 assists for 8 points in 16 playoff games played, adding 2 penalty minutes.

Top 10 Finishes:
Shorthanded Goals - 1x - (9)

We'd play against Montreal and we''d play against the Rangers, they had right wings like (Hall of Famers) Guy Lafleur and Rod Gilbert and I'd have to check them.

Legends of Hockey

Left-winger Nick Libett used his speed and quick hands to be an asset at both ends of the ice. He reached the 20-goal mark six times and would have been better known if he played on one of the NHL's better clubs.

Beginning in 1968-69, the talented winger was a regular in the Wings' lineup for eleven seasons during some lean times. He recorded six 20-goal seasons and scored a career-high 31 in 1971-72 playing on a line with Marcel Dionne and Bill Collins. The Wings made the playoffs just twice during Libett's long tenure in Motown. While he was in the midst of another solid year in 1976-77, he was chosen to play in the NHL All-Star Game for the first and only time in his career.

Detroit Red Wings - History

The investment paid off when Libett broke in with Detroit in 1967-68, launching a 14-season NHL career as an effective, two-way left-winger. Six times, Libett attained the 20-goal plateau, netting a career high of 31 goals in 1971-72. It was without the puck where Libett was most respected, however. His work as a checker rated him among the best in the NHL.

He checked the league's top scorers pretty well. Just ask Rod Gilbert. "Every time I played against him, I cringed, because I knew I wouldn't have any room and I was going to have a tough time," Gilbert said.

A durable, hard-working sort, Libett missed only two games his first six NHL seasons and once played 389 consecutive games. "He had that determination and drive you'd like to see all the players on your team have," noted Dave Lewis, Libett's NHL opponent for seven seasons. "You'd slow him down and he'd keep coming. You'd hit him and he'd get back up. And he was relentless as a checker."

Mark Howe's journey all his own - ESPN.com

"If we were playing Chicago, he'd say 'Watch Bobby Hull. Instead of watching the game, watch Bobby Hull. Watch what he does,'" Mark said.

During other games, he was instructed to watch Nick Libett, a two-way forward who was good for 20 goals a season but impressed Gordie because the opposing winger he defended rarely touched the puck.

"I learned how to do that," Mark said. "Once you get that in your head, you try to implement it into the way you play."

Myself, Nick Libett, and Dan Maloney were the tough guys here in Detroit

 

[Hedberg]

D Fredrik Olausson

6'1, 198
Shoots Right
Dädesjö, Sweden

2002 Stanley Cup Champion
9th in Norris Voting, 1999
4th (98-99), 8th (91-92), 10th (88-89) in Defense Scoring

147 G, 434 A, 581 Pts in 1022 GP

Legends of Hockey

The talented Swede became a key element in the rapid transition game and explosive power play on the Jets. A member of Sweden's World Championship team in 1989, Olausson spent over seven seasons in the Manitoba capital and set a personal high with 20 goals in 1991-92. The team was successful and entertaining but always played in the shadow of the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.

Olausson was traded to the Oilers when they were rebuilding in 1993-94. By this time, he was a savvy veteran who made crisp passes and smart plays.

Forecaster:

Intelligence and good decision-making are two traits that made Olausson extremely valuable. The smooth-skating defenceman, a main ingredient on the first power-play unit in Anaheim, nonetheless called it a NHL career at the end of the 1999-2000 campaign. "He's had a great career," said Ducks GM Pierre Gauthier. "His last two years might have been his best."Olausson, only the sixth defenceman born outside North America to play in 900 NHL games, finished with 143 goals and 558 points in 931 games in a career spent mostly with the former Winnipeg Jets.

While Olausson did struggle big-time just prior to the close of the first half in 1999-2000 -- he was a healthy scratch on a few occasions, and was even put aside during power play situations at other times when dressed --, his play picked up shortly thereafter.

1998-99: Olausson's crisp passing, good vision and veteran smarts help Paul Kariya and former Winnipeg Jet teammate Teemu Selanne get extra breakout passes. His production had declined since his Winnipeg days, but a mid-season burst in 1998-99 placed among the league's best scoring blueliners. In fact, Olausson's 56 points placed him fourth overall among NHL defencemen, and 10 of his 16 goals in were registered on the PP.

After eight solid seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, a brief stint in Edmonton, a waiver claim by Anaheim, and a season-and-a-half with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Olausson returned for a second tour of duty with the Mighty Ducks and supplied veteran savvy and power play experience up until his retirement.

 

[Hedberg]

D Dave Maloney

6'1, 195
Shoots Left
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Captain of the New York Rangers 1978-80

71 G, 246 A, 317 Pts in 657 GP

New York Rangers Legends:

Though not a true number one defenseman, Dave Maloney was a good puck moving defenseman with a physical dimension. His mobility and hockey sense made him a useful member of both specialty team units.

Maloney assumed a key role as quarterback of the Rangers power play. Often playing with Barry "Bubba" Beck, Maloney was quite aggressive himself, as his 1154 career penalty minutes attest. The solid rearguard played so well during his first two years that by 1978-79 he succeeded Phil Esposito as the Blueshirts' captain. Under his leadership, Maloney helped the team reach the Stanley Cup finals. That was an especially proud moment for the Maloney family as younger brother Don joined the team. The two would star on Broadway until Dave's departure up state to Buffalo for the 1984-85 season.

In Buffalo Maloney was a stabilizing influence during the last 52 games of the 1984-85 season and the first round of the playoffs before retiring. He scored 71 goals and 317 points in 657 NHL games.

Legends of Hockey

Dave Maloney was a fine playmaking defenceman who could also provide a physical dimension in his own zone. His mobility and hockey sense made him a useful member of both the power-play and penalty-killing units.

 

[seventieslord]

Patrik Sundstrom, C/LW

- 6'1", 200 lbs
- Placed 10th and 14th in Selke voting
- placed 23rd in points (1984)
- 10th in assists, 9th in points, 1988 playoffs
- Best points percentages: 76, 68, 63, 60, 54, 54
- Best ES points percentages: 77, 69, 68, 62, 59, 54
- twice led his team in scoring (1984, 1985)
- killed 28% of penalties for teams 9% below average
- Swedish Player of the year (1982)
- 7th in Swedish League scoring at age 20 (1982)
- 11 points in 18 World Championship games
- 9 points in 13 Canada Cup games
- 4th in scoring for Sweden in 1984 Canada Cup (behind Nilsson, Loob, Steen)

After two seasons of junior hockey in his home country Sweden, Patrik Sundstrom represented his country at the World Junior Championships in 1980 where the team won a bronze medal. This year also saw Sundstrom drafted by the Canucks. He joined his twin brother, Peter, in the World Juniors the next year where he led the team to a gold medal and was named the tournament's best forward.

The 1981-82 season saw Sundstrom play in Sweden where he was named the Swedish player of the year as well as representing Tre Kronor in the Canada Cup and World Championships. Sundstrom was a part of the 1987-88 New Jersey team that made a run for Lord Stanley's Cup, but the Boston Bruins who took the series in the seventh and deciding game stopped the team in the conference finals.

...and, with Tony Tanti, became one of the more dangerous pairs of forwards in the league. their roles upended the stereotypes. Sundstrom was the biggest player on the team, and he was the net crasher...

smooth-skating... unselfish...would rather pass than shoot.

Superbly talented player, strong skater, good puckhandler, excellent touch around the net.

playing for weak team often diminishes his exceptional skills... many NHL teams have tried to coax Canucks into trading him.

Sundstrom is an excellent skater, strong on his feet and fast and very agile for a bigger man. he has good lateral movement and change of direction skills and his skating readily complements his puckhandling, which is excellent. Patrik can carry the puck at top speed and make his plays, passing equally well to both sides. Or he can carry the puck deeper into the offensive zone and will control it excellently, teasing the defensemen by keeping it just out of their reach, then dipping a shoulder and heading around them to the goal. He uses his teammates excellently, getting the puck to them regardless of circumstance. Sundstrom can pass around corners if need be, or he can float a pass into traffic. That passing skill makes Patrik particularly effective on the power play, where he can take advantage of the open ice. Sundstrom has a terrific wrist shot but he doesn't shoot to score enough, preferring to skim the puck for a deflection or tip-in. Perhaps if he just unloaded more often, his goal scoring confidence would return.

Sundstrom is big and strong and he can take the rough going, though he is not one to initiate that style. He definitely works better in the open ice, but Sundstrom is unafraid of the traffic areas around the net or the corners and will do what he has to to make his plays. He still surprises people in the corners or along the boards with his strength and he is able to outmuscle many members of the opposition because of it. He also has good strength in his hands and wrists and can pull the puck out of traffic for a play. Sundstrom has all the talent and potential in the world and the only thing stopping him from breaking into that 100-point barrier is himself. Perhaps, with the acquisition of Barry Pederson and the attention that will be focused on him, Sundstrom will be able to loosen up and gain that edge his play needs.

goal production tailed off but he led the team in assists... possesses all of hockey's graces... prone to slumps...

Evidently, someone forgot to tell Sundstrom that he doesn't have to throw his body in front of slap shots, because Sundstrom absorbs a few every game. He plays defense as well as he scores, he backchecks, and he's an able penalty killer

He uses his teammates well, getting the puck to them regardless of the circumstance, and that's why he'll see PP duty at the point... he is not intimidated by physical play... the only word for Sundstrom is enigma. He is superbly talented, but - for some reason - has only been able to bring his talents to bear completely once in his career.

shy and reticent individual who lets his actions speak for him... linemate Tony Tanti describes him as "the best center I've ever played beside. He skates like the wind, and is as tough as nails in the corners."

blessed with almost unlimited ability... stops and starts well, changes direction on a dime... his skating dovetails excellently with his puckhandling, and playmaking abilities, which are also of superior calibre. Patrik can not only carry the puck at top speed, but he can make any play at that speed... he controls the puck as if it were nailed to his stick... handles the puck as well in traffic as he does in the open ice... his anticipating and hockey sense are superb and he reads the play easily and clearly, that's why he's a PP and PK regular. The only finesse skill not at the same level as the others is his shot... should become more selfish...

not only can he take the rough stuff, he can initiate his share as well. that's not to say that he always does, and his finesse game would certainly expand if he did... it's his balance that helps him get the job done in the corners. Patrick is also aided by his reach, which puts his hands into places his body can't get to. Good hand and wrist strength make Patrik a good faceoff man. He is also willing to sacrifice his body to block shots (doing so to particularly good effect while penalty killing), and is one of the NHL's better shot blocking forwards.

An excellent skater because all components of his skating are excellent... for those who questioned Sundstrom's talent and refused to accept the Devils' playoff run as a testament to his ability, consider this: Two players have come into their own in the last two campaigns: John MacLean and Brendan Shanahan. Know who the common denominator is for those two? Right - Sundstrom. Patrik is supremely talented and supremely courageous; he's played in pain for most of the last two seasons. He's also more than upheld his end of the bargain by improving his offensive output in an attempt to make the Devils more than just a one-line club. He's quality goods, and GM Lou Lamoreillo should be complimented for acquiring this excellent player.

A skilled two-way forward...

Sundstrom is one of the most complete players in the NHL... has excellent speed (he'll beat all but the very fastest skaters to an opening or a loose puck)... His hockey sense (the ability to anticipate plays and see undeveloped openings) is keen, and he combines his skating with his sense to use the entire ice. He saves his ice to keep opportunities in front of him, and he uses his brains and exceptional hand skills to lead teammates into the openings he has created... he plays the game as well defensively as he does offensively, and his smarts and skills make him a special teams necessity...

Takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Sundstrom is absolutely oblivious to personal safety on the ice, using his body to give and take hits with impunity. His outstanding balance allows him to lean away from hits, and still maintain sufficient body position to make plays, and that same balance serves to keep him upright and ready to make plays after giving or taking hits... Sundstrom gains body position excellently, and will sacrifice his body to make whatever play is necessary... he's not only one of the best shot-blocking forwards in the NHL, but one of the best shot blocking players period... His hand and wrist strength make him a fine faceoff man, the man most likely to take those critical draws (when penalty killing, by the way, he almost always tries to go forward to clear the puck)... Sundstrom is the kind of player who makes other players better. He is durable and, considering how he plays with pain from his back injurues, we would say a courageous player. He has a fine character and is a top person, and is also New Jersey's best player.

Patrik is a complete player who excels in all areas of the ice. he contributes his share defensively, which is why his offensive stats have declined.

One of the more underrated two-way forwards in the league... blocks shots as well as any defenseman and is an unselfish playmaker.

Patrik's numbers were down in 199-91, but he played very well down the stretch. "Over the course of a long season, you appreciate his work", says teammate Brendan Shanahan... "Sunny played well for us the last month and a half", said teammate Bruce Driver. "It may have gone unnoticed, but he turned it up a notch. He's definitely a money player."

Has never been a flashy scorer, but he is one of the top two-way forwards in the league when healthy. He has enough polish and style to make the game look easy, but he is a very hard worker. There is no one aspect of his game that stands out from any other...seldom makes a bad pass, never panics... a support player who brings out the best in his linemates...can move the puck up ice himself or put a tape-to-tape pass through traffic... His value as a penalty killer is also underrrated. Over the past three seasons, he has probably been among the top half-dozen defensive forwards in the NHL. He is aggressive in his pursuit of the puck and his skating ability and poke checking skills don't give point men much time to handle the puck.

Sundstrom is very big boned and sinewy, and doesn't give an impression of size or strength. He is a deceptively strong player, willing to hit and willing to sacrifice his body (one of the main reasons he spends so much time in the trainer's room)... He is not a fighter by any means, but is very tough in his own way... Sundstrom blocks shots as well as most defensemen, and his fearlessness seems almost foolhardy. Sundstrom gets tremendous respect from his teammates for the price he is willing to pay to win a game... If he had played for better teams than the Canucks and Devils through his career, this atypical Swede would have singlehandedly dispelled the myth of what a European player plays like. Injuries have taken their toll, so this very quiet leader may never get his due. He knows the game as well as any coaches he plays for and will remain an asset to any team as long as his body holds out. In fact, he would make an excellent coaching prospect.

 

[seventieslord]

Drew Doughty, D

- 6'0", 212 lbs
- Stanley Cup (2012)
- Olympic Gold Medal (2010)
- NHL 2nd All-Star Team & 3rd in Norris Voting (2010)
- #1 Defenseman for LA all four seasons he's played
- Has placed 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 1st on team's defense corps in QoC
- placed 5th, 12th, 13th, 30th in TOI in NHL
- has averaged 24.82 minutes per game for 316 games for teams 5% better than average
- Defense points percentages (70s system): 100, 68, 65, 42
- Has killed 37% of penalties for teams 5% better than average

not many teenage defensemen can play in the NHL, let alone anchor and lead their team in icetime. But that's exactly what Doughty accomplished last year, charting a course to join the game's elite before too long. He plays an all-around game that could dent his offensive production, but should be able to reach 30-40 points.

Went from emerging prospect to star over the course of the season. He did it all, from playing well enough to be nominated for the Norris trophy, to helping Canada to the gold medal in Vancouver, to dominating as a PP QB in the playoffs. Doughty's 59 points were the most by a 20-year old defenseman since Brian Leetch in 1988-89.

After just two NHL seasons, Doughty is an elite player. Last year, he finished 3rd among all rearguards in points, while pacing LA in average icetime and finishing 2nd in +/-. He also piles up hits and blocked shots. This 20-year old is simply amazing.

soared to stardom during a landmark season... recorded just two points for team Canada yet arguably made the greatest impact with his calm outlet abilities... innovative, highly-skilled workhorse with great hands and a sizzling wristshot... guided by superior offensive instincts, yet also equipped with the bravado to improvise and take chances... waits until the last second before making decisions, sporting exceptional control and passing precision... a good, solid skater with long, deceiving stride and the capacity to summon bursts of quickness... came into his own last season orchestrating the PP from the top of the umbrella... steadily upgrading his defensive postures and techniques... increasingly more proactive using his body to box out opponents in front of the net and win battles... levels off the odd night - gets static and takes poor angles defending, however those efforts are becoming less frequent... flashed an even higher level during the playoffs and led the Kings in scoring.

Superficially, Doughty suffered through a dropoff in performance in 2010-11. Overwhelmingly, that dropoff came on the PP. He scored just three fewer points at ES, but went from 31 to 15 with the man advantage. Aside from that one small area of regression, Doughty played like a franchise defenseman, which is precisely what he is.

Fell back to earth a little in '10-11. An early concussion contributed, but so did a slow finish... still one of the NHL's most well-rounded rearguards and a big-minute regular.

crashed back to earth with a disappointing follow-up to a landmark sophomore year... struggled with conditioning... missed that dynamic attacking flair... frequently just blending into the scenery while serving up a steady diet of defensive errors...

 

[seventieslord]

Brent Seabrook, D

- 6'3", 218 lbs
- Stanley Cup (2010)
- Olympic Gold Medal (2010)
- Has been a #2 defenseman behind Duncan Keith past 5 seasons (and #3 in 2007)
- Placed 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st on team's defense in QoC last 5 seasons
- Placed 1st (2010), 5th (2012), 6th (2009) among all NHL defensemen in QoC
- Best defense points percentages: 77, 64, 51, 49, 45, 41
- Has killed 45% of penalties for teams 10% better than average
- Has averaged 22.60 minutes per game for 552 games, on teams 7% better than average
- Body Sacrifice Index (a stat I made up, hits + blocked shots): 21st (2008), 8th (2009), 7th (2010), 3rd (2011), 7th (2012)
- Yet, has missed just 22 games in 7 seasons

Jumped straight in and, for the most part, did not look out of place. A big defenseman with great offensive instincts...

Despite leading the team in hits by a wide margin again, Seabrook has missed just one game the past three seasons. He also logged the second most ice time on the squad... has untapped offensive potential... his main attribute is becoming his calmness in every situation.

While Duncan Keith may be the best all-around defenseman in the game right now, Seabrook comes close to his level on defense. He finished an impressive 4th in the league with 8.9 defensive GVT, which helps to make up for his lack of offense. Seabrook also led the team with 153 blocked shots. While he may never be an offensive weapon, the shutdown defenseman is vital to Chicago's goaltending because of his ability to lessen the number of shots on goal... great as a penalty killer.

served an air of calm throughout the frenetic playoff drive and did a fine job anchoring Duncan Keith's individual success and of course the team's... saw his consecutive games streak end thanks to a nasty headshot... big strong two-way workhorse with crisp passing skills and a powerful shot... sturdy, fluid skater with improving agility and range... not blessed with elite quickness or footspeed, yet compensates with strength and tenacity... sticks with plays and hates to get beaten 1-on-1... protects his net militantly, exploiting most opportunities to initiate contact... stays calm with the puck, displaying excellent poise and maturity... supports the puck well in all zones and has a keen sense for when to pinch into the attack... not outwardly flashy but surprises with subtle plays and skills.

hard hitting... has already established himself as one of the league's best shutdown defensemen, even against top competition, but last year he developed into a true two-way threat, scoring 48 points, improving his PP scoring rate to an awesome 5.5, and even topping Keith with an 8.8 offensive GVT. "Sea Biscuit" has missed only 5 games in the past 5 seasons, despite his highly physical style of play.

Size, defensive acumen, and now an offensive force... Seabrook showed in 2009-10 that he could help run a power play.

Absorbed the hardest minutes and provided a stabilizing presence to help prevent the Hawks from completely capsizing... began to wear down after the all-star break but re-energized down the stretch... targeted by Vancouver in the playoffs...

 

[Dreakmur]

- Body Sacrifice Index (a stat I made up, hits + blocked shots)

I had no idea you wrote for the Hocke News 10 years ago... when I first read about that Body Sacrifice index....

 

[jkrx]

I had no idea you wrote for the Hocke News 10 years ago... when I first read about that Body Sacrifice index....

Pretty irrelevant stat too as it doesnt take other body sacrificing scenarios into acount. Absorbing hits in the corner while protecting the puck, standing in front of the net, drawing penalties etc.

 

[seventieslord]

I had no idea you wrote for the Hocke News 10 years ago... when I first read about that Body Sacrifice index....

Hmm, really? Add this to the list of things I thought up myself but apparently not before someone else did.

Pretty irrelevant stat too as it doesnt take other body sacrificing scenarios into acount. Absorbing hits in the corner while protecting the puck, standing in front of the net, drawing penalties etc.

Just because it doesn't cover things that don't get recorded in stats doesn't make it irrelevant. "Limited" is the word you are looking for, but every stat is limited.

 

[Hedberg]

C André Lacroix

5'8, 175
Shoots Left
Lauzon, Quebec, Canada

WHA 1st Team All-Star 72-73, 73-74, 74-75
1st (72-73), 1st (74-75), 2nd (72-74), 5th (76-77) in WHA Points

79 G, 119 A, 198 Pts in 325 NHL GP
251 G, 547 A, 798 Pts in 551 WHA GP

Greatest Hockey Legends:

While the WHA paled in quality comparisons to the NHL, it has a certain intrigue about it. After all, the WHA raided NHL and junior rosters and boasted names like Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky, Mike Gartner, Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson among many others.

But it was André Lacroix who may very well be considered the best player during the WHA's 7 year existence.

At 5'8" 175lbs, André was too small for the NHL game. However his immense skill level earned him a full time spot with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1968. André was a shifty skater with good speed. His vision of the ice and playmaking abilities placed him among the game's elite in those two categories. Simply put, André's style of play was Gretzky-like. His stick handling ability was awesome.

André earned a full time NHL job the following training camp. He would play three full seasons with the Flyers, scoring more than 20 goals in each season. But his size eventually limited him to the role of power play specialist. He centered the team's #1 line in year one. The line was called the French Line, with Jean-Guy Gendron on left wing and first Dick Sarrazin and then Simon Nolet on right wing. The line was small and fast, and André in particular became a fan favorite. However after the team's playoff failure management decided to go in another direction, drafting bigger and stronger players from the western Canadian prairies, building an image that would soon be known as the Broad Street Bullies.

"We had a defensive team then," André remembered. "We were always going for the tie. In fact, we set the NHL record for ties (24) that one year (1969-70). I guess Vic Stasiuk (Philly's coach) just didn't like my style of play. He probably wanted a rough-tough guy and I just wasn't that type of player."

Following his terrible 1971-72 season, André moved back to Philadelphia, but this time it was with the WHA's Blazers. He became an instant star in the WHA's first season, scoring 50 goals and 74 assists for 124 points - earning him the Hunter Trophy as leading score and the Davidson Trophy as the league's first MVP.

"It never mattered how good you were, confidence was 60 percent of the game. If the coach didn't have the confidence to put you on the ice, you didn't do well."

André set a then-professional record of 106 assists in the 1974-75 season while with the San Diego Mariners. His 106 assists bettered Bobby Orr's 102 assist season of 1970-71. He also added 41 goals to again win the Hunter Trophy.

André played with 5 WHA teams in 7 years, playing 551 games. His 574 assists are a league high, almost 200 more than second place J.C. Tremblay. André's 251 goals ranks 4th all time, giving him a league leading 798 WHA points, ahead of second place Marc Tardif by 132 points, and 160 points more than Bobby Hull.

"For sure, we played wide-open hockey in the WHA but that's what the fans wanted to see," André said years later.

The Pond - Meet the Management

1974 proved to be a big year for "The Magician" when he was named to Team Canada and took part in the 1974 Summit Series versus the USSR. He was also named Professional Canadian Athlete of the Year in 1974. He was selected to the WHA first all-star team in 1974 and again in 1975. While playing for the San Diego Mariners he recorded a WHA record 106 assists, a record that was never broken. Lacroix became the all-time leading scorer in the WHA with 251 goals and 547 assists in seven years.

Legends of Hockey:

Andre Lacroix was a dangerous offensive player who enjoyed six solid years in the NHL. His most noteworthy scoring feats took place in junior and the WHA.

Wikipedia:

A centre notable for his playmaking, penalty-killing and faceoff skill, Lacroix played his junior hockey for the Peterborough Petes, leading the league in assists in both the 1964–65 and 1965–66 seasons and in points the latter season. He then played two seasons for the minor-league Quebec Aces of the AHL, playing brilliantly in the 1968 season before being recalled by the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL in the spring of 1968. Paired on a forward line with fellow ex-Quebec wingers Jean-Guy Gendron and Simon Nolet, he was an immediate star, leading the Flyers in scoring in both 1969 and 1970.

Flyers Heroes of the Past:

Andre Lacroix, an undersized center from Quebec, made the most of his chance to play in the NHL and became the Flyers' most dangerous offensive player during the team's first four years of existence. After moving from the NHL to the fledgling World Hockey Association, he went on to become WHA's all-time leading scorer.

"Andy had a lot of finesse on the ice. He was a little guy but he was a great passer and stickhandler," said Flyers Hall of Fame defenseman Joe Watson. "He was also a good guy off the ice."

Lacroix had two strikes against him as a player. Standing just 5'8'' tall and playing between 170 to 175 pounds, he also lacked speed. Lacroix had to rely on his creativity and soft hands to overcome his physical limitations. His top-notch playmaking skills on the ice earned him the nickname "The Magician."

Andre Lacroix only spent one and a half seasons in Quebec, but he was so popular that he was sometimes called "the King of Quebec City." The home crowds at Le Colisée de Québec adored Lacroix's puckhandling and passing wizardry.

----------------

Lacroix made his NHL debut for the Flyers on February 21 in Pittsburgh. With the Flyers trailing the Penguins 1-0 in the second period and being badly outshot, Lacroix stole the puck from a Penguin and scored his first NHL goal on a backhand shot past goaltender Les Binkley. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.

The next day, the Flyers played at home against the Minnesota North Stars. Lacroix put on a dazzling display for the 14,392 fans at the Spectrum. Playing on a line with Leon Rochefort and Brit Selby, Lacroix set up a Rochefort goal late in the first period and then scored in the final minute of the period to give the Flyers a 3-1 lead.

In the middle stanza, Lacroix brought the crowd to its feet by stickhandling around three Minnesota players on a rush up the ice. Midway through the period, he dished to Rochefort for another goal. Late in the period, Lacroix set up Rochefort yet again to complete a hat trick. All four of the line's goals were scored at even strength.

At the conclusion of the game, Lacroix was named the first star (Rochefort was second star). Lacroix earned one of the first standing ovations received by a Flyers player at the Spectrum.

In the next day's Philadelphia Bulletin, there was an open letter to Quebec coach Stasiuk saying Philadelphia would be keeping his best player for the rest of the season and opining that Lacroix was "already more popular than William Penn" in the City of Brotherly Love.

--------------
"The Blazers were a badly run organization, but we had some talented players," recalls Nick Polano, a Blazers defenseman who later went on to be the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings and is now a pro scout for the Ottawa Senators. "Andre Lacroix had a lot of skill and worked hard for the team every night."

--------------
That year (74-75), he won his second Hunter Trophy with 147 points and compiled an astounding 106 assists. At the time, it set a new professional hockey record (subsequently shattered by Wayne Gretzky, who reached as many as 163 helpers) and made Lacroix the first pro player after Bobby Orr to reach the 100-assist mark in a single season.

During his hottest stretch of the season, Lacroix registered points in 32 straight games. Over that stretch, Lacroix racked up 69 points (16 goals and 53 assists). On his way to the record, Lacroix set a separate WHA mark for most consecutive games with an assist. From January 18 to February 24, 1975, he set up at least one teammate for a goal in 16 straight games.

OHL Alumni Classics

It was in the WHA where the name Andre Lacroix will forever go down in history. He will forever be the league’s all-time leader in games played (551), assists (547) and points (798). He comes in slightly lower in the goals department, falling fourth in the league’s history with 251.

In six of his seven seasons in the WHA, Lacroix led his team in points. The only season he didn’t was his final season with the New England Whalers in 1978-79 when the team was led by Mark Howe. Andre twice won the Bill Hunter Trophy as the league’s top point-getter. The first time was with the Philadelphia Blazers in the first season of the WHA when he scored 50 and added 74 assists for 124 points. The second was two years later in 1974-75 with the San Diego Mariners. That season Andre scored 41 but added an astonishing 106 assists for 147 points.

At the time, his 106 assists were a professional hockey record and, along with Bobby Orr, was the only professional player to surpass the 100 assist mark. His six 100+ point seasons in a row is a feat to this day only shared by six other professional players.

Lacroix was selected to the Team Canada squad for the 1974 Summit Series that pitted the best Canadians of the WHA against the best of Russia. Andre did not disappoint as the second highest scorer on the team.

 

[Rob Scuderi]

Allan Shields, D

6'0", 180 lbs.

AST Voting: T8 (1933), 1 vote in 1934
Played in the Ace Bailey Benefit Game, 1934 ASG (Leafs vs team of NHL all-stars)
x1 Stanley Cup (1935)

Al Shields was a highly respected player who was solidly built and rough when he had to be, though off ice he was an easy going individual.

He began his playing days in Ottawa with the Montagnards before signing with the Senators as a free agent in 1928 when he made his NHL debut. After three seasons with the Sens, Shields was traded to the Philadelphia Quakers in 1930. He spent only one season in Philly after being claimed by the New York Americans in the Dispersal Draft of 1931. Once again, he spent only one season in New York before heading back to Ottawa for two more seasons.

After being traded to the Montreal Maroons for the 1934-35 season, Shields enjoyed a memorable playoff as the Maroons swept the Toronto Maple Leafs three games to none to take the Stanley Cup. This would be Shields' only Cup championship. He spent one more season in Montreal before being loaned to the New York Americans for the 1936-37 season, who then in turn loaned him to the Boston Bruins for the remainder of the year. Shields was then returned to the Maroons where he played the 1937-38 season, his last in the NHL.

The battle started when Milks, Philly forward, struck George Owen, who had checked him near the Boston net. Eddie Shore, aggressive Bruin defense star, rushed to Owen's side, but Allan Shields crossed his path and they swapped blows. Every player on the ice, with the exception of Pete Cude, the Quakers' goalie, then entered the fray and peace was not restored until a dozen policemen were rushed onto the ice.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=saVZAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DEoNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1154,2397866&dq=allan+shields&hl=en

Doug Young, star defenceman of Detroit Red Wings..suffered a broken right ankle...Young suffered the injury early in the first period when he crashed into the boards after being handed a hefty body-check by Allan Shields ace defenceman of the Americans.

Allan Shields, a clever blocker has been secured from Montreal Maroons and Dutton plans to team the burly, blond Ottawan with the hard-hitting Allan Murray as the first string reaguard.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rn8tAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_pgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3450,3688000&dq=allan+shields&hl=en

Beveridge stopped 60 Ranger shots, 19 in the first period, and was largely responsible for the tie although Allan Shields and Harvey Rockburn presented a strong defence in front of him.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C9sgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vmoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2753,3009222&dq=allan+shields&hl=en

An unusual display occurred near the end of the first period that led to a small-sized riot. Happy Emms came in with the puck, on right wing, and Allan Shields put him down at the side of the Ottawa net. As Shields stepped clear of his fallen rival, it appeared as if Emms tried to kick him with his skate. Shields waited until Emms got up, and then went for him. Players of both teams mixed in...
Cooper Smeaton tacked majors onto Shields, Finnigan, Carson, and gave Emms a match penalty. Emms protested his innocence, but Smeaton was right beside the play, and would listen to no argument from the Detroit player.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YRMvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=utsFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6871,5312296&dq=allan+shields&hl=en

Although Hooley Smith figured but little in the scoring, he was the mainstay of the Maroons. He played on the defence with Allan Shields and it was his blocking and skillful way in which he fed pucks to his forwards that gave Maroons such effectiveness.

The Maroons defence combinations of Smith and Shields, and Wentworth and Evans put up the neatest defensive display of the season. They confounded Rangers' famous Cook-Boucher line into almost complete submission. Old Bill Cook came off the ice shaking his head slowly and thoughtfully.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...AAAAIBAJ&pg=6620,96666&dq=allan+shields&hl=en

Montreal Maroons, thumping the foe with steaming bodychecks in the most respected Red-team tradition, roared past Toronto Maple Leafs with a 3-2 overtime triumph here tonight in the first game of the Stanley Cup series...Starting 3-1 favorites to win the first game, the Leafs will go into the second contest here Saturday night no better than even money on the game and certainly no better than even money on the series.

The Red Men paved the way for victory with a smashing body assault in the second period that resulted in bitter exchanges, high sticking and seemed to have no effect at all on Gorman's Iron men. The Leafs were slowed down by thumps that left the fans gasping. The casualties were Bob Gracie, slender Maroon center, whose head was hurt when Red Horner flattened him; Hec Kilrea, tumbled by Allan Shields and, in the third period, Gus Marker, hurt in a collision with Baldy Cotton. None were seriously hurt.

Allan Shields was banished for tumbling [Pep] Kelly over his knee...

...It was not very thrilling hockey because Maroons, alert and strong everywhere checked and checked and checked...[Buzz] Boll dumped [Earl] Robinson and [Busher] Jackson and Shields both went down when they collided. It was a period of punishment with the Maroons dishing out the heavier blows.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...AAAIBAJ&pg=888,2816441&dq=allan+shields&hl=en

Two first fights broke out during the one-sided proceedings involving [Buzz] Boll and Allan Shields of Maroons...

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rSNkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=W3sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1583,3382136&dq=allan+shields&hl=en

...the Ottawa regulars turned in a splendid performance, and Billy Touhey and Allan Shields also played exceptionally good hockey.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=i2ouAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rNkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6639,2257182&dq=allan+shields&hl=en

Maroons outplayed Rangers in the first period when Earl Robinson and Allan Shields put the brown shirts two up on solo efforts.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=X5hTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MzgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1857,243718&dq=allan+shields&hl=en

 

[Dreakmur]

Scott Hannan!!!​

Awards and Achievements:
World Cup Gold Medalist (2004)
World Championship Silver Medalist (2005)

Statistical Accomplishments:
Averaged 21:47 minutes in ice time over 908 regular season games
Averaged 23:17 minutes in ice time over 82 play-off games

Even Strength Ice Time – 1st(2002), 1st(2003), 1st(2004) 1st(2006), 1st(2007), 1st(2008), 1st(2009), 1st(2010)

Short Handed Ice Time – 1st(2006), 1st(2007), 1st(2009), 1st(2010), 1st(2011), 2nd(2002), 2nd(2003), 2nd(2004), 2nd(2012)

Overall Ice Time – 1st(2003), 1st(2004), 1st(2006), 1st(2007), 1st(2009), 2nd(2008), 2nd(2010), 4th(2002), 4th(2012)

Born in Richmond, BC, Scott Hannan starred with the Surrey Wolves of the BCAHA before joining the Tacoma/Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. The talented rearguard was chosen 23rd overall by the Sharks after he scored 17 goals for Kelowna in 1996-97. He spent two more years in junior and received a five-game look with the Sharks in 1998-99 before splitting the 1999-00 season between the NHL and the AHL's Kentucky Thoroughblades.

A gritty defenceman, Hannan elevated his play in all areas of the game and became a regular on the San Jose defence corps in 2000-01 after splitting the previous year with the Sharks and their AHL affiliate in Kentucky . In his first full season with the club, Hannan averaged over 19 minutes in 75 games and over the course of the next four seasons continued to elevate his game and in 2003-04, became one of the premier young defenceman in the league.

After helping the Sharks reach the Western Conference Final, only to fall short against the Calgary Flames, Hannan was added to Canada's 2004 World Cup of Hockey entry, after defenceman Rob Blake and Chris Pronger went down to injury. Upon his arrival with Team Canada, Hannan, was a key player on a blueline rittled with injuries and went on to help Canada capture its first ever World Cup title.

In the spring of 2005, Hannan helped Canada capture a silver medal at the World Championship. Following a pair of steady seasons with the Sharks in which he competed in his 500th game played, Hannan signed as a free agent with the Colorado Avalanche in the summer of 2007.

On November 30, 2010, Hannan was sent from a young and developing Avalanche team to a Stanley Cup contender in the Washington Capitals in exchange for forward Tomas Fleischmann.

ASSETS: Has good size at 6-1, 225 pounds and uses it effectively to play a tight defensive game. Is able to combine a physical defensive game with discipline. Can log a ton of minutes and leads by example.

FLAWS: Won't ever put up big offensive numbers, which is partly due to the fact that he's usually the first one back in terms of offense-defense transition. Is also somewhat limited in terms of natural offensive instincts.