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

[Dreakmur]

Rob Niedermayer !!!​

Awards and Achievements:
Stanley Cup Champion (2007)
2 x Stanley Cup Finalist (1996, 2003)

Statistical Accomplishments:
1200+ Games
500+ Points
1000+ PIMs

Centre Rob Niedermayer was a coveted junior prospect with skill and grit while playing in the WHL. Born in Cassiar, British Columbia, Niedermayer whose older brother Scott is a member of the New Jersey Devils played junior hockey with the Medicine Hat Tigers. In 1992-93, Niedermayer scored 43 goals in 52 games and helped Canada win gold at the 1993 World Junior Championships. Later that summer the Florida Panthers chose Niedermayer with the fifth overall pick as they prepared for their inaugural NHL season.

Niedermayer improved gradually over his first two NHL seasons. In 1995-96 he jumped forward with 26 goals and scored eight post-season points during the Panthers' improbable run to the Stanley Cup finals. He slipped to 14 goals the next season then missed two thirds of the 1997-98 schedule after suffering a concussion.

In 1998-99 Niedermayer rebounded with 51 points, the second best output of his career. By 99-2000 his low total of 32 points was still the fourth highest on the defence-oriented Panthers. After eight seasons in Florida, Niedermayer was traded to the Calgary Flames in the summer of 2001. Injuries would plague his season yet again in 2001-02 and midway through the following year the Flames dealt the former first rounder to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. The trade turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the upstart Ducks reached the 2003 Stanley Cup Final, only to lose the series in a hard fought seven game series against Rob's older brother Scott's New Jersey Devils.

Injuries limited Niedermayer in 2003-04 to a mere 55 games and 28 points. Despite the Ducks Stanley Cup final appearance in 2003, the Ducks struggled in 2003-04 and subsequently missed the playoffs. Once the regular season came to a close, Niedermayer was named to Canada's World Championship team along with his brother Scott of the New Jersey Devils helped Canada capture gold at the 2004 World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic.

After the NHL lockout, Niedermayer was joined by his Brother Scott on the Mighty Ducks roster for the start of the 2005-06 regular season. In his fourth season in Anaheim, Rob Niedermayer led all team forwards in time on ice as the team found their way back into the NHL playoffs. After failing to achieve their ultimate goal in 2005-06, Niedermayer combined with Travis Moen and Samuel Pahlsson to form one of the leagues top defensive lines during the 2006-07 season. In the subsequent playoffs, Niedermayer saw action in all 21 games en route to a Stanley Cup championship. During the on-ice Cup celebration, Rob's Brother Scott Niedermayer (who had already won three Stanley Cups in New Jersey) handed the trophy to immediately to Rob rather than the team's assistant captain.

On September 25, 2009, Niedermayer joined the New Jersey Devils, where his brother had spent 14 seasons and won three Stanley Cups. Rob's time in New Jersey would be much more brief however. On July 7, 2010, Niedermayer was signed by the Buffalo Sabres to a one-year contract.

 

[seventieslord]

Jim Peplinski, F

- 6’3”, 210 lbs
- Stanley Cup (1989)
- Calgary Flames co-captain (1985-1989)
- Best points percentages: 48, 48, 48, 42, 36, 35
- Best ES points percentages: 77, 70, 68, 63, 52, 46
- 124 career fights (www.dropyourgloves.com): 17-16-11 recorded record, listed as a heavyweight fighter.

Over his nine seasons with the club, he established himself as a solid and consistent performer who missed only 21 games during that time?five of which were lost so that he could play in the Calgary Olympics in 1988. During most of his career as a Flame, he was a team leader, skating alongside his co-captain and linemate, Lanny McDonald. Together, they led the Flames through the great battles of Alberta that were waged against their provincial rival, the Edmonton Oilers.

Retired for first time on Oct. 31, 1989. He chose to leave NHL in second year of a four-year contract, a decision that cost him at least $500,000 in guaranteed money. He chose to retire because he had fulfilled his goal of winning the Stanley Cup and wanted to pursue a new career

Big, strong, hardworking two-way center… not fast or fancy but aggressive and intelligent… gung-ho team player… can play all three forward positions but used mainly at center… solid rookie season with 38 points despite being used mainly in defensive situations… friendly, outgoing attitude and quick wit make him popular with media.

scoring slumps were the epidemic last year on Flames roster and he was no exception… lack of effort wasn’t the reason because he’s a very hard worker… not fancy but a big, hard-driving two-way player… can play all three forward positions but seems to have found his place at center… gregarious type who is well-liked by the media.

seems to have settled into his niche as two-way grinder… when he scored 30 goals he appeared to have high-scoring potential… but seasons of 15 and 11 have shown that wasn’t his strength… however, his defensive ability and hard-working approach will keep him employed… not slick or fancy but he’s strong in the corners and a good leader who sticks up for mates…

not a star but the type of valuable player every team needs… works hard and keeps himself in good physical condition… a spirited, enthusiastic athlete… good leader on and off the ice… sets example for other teammates to follow… has the ability to play well with different linemates… a versatile player… nicknamed “pepper”… works as hard defensively as he does offensively… a skilled center at winning faceoffs… makes clever passes… excels as penalty killer.

upstaged the Oilers in the playoffs by helping to render the Messier/Anderson combo ineffective… shifted wings to accommodate the arrival of Joey Mullen… plays his new position with all the power of a bulldozer… constantly mentioned in trade talks, but the Flames are reluctant to move him… said to be one of Bob Johnson’s favourite players… checks Glenn Anderson when the rival Oilers come to town.

Peplinski is an average skater, not equipped with much speed or agility. He is strong on his skates and fairly well balanced and that’s an important factor in his physical game. He does not have outstanding offensive skills but Jim will score in the 20 goal range for most of his career by standing in front of the net and sweeping home rebounds and other junk… Peplinski as a passer is a little below average because he doesn’t have great hands or great anticipation, but he does get a fairly good read of the ice and combines that with good positional play to be a good checker and defensive player.

Peplinksi is a very physical player. He is tough and strong and hits hard along the boards and in the corners. Peplinski can’t do much after he makes the hits, bit he is strong enough to outmuscle the opposition along the boards. Jim is very hard to knock off his skates because of his balance and strength and that means he can recover from collisions and be in position to make some kind of paly. That sreadiness on his skates also serves him well when he plugs the front of the opposition net and has to withstand the defense’s abuse.

Peplinski is a good team man and a rah-rah, always upbeat type of guy who will do whatever he can to help the team. He’s versatile and can play all three forward positions, giving the Flames some flexibility with their lineup. He is another of the monstrously sized forwards the Flames seem to specialize in; nevertheless, he adds a spark with his enthusiasm and attitude.

Just one of two Flames to play all 80 games… For a big guy, Peplinski has a lot of speed. He loves to go outside around the defense before swooping inside, and he can turn up his speed a notch or two to avoid the opposition. He is also strong on his skates and fairly well balanced, important factors in his physical game, but Peplinski is not a particularly agile forward. Jim’s speed will present him with scoring opportunities, but he does not have outstanding offensive or finishing skills… he enjoys playing the LW because he is a right handed shot… he can fight, but that has become an unnecessary part of the game for Peplinski… a leader for Calgary

Surprisingly fast for a big guy… has got a lot of speed, courtesy of his powerful skating stride… doesn’t, however, have great agility… his strength takes him to the front of the net, but don’t expect him to turn the goaltender inside-out… he’ll get his assists because the opposition leaves him a lot of room to operate in, and Peplinski needs that time and space to make his plays… he can fight, and he’s pretty good at it… In many ways he’s a role player with great size.

Since strength is the name of Peplinski’s overall game, it should come as no surprise that strength is what gives Jim his finesse abilityies… Surprisingly fast for a man with his size and bulk… his hands lack the necessary softness to finesse the puck from in close…

Peplinski was a decent even strength scorer. Comparable drafted forwards with 600+ GP from 1981-89:

Player | GP | ESP | ESP/G
Dale Hunter | 682 | 436 | 0.64
Paul Maclean | 604 | 375 | 0.62
Mike Foligno | 678 | 417 | 0.62
Thomas Steen | 614 | 357 | 0.58
Jim Peplinski | 699 | 390 | 0.56
Stan Smyl | 665 | 366 | 0.55
Mel Bridgman | 601 | 315 | 0.52
Ryan Walter | 667 | 335 | 0.50
Gaetan Duchesne | 601 | 270 | 0.45

The 1986 Flames were a very strong team that almost won the cup. In the regular season, Peplinski’s 57 ESP were 21st in the league and led the Flames, by far.

 

[Michael Farkas]

Frank "Coddy" Winters

Position: F/D/R (was likely a left winger predominantly when he did play forward)
Shoots: L
Height/Weight: ?
Played: 1908-1925

U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame (1973, inaugural inductee)

Frank "Coddy" Winters, a speedy forward and defenseman who starred in the Cleveland area from 1908 through 1925. He later also served as a coach and referee. ||| He later took up up hockey, serving as a rover because of his great skating ability. He later moved to Cleveland where he starred in a 17 year career, winning three league championships.

Frank "Coddy" Winters, compared the early legend's exploits to those of Hobey Baker, and made a claim for Winters as one of the three greatest early U.S. born hockey players. ||| From 1909-11, Winters played at rover and then switched to defense in 1912. There he proved to be just as good in checking opponents as he had been in carrying the puck down the ice. During Winter's 17-year career in Cleveland he played on three championship teams 1912, 1914, and 1922. ||| Winters had tremendous speed and contemporary accounts of games he played in recount this vividly: "Coddy rushed the chunk of rubber up and down the ice and across the back with his old daring and recklessness and he hurdled and twisted with small ceremony although with much éclat." ||| There were many who felt Winters was equal in talent to Hobey Baker, also an enshrinee of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, who many regard as one of the greatest American bred hockey players.

Played for Cleveland Blues from 1919 to 1924 and was considered the fastest skater of his time and one of the most colorful; Called the “father of hockey in Cleveland” by some. Unquestionably one of the finest hockey players in the country at that time.

"...Most of the best hockey players on the American teams learned the game in Canada and American-bred players are few and far between... (Hobey) Baker comes close to being as good as the stars from across the border...Cleveland, however, can boast of an American-bred player in Coddy Winters, who probably is Baker’s superior

In a game marked by unusual roughness and frequent injuries, the Cleveland Athletic Club hockey team whitewashed the Irish-American puck-chasers from New York...3 to 0. Coddy Winters, though injured in the first part, managed to pull off his best work in the second half, when he rushed through the whole Irish-American team with the puck and then passed to Verner.

Coddy Winters, who dashed and dodged the full length of the ice and a shot on goal...

Duluth's Coddy Winters, a swift and shifty American rover... ||| In 1920-21, Coddy started at defense for the Cleveland Blues in the USAHA's inaugural season, the lone American among some of Canada's best - Moose Jamieson, Charlie Cree, Joe DeBernardi and Nels Stewart.

But it was as hockey performers that they captured and held the allegiance of the community. Cobbledick recalled that: Coddy Winters, captain of the team, was nearly as big a name in Cleveland as Napoleon Lajoie [star infielder for the Cleveland Naps]...

Pennsylvania expects better things in a hockey way from this time on because of the acquisition of Coddy Winters as a hockey coach. Mr. Winters is a member of the Cleveland A.C., last year the amateur hockey champions of the United States. ... For the present he does not wish to give up his amateur standing, and on account of his business he can give but two or three days a week to the service of the University. During that period he will coach for his actual traveling expenses. At the end of the hockey season Mr. Winters will take up lacrosse under the same conditions.

 

[seventieslord]

Art Jackson, C

- 5'8", 165 lbs
- Stanley Cup (1941, 1945)
- Stanley Cup Finalist (1936, 1943)
- Placed 9th, 13th, 19th, 25th in points
- Best Points Percentages: 74, 73, 70, 58, 57, 50
- 1st in Playoff Goals, 3rd in Playoff Points (1943)
- His first recall to the NHL spoiled a chance at an IAHL scoring title.

A slick playmaking centre, Art Jackson had a fine eleven-year NHL tenure in the 1930s and 40s. Statistically his finest years came with the Boston Bruins in the mid-1940s when they lost some of their top skaters to military service. Art was the youngest member of the famous hockey family that included star Harvey "Busher" Jackson.

The Toronto native excelled as a junior with the Toronto Marlboros then the St. Michael's Majors when they won the Memorial Cup in 1934. When he came up to the NHL in 1934, he was termed one of the "war babies" with former St. Mike's mates Nick Metz and Pep Kelly because they were all born during World War I. During his first three pro seasons, he played a checking role with the NHL's Maple Leafs and the Syracuse Stars of the AHL. After spending a year each with the Boston Bruins and New York Americans, Jackson returned to Beantown in 1939-40 and remained there for the next five and a half years.

In Boston, Jackson became a solid playmaker and checker playing as the third centre behind Bill Cowley and Milt Schmidt. He was on hand when the "black and gold" won their second Stanley Cup in three years in 1941. When the Bruins lost the "Kraut Line" of Schmidt, Dumart, and Bauer to military service, Jackson assumed a key role in keeping the team competitive. He registered consecutive 20-goal seasons in 1942-43 and 1943-44 playing on a line with Cowley and Herb Cain. During the early '40s he also had the opportunity to play with his brother, Harvey.

Art was a heck of a player in his own right. In the 1930s and 1940s he played in 468 games mostly between Toronto and Boston, with a season with the New York Americans. He scored a total of 123 goals and 301 points.

Playing behind superstars Bill Cowley and Milt Schmidt, Art Jackson often centered the Bruins third line with Herb Cain and Terry Reardon. Their job was to shut down the opposition, something Jackson excelled at. He also did so cleanly, only picking up 144 career penalty minutes.

During the years of World War II depleted rosters of 1942 and 1943 Jackson and Cain moved up to a line with the classy veteran Cowley. Jackson responded with his best two seasons statistically, scoring 22 and 28 goals, and 53 and 69 points, respectively. Not bad at all for a 50 game schedule.

Jackson also led the Bruins in the playoffs in 1943, scoring 6 goals and 9 points in 9 games. The Bruins did not win the Stanley Cup that year, but Jackson did help the Bruins win in 1941. He also celebrated another Stanley Cup championship in Toronto in 1945.

Jackson played with Cain and Cowley over the 1943 and 1944 seasons. How did he perform with them as linemates?

http://www.hockey-reference.com/pla...val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=points

He was well behind Cowley these two seasons, as should any MLD player. However, Herb Cain is a legitimate MLD 1st liner, and Jackson scored just 3% less per game. Not too shabby for a 4th liner in the MLD.

More than just this data suggest Jackson was only slightly behind Cain offensively:

- Cain had 578 adjusted points in approximately 11.9 seasons worth of games (48.8 per season), Jackson had 418 in about 9.8 seasons worth of games (42.7 per season) despite usually not having quality offensive opportunities.
- Cain had 29 points in 67 playoff games (0.43), Jackson had 20 in 52 (0.38).
- Cain's best 6 percentage scores: 83, 72, 67, 61, 60, 57. Jackson's best 6: 74, 73, 70, 58, 57, 50.

the new kid line of Kelly, Metz and Art Jackson displayed some real aggressiveness and a battling spirit.

Conn Smythe: "Art Jackson is 20 now. As both of the members of his line are 22, you can see that he is practically two full years younger than they are. Even with this disadvantage he is almost up to them now... with the natural speed, stickhandling, passing and shooting abilities that he has himself, I am confident that next season he will be their full equal."

Art Jackson, former Bruin, was the most efficient performer during the action. He centered for two lines and played both of the other forward positions ...

Art Jackson, sharp-eyed young forward, led his team to its success by tallying two goals. He clearly overshadowed his older and more famous brother, Harvey, ..

Both of the Boston tallies were provided by Art Jackson. His first goal was a rink-length solo effort in the second period and during the third session he batted in Herb Cain's rebound.

Boston Bruins gained a two-games lead over Montreal Canadiens in their Stanley Cup hockey playoff series by putting together an exciting 5-3 triumph tonight before a 12,000 crowd at the Boston Garden. It was the second straight victory for the Bruins.

... Art Jackson, who tallied twice tonight, chalked up No. 1 late in the second and the other with less than a minute to play in the final....

...Then, with about four minutes to go, Canadiens drove furiously for the "equalizer." While they were applying heavy pressure, Art Jackson foiled them by stealing the puck from O'Connor in center ice and speeding down to ram the puck through Goalie ****** who appeared stunned by that spectacular solo effort.

If Boston had a hero he was Art Jackson, wing, who bagged the first goal at 18:53 of the first period and spearheaded the Bruin attack most of the night.

Until this season, Jackson was dated as one of the Bruins' top performers. But he failed to display his usual form in home games, probably because a group of spectators has been "riding" him, while performing as usual on the road.

 

[seventieslord]

Harold "Baldy" Cotton, LW

- 5'10", 155 lbs
- Stanley Cup (1932)
- Stanley Cup Finalist (1933, 1935)
- Placed 14th & 20th in points (1930, 1931)
- Best Points Percentages: 61, 60, 53, 48, 48, 40

Smythe willingly paid the high figure because he was sure he was getting a gutsy player… he made a strong contribution as a persistent checker and solid penalty killer…although he was 5’10” and only 155 pounds, he was fearless and very willing to mix it up. He hurled his body around the ice and took plenty of spills as a result. On one occasion he got carried away and challenged referee Cooper Smeaton to a fight, but was talked out of it. Another time, when Cotton learned that a Leafs-Bruins playoff game was going to be stopped because no one could score, he blurted out, ‘Nobody is going to call this game!’ That was the spirit Smythe was looking for when he acquired the feisty Cotton…

His infectious sense of humour is still remembered by all who met him

Cotton played capably wherever he was asked.

...then I dealt $8,000 cash and a player to Pittsburgh for Harold Cotton. I knew Cotton had guts, something we lacked. There's no way you can build a winner if you haven't got a lot of guts.

....I got into the act, too. Stewart made the mistake of skating too close to our bench and I grabbed him by the sweater. He ordered me out of the game. I refused to leave. Some ushers and cops tried to get me out of there. That brought Baldy Cotton up to challenge everybody in the rink.

Baldy Cotton, who was Mr. Dependable...

Steve Hice and Harold Cotton on the Aura Lee -wings are great board workers.

Thursday Harold Cotton will receive a check for $100 from president Horace Townsend for making the fastest time among local players in the speed contest to determine the fastest skater in the NHL.

the starting forward line are all capable players backed up by remarkable spares in Hal Cotton, ex Pittsburg player...

A penalty to Day helped the Ranger cause. Harold Cotton and Bailey came out to give a brilliant display of defensive backchecking, at the same time having a shot or two on Roach.

Smythe said he was sorry to see the veteran go, but believed the change would prove beneficial to the winger.

Conacher playd 31 minutes, and for most of that found Harold Cotton camped on his heels. Cotton had only one job, to silence Conacher, and he stuck to him like a leech, paying little attention to the puck unless the big right winger had it. As a result Conacher had only five shots, most of them hurried.

Cotton did a swell job of bottling up Charlie Conacher last night. "Hey Hal, I sure wish we had you for Sunday night!", Smythe called across the liniment-stinking dressing room... Cotton just grinned.

Frankie Boucher and Baldy Cotton started the fistic fireworks at the 8-minute mark.

 

[seventieslord]

Vladimir Myshkin, G

Two dozen Soviet forwards from the 1975-1990 range are now selected, and about a dozen defensemen. Isn't it about time to recognize the second-best goalie from this country during this time?

- 5'11", 154 lbs

DOMESTIC

- reconstructed Soviet Elite League record of 306-142-72 and 2.48 GAA (never on CSKA Moscow)
* reconstructed using the W/L and GA records of the teams he was on, along with his SIHR GA totals
- Played most of the schedule for Top-3 in team GAA in Soviet League 7times (1st-1990, 2nd-1985, 2nd-1984, 2nd-1983, 2nd-1982, 2nd-1986, 3rd-1989)
- 1975 14th in Soviet MVP voting
- 1979 named among the "40 best players"
- 1980 6th in Soviet League MVP voting
- 1985 Soviet League All-Star Goalie & 4th in MVP voting
- 1990 League Champion

INTERNATIONAL

- Was often a backup to Tretiak internationally
- Canada Cup All-Star (1984)
- Canada Cup Bronze (1989)
- 7 Gold Medals, 2 Silvers, 2 Bronze in Olympics and World Championships
- Games by opposition: Sweden 17, Czechoslovakia 17, Finland 13, Canada 9, West Germany 7, Netherlands 7
- Posted a shutout in his only 1979 Challenge Cup appearance
- overall GAA appears to be 1.65 across 34 appearances, with a record of 20-5-2 according to IIHF

During his career in the Soviet Championship League, Myshkin was consistently among the top goaltenders in the league and his Dynamo Moscow club was always among the best. However, rival Moscow club HC CSKA Moscow won the championship almost every year he played, including an amazing 13-year run from 1977 to 1989, preventing Myshkin from winning a domestic championship until his very last year.

...In his first major event as starting goaltender of the Soviet national team, he led the Soviets to a perfect 5-0 record in the round robin of the 1984 Canada Cup by going 3-0 in his three starts before being defeated by Canada 3-2 in overtime in the semifinals. Nonetheless, Myshkin played spectacularly that game in a losing cause, being named the USSR's player of the game, and was named to the tournament all-star team for his heroics.

As the starting goaltender of the national team, he backstopped them to a bronze medal at the 1985 World Championships and a gold in 1986 on home ice in Moscow. The following year, the 31-year-old Myshkin was replaced by younger goaltenders Evgeny Belosheikin and Sergei Mylnikov. After 1986, he appeared only once more at the World Championships, that being in 1990 as the team's third-string goaltender in a largely token gesture, as Myshkin had already announced he would retire following the season.

Myshkin's final season would be a memorable one. First, he won the Soviet League championship for the only time in his career, as his Dynamo club ended CSKA's long championship reign and won its first title since 1954. Then at the World Championships, after watching his team's first nine games, he was given the start in the very last game. He finished his career in style, shutting out Czechoslovakia 5-0 and clinched the gold medal.

Vladimir Myshkin began playing hockey in 1972 with Olimiya Kirovo-Chepetsk, but joined Krylya Sovetov Moskva later that year, playing with them until 1979, although he had a short spell with Kristall Saratov in 1976. With Krylya Sovetov Myshkin won a Soviet title in 1974 and the European Champions Cup in 1975. From 1979-90 Myshkin played with Dynamo Moskva and won his second Soviet title with them in 1990. Myshkin finished his playing career in 1990-91, playing in Finland with Lukko Rauma. Internationally Myshkin played 87 games with the Soviet team. At first from 1978-84 he was the second goaltender behind the great Vladislav Tretyak, but after Tretyak’s retirement in 1984, Myshkin was briefly the Soviet top goaltender, but left the national team after the 1985 season. He was called back to the Soviet team in 1989 and played with them until his retirement from sports in 1991, again as a back-up goaltender behind Sergey Mylnikov and Andrey Trefilov. With the Soviet team Myshkin won Olympic gold (1984) and silver (1980), was World champion six times (1979, 1981-83, 1989-90) and European champion seven times (1979, 1981-83, 1985, 1989, 1991). He also won bronzes at the 1985 and 1991 World Championships and silver at the 1990 European Championships. In 1979 Myshkin helped win the Challenge Cup between the Soviet Union and NHL All-Stars and in 1981 was on the winning Canada Cup team, also winning a bronze at the 1984 Canada Cup. After his sporting career Myshkin worked as a coach of HC Davos from 1994-99. In the 2000s Myshkin worked as a goaltender coach with Dynamo Moskva and CSKA Moskva and later was the coach of Vityaz Chekhova.

Tikhonov had shown great boldness as a coach. In the last decisive game (of the 1979 Challenge cup) he had put Vladimir Myshkin in goal for Tretiak, and Myshkin scored the shutout. "Tretiak was taught," said Myshkin, "to use the best techniques of the Canadian, Czech and Swedish goalies, and thus, in turn, young goalies like myself have been able to copy him."

Myshkin, Tretiak's replacement, evinced confidence on arriving in Canada. "The Tretiak era belongs in the past. It's for sure he has left traces, but the world is still turning. I believe. This team will continue to win because it is powerful. One man can never carry a whole team on his shoulders and never will. hockey doesn't work that way in our country."

Then, in the 3rd period, when the NHL threatened to mount an offense, Myshkin proved he is an adequate backup to premier goalie Vladislav Tretiak. Appearing in his first game of the series, Myshkin blocked drives from Larry Robinson, Darryl Sittler, Ulf Nilsson, and Denis Potvin, some of which could have put the NHL back into the game. But as the 3rd period wore on, his spectacular saves merely served to increase the embarrassment of the NHL, which suffered a severe loss in prestige.

Each coach gambled with a fresh starter. Soviet strategist Viktor Tikhonov chose 23-year old Vladimir Myshkin, a 5'7" blond, instead of old reliable Tretiak... Myshkin responded by blocking all 24 shots fired his way, including breakaways by Gil Perreault, Guy Lafleur, Anders Hedberg and Mike Bossy. By game's end the crowd of 17,545, largely antagonistic most of the night, was cheering myshkin's saves and he said afterward, a gold medallion dangling from his neck as the game's #1 star, "I didn't understand that, I was too busy."

"Myshkin challenged much more than I expected", said Gretzky, applauding the work of the Munchkin, who is trying to replace Tretiak.

Kevin Lowe: "I've never been so high after a game. But what I can't believe is that their goalie, Vladimir Myshkin, wasn't named their MVP... how many shots did we get on him, 41?

Vladimir Myshkin eclipsing the legend of Vladislav Tretiak...

 

[seventieslord]

Walter Smaill, D/F

On a per-game basis, Smaill appears to have been just as good as other back-and-forth players of the time, such as Goldie Prodger and Ken Randall, only he had a shorter career. He played 13 seasons until age 32, while Prodger and Randall's careers spanned 15 and 18 years, to ages 34 and 39.

- 5'10", 180 lbs.
- Stanley Cup (1908, 1909)
- Stanley Cup Finalist (1914)
- According to the Trail, LW from 1905-1907, D from 1908-1909, RW in 1910, LW in 1911, D in 1912, RW from 1913-1915, D in 1916
- Based on the above, best percentage scores: 64, 41, 38, 36, 33, 33
- Based on the above, best defense percentage scores: 100, 83, 44, 39
- However, Iain Fyffe's research has Smaill's career GP as 40% CP, 30% rover, 20% point and 10% wing (both L and R).
- Translated to more modern positions, that is 60% D, 30% C, 10% wing
- This would mean that in at least a couple of seasons that appear offensively pedestrian, the reason was that he was actually a blueliner
- 6th, 9th & 9th in ECAHA scoring (1906, 1907, 1909)
- 2nd & 1st in EC(A)HA defense scoring (1908, 1909) - behind Cyclone by 1 point, then tied with Cyclone
- 3rd in PCHA defense scoring (1912) - behind only the Patricks
- 6th in NHA defense scoring (1916) - behind Ross, Cleghorn, Cameron, Prodger, Corbeau
- ECHA 1st All-Star Team (1909)
- PCHA 2nd Team All-Star (1914)
- Was sent three times to New York to play in the All-star games between Eastern and Western stars. Scored 7 goals in these 6 competitive games.
- 104 goals, 17 assists, 121 points, 248 PIMs in 144 games.
- 6 goals, 13 PIMs in 11 Stanley Cup games.

There are some players who, far better than average, didn't quite reach the category of being stars by leading the scorers, setting records or winning important games. Nonetheless, they played good hockey and gave balance in their team play. Such a player was Walter Smaill.

At the outset he was a forward and was a fair scorer with a weak Montral team on a line with (removed names of never-before-drafted scrubs).

The champion Wanderers thought him good enough to sign for the 1908 season and he played defense with Art Ross for two years... Smaill helped the Wanderers defend the cup against Edmonton... he was with a championship team in Victoria but they lost out in the Stanley Cup series... he returned east to rejoin the wanderers. He played as a substitute until Sprague Cleghorn badly sprained an ankle and was forced out of action. Smaill and Odie Cleghorn then teamed together as the Wanderer defense for the balance of the season.

Smaill was a good and rough player in the well-chronicled 1910 NHA season:

(page 84) And wasn't that some check thrown by Smaill on Patrick earlier in the game?

(page 92) Perhaps smarting from the attack by Smaill in the first home game, Frank Patrick was aware that he would again be the subject of heavy checking.

(page 128) Cobalt had lost its best player, Smaill...

In 1912, when the Patricks were raiding the NHA for players, Smaill was considered one of the brightest stars:

It was further reported that some of the brightest stars had already been signed, including Percy Lesueur, Fred Lake, and Walter Smaill, from Ottawa; Pud Glass and Moose Johnson from Wanderers, and Cyclone Taylor of the Renfrew Millionaires.

The playing of Smaill proved a fortunate move for the Wanderers. He was not very prominent in the first half, but in the second, when the team had to brace up or be beaten, he played in fine form and scored three of the seven goals for his team... Smaill showed some great bursts of speed in this half.

Ross and Smaill, two sturdy defensemen...

The end came unexpectedly after a face on Ottawa's side of the ice... Smaill secured the rubber, spun around in a circle from the side of the center about quarter ice and then let fly a long one, outside the whole Ottawa defense. It passed Taylor and Lake. LeSueur made a grab to stop it with his hand. Just the edge of his glove touched it and the umpire's hand went up signalling that the Wanderers had won the match.

Wanderers have been termed a lucky team; luck is with the winners every time for sure, and Wanderers have had likely nothing more than their share of it. But if Wanderers as a team are lucky, it is Walter Smaill who carries the horseshoes for the seven. The goal that Smaill netted in the overtime last night was the fourth that he has scored in the last two years, saving the day for the champions. it was Smaill who turned the tide each time against Ottawa, against Victorias and against Shamrocks last winter.

 

[DaveG]

RW Aleksei (Alexei) Morozov

Statistics:
219 points (84G, 135A) in 451 NHL regular season games
9 points (4G, 5A) in 39 NHL playoff games
550 points (258G, 292A) in 576 RSL/KHL regular season games
106 points (41G, 65A) in 103 RSL/KHL playoff games
6 points (4G, 2A) in 10 Olympics games
40 points (19G, 21A) in 52 World Championships games
2005-06 and 06-07 RSL goal scoring leader
2005-06 RSL points leader
2008-09 KHL playoff points leader
2010-11 KHL best +/-

Awards:
3 time KHL All Star
3 time RSL/KHL Champion (2006, 2009, 2010)
2009 KHL Playoff MVP
2 world championship gold medals
1 world championship bronze medal
1998 Olympic Silver Medal
2007 World Championships Best Forward

Articles:
KHL Legend?:
http://www.greatesthockeylegends.com/2012/03/aleksey-morozov-other-khl-legend.html

Morozov of course fled the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2004 after seven seasons of teasing and disappointment. Despite being a first round pick and even for a while playing on a line with Mario Lemieux and Alexei Kovalev, Morozov's NHL days were less than noteworthy at best.

He returned to Russia where he has been the best player outside of the NHL ever since. He has won MVP awards and rewritten the Russian record book.

"The first few years in Pittsburgh I was a young kid, I didn't speak any English, I didn't understand at all what was going on around me," said Morozov. "I wasn't very good defensively. The first few years were tough for me."

As his game improved, he felt his ice time didn't.

"Some years it was tough because I was a right-winger and we had (Jaromir) Jagr and (Alexei) Kovalev ahead of me, they're superstars," said Morozov. "I didn't have much ice time, not like I have here in Kazan. Everybody knows you can't show what you can do if you don't have the ice time."

"The money is good here," Morozov admitted, though that was not the only reason he has stayed. "I had some NHL teams who were interested. But I have a good relationship with Ak-Bars."

He is a KHL legend and has been a national team regular. In fact, he captained Team Russia at the 2010 Olympics, as well as the gold medal winning World Championship squads in 2009 and 2010.

http://russkiyhockey.wordpress.com/2010/02/14/alexei-morozov/

The NHL lockout of 2004-05 put Morozov’s NHL future permanently on hold. Instead, he began an illustrious career with Ak Bars Kazan of the Russian Superleague. Alexei decided to stay with his team and helped lead Ak Bars to the Russian championship in 2006. Morozov was named the playoff MVP... in 2007 Morozov recorded a Superleague record of 83 points in the regular season, earning him the league’s MVP title. His other accomplishments with Ak Bars include being the MVP of the 2007 European Champion’s Cup (which his team won), leading the league in scoring again in 2007-08, and being the playoff MVP of the Kontinental Hockey League’s first championship, the Gagarin Cup, which Ak Bars won in 2009 and again in 2010.

In international competition, Morozov has become Russia’s go-to leader since 2007. He led Russia in scoring at the World Championship in Moscow, where Russia won the bronze medal. Then, he captained Russia to back-to-back gold medals at the 2008 and 2009 World Championships, in Quebec, Canada and Bern, Switzerland. It is telling that since 2007, Russia lost only one World Championship match – a game that Morozov had to sit out due to an injury.

On Maturity, Early Career in NHL:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/olympics/hockey-notebook-morozov-a-changed-man-234212/

Once upon a time, Aleksey Morozov was a first-round draft pick gone mostly sour for the Penguins: He was too skinny, too timid, and only near the end of his time in Pittsburgh did he look like he might amount to much of an NHL player.

Well, as Morozov put it the other day, "Yeah, I've changed a little bit."

Sure has.

He turned 33 days ago, his frame is now a solid 6 feet 2, 200 pounds, he has become the unquestioned top player in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League... and, above all, he has shaken that timidity thing.

"I think I just kind of grew up after leaving Pittsburgh," Morozov said, referring to the NHL's lockout in 2004. "I have a family now..."

 

[tarheelhockey]

The Winston-Salem Polar Twins select

Rick Kehoe, RW



Kehoe scores in OT to give the Pens a series lead over the eventual Cup champion Islanders in the 1982 playoffs. ​

Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180 lbs

Awards
Lady Byng Trophy 1981
NHL All Star Game 1981, 1982
Pittsburgh Player's Player Award: 1980, 1981

- In 1981, Kehoe was 4th in goals (55), 5th in ES goals (35), 4th in PP goals (20), and 7th in shots (299).
- Only 5 players scored 27+ goals every single season from 1975-82: Lafleur, Dionne, Sittler, Shutt and Kehoe.
- Led the Penguins in goals 3 times, and was second to Jean Pronovost another 3 times.
- Led the Pens in points 3 out of 4 seasons, with one season in 2nd place, leading up to his career-ending neck injury.

Scoring Finishes
Goals: 5, 24, 24, 28, 32, 44, 44, 47, 47
Assists: 26, 28, 29
Points: 19, 27, 28, 34

Goals, 1973-82
1-8: Dionne, Lafleur, Sittler, Esposito, Barber, Shutt, Leach, Martin
9. Rick MacLeish - 336
10. Gilbert Perreault - 327
11. Lanny McDonald - 319
12. Rick Kehoe - 316
13. Mike Bossy - 305
14. Jean Pronovost - 304
15. Butch Goring - 283

Points Per Game, 1957-1961
1-13: Dionne, Lafleur, Sittler, Clarke, Perreault, Esposito, Barber, Trottier, Ratelle, MacLeish, Potvin, Shutt, Robert
14. Butch Goring - 669
15. Tom Lysiak - 668
16. Lanny McDonald - 667
17. Rick Kehoe - 639
18. Ivan Boldirev - 628
19. Rick Martin - 627
20. Pete Mahovlich - 609

Regular Season

Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1969-70| London Knights |OHA| 23 |3 |2 |5 |6
1969-70| Hamilton Red Wings| OHA |32 |2 |4 |6 |7
1970-71| Hamilton Red Wings| OHA |58 |39 |41 |80 |43
1971-72| Tulsa Oilers| CHL| 32 |18 |21 |39 |20
1971-72| Toronto Maple Leafs| NHL |38 |8 |8 |16 |4
1972-73| Toronto Maple Leafs| NHL |77 |33 |42 |75 |20
1973-74| Toronto Maple Leafs| NHL |69 |18 |22 |40 |8
1974-75| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL |76 |32 |31 |63 |22
1975-76| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL |71 |29 |47 |76 |6
1976-77| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL |80 |30 |27 |57 |10
1977-78| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL |70 |29 |21 |50 |10
1978-79| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL |57 |27 |18 |45 |2
1979-80| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL |79 |30 |30 |60 |4
1980-81| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL |80 |55 |33 |88 |6
1981-82| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL |71 |33 |52 |85 |8
1982-83| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL |75 |29 |36 |65 |12
1983-84| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL |57 |18 |27 |45 |8
1984-85| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL |6 |0 |2 |2 |0
NHL Totals| |906| 371| 396| 767| 120

NHL Playoffs

Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1971-72 |Toronto Maple Leafs|2 |0 |0 |0 |2
1974-75 |Pittsburgh Penguins|9 |0 |2 |2 |0
1975-76 |Pittsburgh Penguins|3 |0 |0 |0 |0
1976-77 |Pittsburgh Penguins|3 |0 |2 |2 |0
1978-79 |Pittsburgh Penguins|7 |0 |2 |2 |0
1979-80 |Pittsburgh Penguins|5 |2 |5 |7 |0
1980-81 |Pittsburgh Penguins|5 |0 |3 |3 |0
1981-82 |Pittsburgh Penguins|5 |2 |3 |5 |2
Totals| |39| 4| 17| 21 |4

But there was a time when you could argue that Kehoe was the best Penguin of all time.
...
The Pens teams of that time were noted as a high scoring team, with players like Pierre Larouche, Jean Pronovost and Syl Apps. The speedster Kehoe fit right in as he was a consistent 30 goal threat, topping out at 55 in 1980-81, setting team record since bettered by none other than Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr.
...
Kehoe was a shoot-first type of player, blessed with a laser of a shot. He was also an incredibly clean player, picking up only 120 career penalty minutes.
...
The team was weak defensively. Many of the players including Kehoe were not exactly known for their defensive expertise. It is too bad that poor team success can make the career of a good player like Kehoe almost completely forgotten.
...
Late in the previous season Kehoe suffered a pinched nerve in his neck that caused chronic numbness in his right side. He would never fully recover, ultimately retiring in November of 1984, after trying to keep playing in just 6 games.

Right-winger Rick Kehoe was equipped with excellent speed and a blazing shot.

A notably clean player—he recorded 120 penalty minutes in a 14-season career—he won the Lady Byng Trophy in 1981, during which he scored a career best 55 goals.

At 20 years of age, Kehoe took his duties as a veteran.

“You just play, that’s all,†he said in February of 1972 after getting called back to the Leafs. “You’ve got to hustle. You’ve got to be defensive, too. There is more stress on backchecking and positional play. I’ve still got a lot to learn.â€

[Leafs coach John] McLellan displayed uncommon faith in the 21-year-old prospect, leaning heavily on Kehoe two years ago...
... Then there was Red Kelly, who succeeded McLellan as coach of the Maple Leafs and promptly deflated Kehoe's soaring ego, moving the young star around the lineup and not playing him at all sometimes.

Fans usually flock to goal scorers... but the Penguins had a legion of those last season and Kehoe got lost in the flamboyance of Pierre Larouche, the symmetry of Jean Pronovost and the grittiness of Bob Kelly.
...
One veteran Toronto columnist called Kehoe "one of the best right wings in hockey" at the callow age of 21, and his 32 goals last year were remarkable considering he played little on the power play (three power play goals) and lost lots of shifts because linemates Ron Schock and Vic Hadfield killed penalties.

"Rick is one of the best shooters in the league," Schock said, "and when he gets the puck into the other team's zone, he is ready to shoot it. He doesn't sulk when he doesn't get ice time. He keeps himself sharp so he's ready when he gets his chance."

Schock likens Kehoe to Lowell McDonald...
... "They are good positional hockey players. They are always right there on their wings and they don't go wandering all over the ice."

It's like Charlton Heston playing the devil or Raymond Burr playing a murderer. Or Freddie Prinze playing Ed Brown. For the Penguins' Chico, Rick Kehoe, has changed to a role that seems out of character...
... this season he plays Pierre Larouche's right wing, which means he tries to get the puck to Larouche as much as possible.

"You've got to give the puck to Pierre because he can do so much with it," Kehoe said... "It really doesn't matter which one of us gets the goal."

... even [Kehoe] admits that when he's hot, he blazes, but when he's cold, he's frigid.

"He's a natural goal scorer. He doesn't overwhelm you. But if you give him chances he's going to put them in," Blues coach Red Berenson said of the Penguins right wing.

"He always seems to be moving in for rebounds and he's always right around the puck. He's just a natural goal scorer."

The 29-year-old right wing also has a reputation for speaking softly. Even after a big game, Kehoe doesn't make much noise in the locker room. "You never hear a world out of him. He's quiet," said first-year coach Eddie Johnston.
...
"He's just a great natural goal scorer," said Johnston, who once played with Kehoe in Toronto.

"He's got that quick release. If you give him three chances in a game, he'll put the light on once or twice. He's an automatic 30-goal scorer and if he doesn't get hurt it's 40 or more. He doesn't flip it in either. He buries it on you."

Linemate Paul Gardner said, "He does things that you can't teach. He has great instincts."

He wasn't voted in [to the All Star Game] by the writers, but he was picked by Coach Scotty Bowman.

[Coach Eddie Johnston, quoted after a game in which Kehoe scored a hat trick]"If there was ever a time when we needed Kehoe to go on a streak, this is it. If he's hot, he can carry us."

If frustration causes most most of hockey's violence and causes fights, what's the matter with Kehoe? Doesn't he get frustrated?

"Sure I do," Kehoe said. "When I score a goal, all that frustration is let out. When I get frustrated, I feel I have to work a little harder."

"Rick is obviously a proven goal-scorer," [coach Bob] Berry said. "He's a finisher. You can make all the nice plays and passes you want, but if you don't have someone to put the puck in the net, you're not going to be successful."

An equally integral part of the decision to place Kehoe on a line with Lemieux was Kehoe's grasp of the game's nuances...

"He's a very intelligent player," Berry said. "He knows the game very, very well. He can help Mario a lot in that respect."

Trades & Transactions
Traded to Pittsburgh by Toronto for Blaine Stoughton and Pittsburgh's 1st round choice (Trevor Johansen) in 1977 Entry Draft, September 13, 1974.

Injuries
(from hockeydraftcentral.com)
Missed part of 1973-74 season with fractured shoulder.
Missed part of 1975-76 season with cracked ankle bone.
Missed start of 1977-78 season with broken elbow. ... Missed part of 1978-79 season with fractured right ankle.
Missed part of 1981-82 season after having surgery to remove bone scrapings from right ankle and growth from left forearm. Also missed games with bruised ribs and injured shoulder.
Suffered pinched nerve in neck that caused chronic pain in his right side and ultimately led to his retirement. Injury cost him final 23 games of 1983-84 season and ended his career in November 1984.

 

[seventieslord]

Bob Murdoch, D

- 6’0â€. 200 lbs
- Stanley Cup (1971, 1973)
- 14th in defense scoring (1975)
- Played in NHL all-star game (1975)
- 11th in All-star voting (1975)
- Placed top-3 on his team in TOI/GP 7 times (1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 3, 3)
- Placed top-3 on his team in ESTOI/GP 7 times (1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3)
- Averaged 22.52 minutes per game for teams 11% better than average
- In his stretch as a #1/2 for Los Angeles (1974-1978) they were always above average defensively, ranking 5th, 2nd, 8th, 6th, 8th in team defense
- Killed 48% of penalties for teams 12% better than average
- Best Defense points percentages: 56, 49, 47, 45, 42, 40

In the expansion draft, GM Sam Pollock talked the NY Islanders and Atlanta Flames into bypassing two promising Canadien defensemen, Bob Murdoch and Dale Hoganson. Bowman would like to find room for them on his roster, but where? It’s a puzzlement.

An extremely hard hitter and an efficient playmaker.

immediately influenced a tigher LA defense… “Mud†became Kings’ highest scoring defenseman but is valued more for his defensive ability… was delighted to leave Montreal: “A young player like me never knew when he would be playing. I feel I can contribute to the Kings. We’re a coming team and I want to be part of it.â€

Proof of his ascent into one of the NHL’s top defensemen was his addition to the all-star game last season… rushed to defense of Rogie Vachon after ex-teammate Serge Savard boarded the goalie.

The kings’ top scoring defenseman last season. He’s a good stickhandler and a fine skater. He plays a steady, positional type of game and makes few mistakes.

Kings’ highest scoring defenseman for 2nd consecutive season… also solid defensively… was glad to leave Canadians, where he said he “felt like one in a cast of thousandsâ€â€¦ played in every game last season despite an endless list of injuries and stitches that was chronicled in Sports Illustrated.

Bob’s strongest asset is his instinct and his desire to play hockey.

a defensive defenseman, he has a blistering shot from the point, the type forwards like to tip in, fast and low...

The senior King defenseman with 5 years in LA… His intelligence carries over to the ice… he seldom makes a mistake… a very good stickhandler and deceptively fast.

 

[seventieslord]

Marty McSorley, D

- 6’1”, 235 lbs
- Stanley Cup (1987, 1988) – played in 37 of 40 playoff games these two seasons
- Stanley Cup Finalist (1993) – played in 24 of 24 games that playoff
- Records and numerical indicators show he played RW in 1986, 1988, 1989, and D all other seasons
- Although there was likely some occasional switch hitting in all seasons, this gives Marty 76 points in 185 games as a forward and a very respectable 283 in 765 games on D
- NHL +/- leader (1991)
- Actually placed 10th in All-star voting - 0-1-2 (1991)
- From 1990-1997, placed 5th, 2nd, 4th, 4th (3rd in playoffs, cup finalist), 3rd, 3rd, 1st, 2nd on team’s defense in TOI/GP
- During this time he averaged 21.36 minutes per game for teams that averaged exactly average (if you include his young years in PGH, season buried on EDM, and “over the hill” years in SJ/EDM/BOS, his career average is 18.78)
- Signed to an offer sheet by St. Louis (5y, $10M) in summer of 1993, this made him 16th-highest paid player in the NHL as of 1993-94, 71st in 1996-97.
- Best Defense points percentages: 49, 48, 44, 43, 40, 36
- Heavyweight fighter with 273 career fights. Recorded record of 112-40-66 (.665) – www.dropyourgloves.com

McSorley is an average skater, not equipped with much speed forward or backward, and he is a little suspect in his pivots. He doesn’t handle the puck particularly well, but he can move it quickly to the forwards if unharrassed. Forechecking pressure makes him nervous and forces him into mistakes and he will give the puck away if pressured consistently. McSorley reads the rush fairly well and plays his position fairly well, though he is given to wandering and that makes life tough on his partner. He will not rush the puck, but Marty will follow the play up ice and do an adequate job of controlling the point. He has a strong shot from the point and it is fairly accurate.

The physical game is McSorley’s game. He hits at every opportunity and does so punishingly. He has good strength and can hold the opposition out of the play when necessary and he clears the front of the net well. McSorley is a fighter and sees more than his share of action.

The Oilers learned in last year’s series with the Flames that they have to have a few bruisers on the squad, thus the presence of Marty McSorley. The trend towards toughness will continue and McSorley will likely find himself playing a least the same number of games… a tough, willing kid who may have found himself in the right place at the right time.

his skating is improving by association; if he wants to keep up with his teammates, he must continue to improve, especially as he spends his time almost exclusively up front now. He doesn’t handle the puck well and needs time and space to make a play, but he can get that time and space because of his physical play… does have a tendency to wander because he goes on search and destroy missions.

Has good strength and can win the battles in the corners and the boards, as well as the front of the opposition’s net… he is one of those players with a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality, and he can “click out” on the ice and go crazy. McSorley is a very hard worker and he continually works to improve and fine tune his game. He accepts his role on the Oilers, and is one of those just-happy-to-be-here players.

McSorley is an average skater at the NHL level, making do more with his power and strength than with any speed, quickness or agility. McSorley has improved his skating by association: practicing with and against the world's best players naturally makes Marty a better skater. that improved - but less than exceptional - skating ability came into play late last season and through the playoffs when McSorley was shifted back to defense. He acquitted himself well, more through discipline and intelligence than skill, never forcing plays and never trying to go beyond his modest limits.

Marty doesn't handle the puck all that well, and he counters that by not handling the puck except when necessary. When moving the puck from the defensive end, rare was the time that he took more than three strides with it. As a forward he reads the offensive play fairly well... his penchant for wandering was tempered when he resumed his defensive duties.

The key to McSorley's character is that, despite the fact he is just legitimately happy to be in the NHL, he works constantly at improving his skills. He is one of the NHL's legitimate heavyweights in terms of toughness, and that role is one he willingly accepts with the Oilers.

Marty plays a very emotional game, and that sometimes backfires on him because he can't control his temper.... defends his teammates unfailingly.

His agility is no better than average and he can be deked by opposing forwards. He will, however, join rushes up-ice... he plays a fairly well disciplined game positionally (and he plays almost exclusively at defense now) but needs to be paired with a more mobile partner. He shoots mainly from the blueline, but will take chances heading to the slot and the net.

McSorley is an irritating player to play against, and he can draw penalties that help the Kings. But because he plays so emotionally, he can also take the penalties that hurt the Kings. He needs to hold that balance. He knows his role as a tough guy and plays that role willingly. He defends the team's smaller and better players, and he also works constantly at improving his modest finesse skills.

generally, he passes to skates or shinpads before finding a teammate's tape, the exception being a very nice eye and touch from the point, where he takes a very strong shot or spots the open man and springs the puck for a high percentage play. McSorley has a quick release on his wrist shot in traffic and a head for the safe play, the pucks he reaches, he sticks to the wall and out of danger - gets them as far away from his team's goal as possible.

On defense, McSorley screens off players who are pressuring the puck, buying his partner some time for a rush up ice. But for those occasions where he helps his partner, McSorley can also place his partner under pressure. He seems to need his stick for balance, as it is rarely on the ice - even in the defensive zone. He pinches up the boards at the wrong times and gets caught when the puck slips past. He misjudges an opponent's speed as the rush comes at him, then can only watch his partner face the man he should have had. And when he is panic-stricken in the defensive zone, McSorley takes himself out of the play by flopping to the ice, trying to block shots - only to have forwards step right past him for a scoring chance.

McSorley, of course, is a physical threat. He gets a piece of every opponent at every possible opportunity, though his range is limited, so he cannot reach as many players as he would like. McSorley is mean in front of the net and everywhere else - a reputation that gains him skating room. McSorley uses the edge to his advantage, as it provides the extra time he needs to make a decent play. Like that nasty shark in the old Jaws movies, he keeps people on edge, they never know if he's just out for a swim or wants a snack.

One thing is certain: all McSorley's mistakes are of commission, not omission. he has tremendous pride and is always trying to make the most of his eminently finite skills. With barely a handful of finesse skills, McSorley was +48 last year. No matter what you think of the stat, +48 is a major league number and it is not something you do with mirrors. He has learned his position and is learning how to minimize the situations where he can be exploited.

McSorley’s skills are minimal. He is a slow skater, with little speed or agility, and his hand skills are about the same… has fair hockey sense in the offensive zone and will usually make the safe play… can be fooled out of a safe, defensive position.

McSorley is big, strong, tough and mean, and everyone knows it… McSorley will clean out the front of his net – it takes a brave forward to venture into his territory. But because of McSorley’s lack of skating ability, he can’t always catch what he wants to hit, and that limits his effectiveness as a bodychecker.

McSorley is a character player who competes every night and functions in whatever role he’s asked to play, whether it’s as Wayne Gretzky’s bodyguard up front, or someone who tries to pick up his team with a fight. The problems with being asked to change roles (defense to forward and back again) is that McSorley is not very adaptale. He accepted the juggling without a gripe, but he will be more effective when he can concentrate on one job because his skills are only adequate. He has to work long and hard to do a solid job at one position.

The first thing you notice about McSorley is his feet. His skates are big and heavy (he has specially made skates that are more cumbersome than the average player’s). Add to that his sluggish skating and you get a player whose rushes can be timed with a calendar. To compensate for his lack of speed, McSorley works hard and plays a pretty smart game. He was used almost exclusively on the backline by the Kings last season, although in the past he has been used up front and he will be posted in front of the net on the PP at times. His finesse skills are average at best. He does not have good vision of the ice for creative playmaking. Unfortunately, every so often he tries to make the fancy play instead of the safe shot, and he gets burned because he can’t recover quickly defensively.

McSorley is a conditioned athlete who can take all the icetime a coach wants to give him. He also probably ranks among the top five fighters in the league. He does annoying things after the whistle – well after the whistle – like shoot the puck at the goalie on an offside call or give an attacker a shove after a save. McSorley is intense and does start running around sometimes, but this is a sin of commission, since he is always trying so hard… he is a pretty complete player for a tough guy, and could help more than a few teams in the bravery department.

Skates a thin line between legitimate tough guy and goon. He is among the NHL’s most physical players, and he gets measurable results – more skating room for him and his less physical teammates. He is powerfully built and loves to throw bodychecks. He shoots hard. In recent seasons, he has shown a marked improvement in his playmaking ability. His enthusiasm and toughness have resulted in some ugly incidents. McSorley has been suspended before and will probably be suspended again… McSorley has been a valuable asset on the Kings, a stronghold on defense and an occasional source of chippiness as a RW. He has played some excellent hockey but has also cost his team some unnecessary hardship because of his episodes of on-ice mayhem.

Skates a thin line between legitimate tough guy and goon. He is among the NHL’s most physical players, and he gets measurable results – more skating room for him and his less physical teammates. He is powerfully built and loves to throw bodychecks. He shoots hard. In recent seasons, he has shown a marked improvement in his playmaking ability. His enthusiasm and toughness have resulted in some ugly incidents. McSorley has been suspended before and will probably be suspended again… McSorley has been a valuable asset on the Kings, a stronghold on defense and an occasional source of chippiness as a RW. He has played some excellent hockey but has also cost his team some unnecessary hardship because of his episodes of on-ice mayhem.

WILL – bang heads
CAN’T – stay out of box
EXPECT – some offense
DON’T EXPECT – a change

A powerful man, McSorley plays hard-nosed defense and still has enough skill to be a useful player on the attack as well. In 1994 he engaged in an epic battle with Bob Probert just to send a message to his teammates, who came back to win the game. His presence in LA gives an otherwise smallish team some muscle… McSorley gets in more than his fair share of trouble with the league. Last year he was suspended for instigating a fight, even though videotape revealed he did no such thing… the Kings are better off with McSorley instead of McEachern… a huge fan favourite in Hollywood, with his strapping play and tireless enthusiasm. The Kings were in a death fight for a playoff spot last year and McSorley’s return injected new life.

WILL – be a physical force
CAN’T – steer clear of refs
EXPECT – a great team player
DON’T EXPECT – any quit in him

He gives all his effort on behalf of his teammates, inspiring them with his big hits and his willingness to absorb punishment and sacrifice the body… has an uncompromising attitude about winning, and with it comes a certain roughness. If he misses a few games here and there for stretching the rules to the breaking point, it’s a price he’ll pay… As long as McSorley wears a Kings jersey, no one will mess with Gretzky. That alone might be worth his entire salary, although McSorley provides much more than simple protection. He has developed into a good two-way player who can score the occasional goal, make smart passes, and make sure that his end of the ice is manned.

WILL – hit hard and often
CAN’T – fight every battle
EXPECT – the ultimate warrior
DON’T EXPECT – much offense

McSorley works hard at his conditioning, but couldn’t overcome his injuries last season. He has a lot of hockey miles on him… In order for the Rangers to get Kurri and Churla from the Kings, they were forced to take McSorley. He was damaged goods, but if he can play at all, he will, because Mark Messier wants his intensity in the lineup.

one of the strongest men in the NHL… one of the game’s most inspiring team warriors. He’ll fight to protect a teammate or to settle a score with a rival. McSorley will dish out and take all manner of physical punishment… Though he has more than adequate puck skills, he has begun to slow down a bit. He is on the downswing after a highly rambunctious career. He cannot expect to continue his reign much longer… a terrific competitor, who has grown significantly in his career, from a one-dimensional player as a youth to a multifaceted leader as a veteran.

WILL – still drop gloves
CAN’T – fight forever
EXPECT – puck skills
DON’T EXPECT – big scoring

despite skating drawbacks, McSorley saw prime ice time last season with a woeful sharks squad. He saw PP and PK time and often drew top checking assignments… McSorley’s a gritty sort who should have a number 5-6 role, but with the Sharks he has to handle more responsibility than he should be given. We shouldn’t blame McSorley when he falls short.

A leader and team player who'll stick up for the smaller sharks, but those smaller sharks might as well swim for their lives because Uncle Marty will never arrive at the scene before the damage is done.

 

[seventieslord]

Ron Duguay, RW/C

- 6’2”, 200 lbs
- Canada Cup Finalist (1981)
- 13th in playoff scoring (1981)
- Best percentage scores: 71, 67, 55, 50, 48, 40
- Best ES percentage scores: 70, 60, 59, 48, 49, 43
- Killed 32% of penalties for teams 2% below average
- With fighting PIM removed, numbers indicate he took one minor penalty per 4 games

A pretty basic, WYSIWYG player. Does nothing at an elite level but does everything at a more than acceptable level for the MLD (goal scoring, playmaking, skating, physical strength, checking, defense, character, penalty killing, multiple positions)

Persistent center who has energetic style… choppy skating style somewhat funny, but effective… also good checker… strong and rangy, a stretched out version of Bobby Clarke… possesses deceivingly quick shot…

”Doogie” growing as dependable offensive player… brash and cocky… played RW most of last season… slumped when moved to center in emergency… skates with choppy style… not afraid to go into corners… could be as good as he thinks he is… likes to shoot puck and does it well… dangerous from faceoff circle.

has a pretty face… has a prettier shot… dangerous offensive player who is not afraid to mix it up… mostly a RW but can also play center… skates in choppy strides but gets to where he’s going in a hurry… not as brash as he once was… a good all around athlete who plays a lot of tennis… growing into a good penalty killer.

spirited RW who can also play center… terrific on faceoffs… great under pressurs… can stall when pressure is off… struggled early last season after details of contract dispute became public… was booed by hometown fans… won back their hearts with outstanding playoff… eight playoff goals tied club record… excellent penalty killer… hasn’t scratched surface of potential yet… could be dominating player if he wants.

Name mentioned almost as much in gossip columns as it is in sports pages for his highly-publicized social life and involvement with celebrities… enjoys living a fast life on and off the ice… high energy skater and checker… convinced his skeptics he’s a quality player with 40-goal season… plays RW or C… has tremendous breakaway speed… excels as a penalty killer… still has occasional defensive lapses… groupies of all ages adore him… hardcore Ranger fans either love him or hate him.

heartthrob of Manhattan, but Rangers unloaded him… reaps publicity over lifestyle and is mentioned frequently in gossip columns… don’t forget he’s a fine hockey player… plays RW or C… curly locks cause him teasing from opponents… excellent on faceoffs… slumped badly last season and became target of boos… kills penalties and is a valuable member of power play… can take a hit or give one… reportedly had tiff with Herb Brooks last season and was benched… Impressed skeptics with spirited play in 1981 Canada Cup.

traded to wings, delivered splendid two-way season… had 80 points and did big penalty killing job… excellent skater, good on faceoffs, although he played wing much of last season…

had best of his 8 NHL seasons, recording 89 points… fine two-way player, always thought to lack touch around the net, but he did have 38 goals last year… certainly the most photogenic player in the league, with killer looks and coiffed, curly hair… “getting him to wear a helmet is a lost cause”, says his new wife, Robin… he was never quite the playboy he was portrayed as in New York, but he kept the photographers busy… very disappointed to leave the Rangers, “but maybe the slower pace has done me some good”… Coach Polano: “I really don’t see this reputation as a flamboyant guy. He’s one of the quietest players I’ve ever coached. He takes care of himself.”

Duguay is a strong skater with a quick, choppy stride that gives him excellent acceleration and long range speed. He does not, however, have a change of pace, making his speed only half a weapon. He can handle the puck well on his rushes up the ice, but is far better at making passes than receiving them, not knowing how to moderate his speed to take the puck in stride. He does see the ice fairly well and will use his teammates. Because he does have good vision and excellent skating ability, Duguay is a good checker, when assigned to that role, and can also kill penalties effectively. His shot has never been as good as it could have been, both in terms of accuracy and quickness and, though his speed will provide him with breakaway opportunities he rarely converts them, usually getting too close to the goaltender (because he gets there too fast, unable to moderate his speed) and eliminating his options. Still, Duguay has had hears of 40 and 38 goals, so he does have a scoring touch. Look for snapshots from Duguay from the top of the right circle, or rebound-type garbage goals from in front.

Duguay is a big, strong winger with a lot of power. His strength gives him good balance on his skates and he is strong in the upper body, allowing him to work the corners well. He plays his best game when he is physical and involved and is always willing to hit or be hit if the play demands it. Duguay is also a good fighter, though not a goon by any means. He’s just a tough hockey player whose strength lies in the physical game… he was a hard worker in Detroit, altering his New York ways, and that’s the kind of effort the Penguins need from him, both on the ice and in the locker room… Ron Duguay can be a valuable part of this team, but only if he sticks to what he does best: going up and down his wing, banging bodies and taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. If he believes himself to be an artist with the Penguins instead of a plumber, he will do the Pens very little good.

bet he can’t wait to play a full season on Mario Lemieux’s line… choppy strides, long, flowing, curly hair, no helmet and exciting style make him one of game’s most colorful players…

starting to show his age, but still one of the league’s most colorful players… good penalty killer… one of the league’s last remaining bare-headed players.

fast for a big man… he can handle the puck as he carries it up-ice but no more than serviceably… not blessed with an abundance of anticipation. He does not always recognize the openings on the ice, though his speed and strength can get him there. Because of his skating, Duguay will be used as a checker and as a penalty killer. He will also get PP time by standing in front of the net and he’ll convert rebounds for goals. Still, he doesn’t have the hands to operate in close so he’ll need a fairly open opportunity. Duguay likes to fire a big slapshot from the right circle, but – because he is not very accurate with it – it is more bark than bite.

Can use his size and strength very effectively in close quarters to bounce the opposition off the puck. His use of his size is very inconsistent, though, and he must hit more often (rather than just pushing around) to be effective. He can be a tough hockey player, willing to pay the price, and that can make him valuable, especially as he can be tough without hurting his team through penalties. Duguay can and will fight when provoked, and he is not an easy target. His upper body strength and overall balance make him a good faceoff man… gives the Rangers strength down the middle and on the wing, and has matured since his last stay in New York. Still, based on his half-season performance, he looked more like a role player than a star.

Duguay gives the Kings a dependable presence down the middle, a fairly strong center who can work to counter some of the Smythe Division’s bigger centers and scorers. He can be an effective player as long as the Kings don’t expect much from him offensively.

Even with a dozen years of NHL service, Ron remains a very good skater. He doesn’t have great fluidity to his motion (never has) but he’s a strong skater with good balance and a surprising amount of quickness for a bigger man. His good foot speed combines with his balance to give him the ability to change direction well, and that skill meshes with his skating strength to make him a good forechecker and penalty killer.

His puckhandling skills do not match his speed, so he’s better at getting rid of the puck than he is at receiving it while at full speed… his hands have lost much of their sting. He can still score with the blast off the wing, occasionally, but most of his scoring is now going to be done opportunistically.

Though always blessed with excellent size and strength, Ron’s consistent use of those assets has been questionable throughout his career. His balance and strength on his skates would make him an excellent boards-and-corners player, but Duguay does more pushing and shoving than he does hitting. He’s generally willing to take his lumps, and he’s valuable because he can play tough without taking penalties. He’ll fight when sufficiently provoked (and he is a good fighter)… what you see with Ron is what you’re going to get. His 40-goal days are gone, but he still contributes as a checking forward.

 

[tarheelhockey]

The Winston-Salem Polar Twins select


Charlie Burns, C

Position: C
Handed: L
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170lbs
Born: Detroit, MI, USA
Nationality: Canadian

Awards
World Championship Best Forward 1958
World Championship Gold Medal 1958
Ontario Outstanding Athlete 1958


Scoring Finishes
Goals: 32, 40, 45, 50
Assists: 21, 26
Points: 26, 43, 50


Regular Season

Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1952-53| Toronto Marlboros| OHA |33| 5 |7 |12 |0
1953-54| Toronto Marlboros| OHA| NA|NA|NA|NA|NA
1955-56| Toronto Marlboros| OHA| 20| 5| 8| 13| 0
1956-57| Whitby Dunlops| OHASr| 40| 16| 25| 41| 29
1957-58| Whitby Dunlops| OHASr| 31| 24| 28| 52| 32
1958-59| Detroit Red Wings| NHL| 70| 9| 11| 20| 32
1959-60| Boston Bruins| NHL| 62| 10| 17| 27| 46
1960-61| Boston Bruins| NHL| 62| 15| 26| 41| 16
1960-61| Kingston Frontenacs| EPHL| 8| 3| 6| 9| 4
1961-62| Boston Bruins| NHL| 70| 11| 17| 28| 43
1962-63| Boston Bruins| NHL| 68| 12| 10| 22| 13
1963-64| San Francisco Seals| WHL| 68| 33| 36| 69| 27
1964-65| San Francisco Seals| WHL| 51| 27| 36| 63| 19
1965-66| San Francisco Seals| WHL| 40| 10| 35| 45| 26
1966-67| California Seals| WHL| 71| 22| 38| 60| 29
1967-68| Oakland Seals| NHL| 73| 9| 26| 35| 20
1968-69| Pittsburgh Penguins| NHL| 76 |13| 38| 51| 22
1969-70| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 50| 3| 13| 16| 10
1970-71| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 76| 9| 19| 28| 13
1971-72| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 77| 11| 14| 25| 24
1972-73| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 65| 4| 7| 11| 13
1973-74| New Haven Nighthawks| AHL| 64| 10| 19| 29| 73
NHL Totals||| 749| 106| 198| 304| 252

NHL Playoffs

Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1969-70| 33 |MNS| NHL| |6 |1 |0 |1
1970-71| 34 |MNS| NHL| |12 |3 |3 |6
1971-72| 35 |MNS| NHL| 7 |1 |1 |2
1972-73| 36 |MNS| NHL| |6 |0 |0 |0
Career | | | NHL| 31| 5| 4| 9

- Scored 3-4-7 in the 1958 World Championship, winning Best Forward and the gold medal.
-Amongst post-expansion forwards that played at least 400 games post expansion, Charlie Burns spent the most time on the PK than any other player (adjusted for a per game basis) at 79% of his teams penalty kill. (that includes both forwards and defensemen). The next best is Ed Westfall at 69%.

While playing junior hockey with the Toronto Marlboros, Charlie Burns suffered a fractured skull that almost ended his career. But he underwent surgery to have a metal plate inserted in his head and made a courageous comeback, wearing a heavily padded helmet in all games and practices during his professional hockey career until he was 38.
...
He became an outstanding utility man with the Bruins. Bruins coach Phil Watson used him to shadow the league's greatest stars Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull and Frank Mahovlich. Watson said Burns was a good man for the job because he was an excellent skater and didn't let anything get under his skin.
...
Always known more for his excellent defensive skills, he collected 13 goals and 51 points in his best NHL season, for Pittsburgh, in 1968-69.

If he had played longer in the post-expansion era, Burns certainly would have been a candidate for nomination as the NHL's best defensive forward. But the Frank J. Selke Trophy wasn't awarded for the first time until 1978, five years after he'd played his last NHL game.

Burns was mainly known for being an excellent skater, playmaker and defensive player who performed checking and penalty-killing. His trademark was the heavily padded helmet that he was forced to wear after suffering a serious head injury while playing junior hockey in 1954–55.

In 1959, he was the only US-born player in the NHL. Although Burns was born in Detroit, his family moved to Toronto when he was a child. Burns chose Canadian citizenship when he turned 21 and later played for the 1958 World Champion Whitby Dunlops.

Burns had three spells as a player-coach, twice with the San Francisco Seals (1965-66 & 1966-67) and one with the Minnesota North Stars (1969–70). He coached the Stars again in 1974-75 after his retirement. Curiously, all of these were midseason assignments.

"He was a good assistant captain who spent time with the younger players. He brought a lot to the table; a good playmaker who set up his wingers." -- Tracy Pratt on Charlie Burns

... "despite all of these surface differences [being American, wearing a helmet, having coaching experience], one thing Burns had from all his teammates was respect."

... "Burns's coaching experience gave Burns insight into Bert Olmstead's methods and the wily veteran forward respected the Seals first-year coach."

... "Burns was not one to make excuses, however. While many players complained about the extensive travel West Coast teams had to endure, Burns refused to do so. "Everybody goes through ups and downs," Burns said. "People use [travel] as an excuse. Winning is a habit and so is waiting to win. Losing is a habit and so is waiting to lose."

Poile's teams generally led the league in penalty minutes, and his 1962-63 Seals fit the mold. Led by hard-nosed players such as Orland Kurtenbach, Larry McNabb, Nick Mickoski and Charlie Burns, the Seals developed a fierce rivalry with the Buckaroos, perennial WHL front-runners.
...
By then [1966, just before the Seals became an NHL team], Poile had turned over the coaching reins to player-coach Charlie Burns; the Seals would reach the 1966 WHL playoffs and were one game away from their third finals appearance, but lost the last two games of their first-round playoff series against the eventual WHL champion Victoria Maple Leafs, who prevailed 4 games to 3.
...
Former Chicago Black Hawks coach Rudy Pilous took over as coach, alternating duties with Burns, as the Seals recorded only their second winning record (32-30-10).

Minnesota Coach Burns became the last player-coach in NHL history when he dressed and played in an 8-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Burns’ final game in an NHL jersey was March 1, 1970.-

The Stars, however, had to endure a period of dry spells during the season. After a December 6 win over Montreal, the North Stars went more than a month before winning again. During this time, Blair stepped aside as coach and asked center Charlie Burns to move from the ice to the bench. The shift in duties was planned as a temporary move, and Burns was granted the official title of “assistant coach†although his tenure lasted longer than either Blair or Burns expected; the “assistant†portion of Burns’s title was eventually dropped.
...
Not only that, Charlie Burns went from coach to player-coach. With the new goalie on the bench and the new coach on the ice, the inspired Stars shocked the Leafs with an 8-0 drubbing as Cesare Maniago stopped 41 Toronto shots... The North Stars played well throughout March, but it wasn’t clear if the late surge would be enough to secure a playoff spot. ... The Stars finished the regular season with a 5-1 win over Pittsburgh to finish third and earn themselves a first-round meeting with the Blues.
...
Jackie Gordon took over as coach of the North Stars in 1970-71 as Charlie Burns returned to the role of full-time center.

One of the most talked-about first year men is Charlie Burns, a forward making a good impression on Detroit Red Wings' management.

Charlie Burns, a Detroit Red Wings center, has been giving Renfrew tips on Russia's sharp passing, durable skating, a light-hitting style.
... Most of the Russians are familiar to Burns.

Welcome newcomer is Charlie Burns, hustling center

Charlie Burns scored twice with his teammates shorthanded...

Centre Burns, whose trademark is a headgear protecting a series of head injuries... raced in behind Doug Mohns' penalty-killing clearance shot from the blue line and slammed the rebound past veteran Chicago goalie Glen Hall.

In the final period Burns made it 5-1 by stealing the puck from Ed Litzenberger in the Chicago zone and beating Hall from close range.

Boston Bruins use Jerry Toppazzini and Charlie Burns as penalty-killers, but that doesn't mean they lack offensive ability.

Detroit Red Wings found this out Thursday night when they were upset by the last-place Bruins on two timely goals by the defensive specialists. Both came with the teams at full strength.

Manager coach Wren-Blair of Minnesota North Stars believes in tough hockey players and knows that the success of a hard-hitting club rests with the efficency of its penalty killer.

So, Blair rubbed his palms together in glee before saying "I'll take him" when Charlie Burns name appeared on the unprotected lists

He's smart. He's versatile and one of the best penalty killers in the game.

He's quick. He can skate with the best. He's one of the best shadows in the game and it makes him one of the best penalty killers.

Our club played its best defensive hockey when Charlie was in uniform.

One of the best defensive forwards in the national hockey league, Charlie has done just about everything for the North Stars- played left wing, right wing, centre, and even coached them during the 1969-70 season.

Trades & Transactions
Claimed by Boston from Detroit in Intra-League Draft, June 10, 1959.
NHL rights transferred to Oakland after owners of San Francisco (WHL) franchise granted NHL expansion team, April 26, 1966.
Claimed by Pittsburgh from Oakland in Intra-League Draft, June 12, 1968.
Claimed by Minnesota from Pittsburgh in Intra-League Draft, June 11, 1969.

 

[tarheelhockey]

The Winston-Salem Polar Twins select


Gary Dornhoefer, RW




At 4:40, Dornhoefer scores one of several critical playoff goals that he contributed to the Broad Street Bullies' runs to the Stanley Cup. In this case, he scores to eliminate the Rangers and goalie Ed Giacomin, who complained throughout the series of Dornhoefer's irritating net-front presence.
​

Position: RW
Handed: R
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190lbs
Born: Kitchener, Ontario
Nationality: Canadian


Awards
NHL All Star Game 1973, 1977
Stanley Cup Champion 1974, 1975
Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame


Top-50 Scoring Finishes
Goals: 26, 28, 34, 45, 45
Assists: 21, 31, 32, 42, 43
Points: 22, 31, 49, 49

Regular Season

Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1961–62| Niagara Falls Flyers| OHA| |50 |8 |31| 39| 121
1962–63| Niagara Falls Flyers| OHA| |38 |16 |34| 50| 58
1962–63| Niagara Falls Flyers| M-Cup| | — |—| —| —| —
1963–64| Boston Bruins| NHL| 32 |12 |10 |22 |20| —| —
1963–64| Minneapolis Bruins| CPHL| 39 |21| 30 |51 |67
1964–65| Boston Bruins| NHL| 20 |0 |1 |1 |13
1964–65| San Francisco Seals| WHL| 37| 10| 25| 35| 59
1965–66| Boston Bruins| NHL| 10 |0| 1 |1| 2
1965–66| Hershey Bears| AHL| 54 |16 |20 |36 |56
1966–67| Hershey Bears| AHL| 71 |19 |22 |41 |110
1967–68| Philadelphia Flyers| NHL| 65 |13 |30 |43 |134
1968–69| Philadelphia Flyers| NHL| 60 |8 |16 |24 |80
1969–70| Philadelphia Flyers| NHL| 65 |26 |29 |55 |96
1970–71| Philadelphia Flyers| NHL| 57 |20 |20 |40 |93
1971–72| Philadelphia Flyers| NHL| 75 |17 |32 |49 |183
1972–73| Philadelphia Flyers| NHL| 77 |30 |49 |79 |168
1973–74| Philadelphia Flyers| NHL| 57 |11 |39 |50 |125
1974–75| Philadelphia Flyers| NHL| 69 |17 |27 |44 |102
1975–76| Philadelphia Flyers| NHL| 74 |28 |35 |63 |128
1976–77| Philadelphia Flyers| NHL| 79 |25 |34 |59 |85
1977–78| Philadelphia Flyers| NHL| 47 |7 |5 |12 |62
NHL totals||| 787 |214 |328 |542 |1291

NHL Playoffs

Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1967–68 |Philadelphia Flyers|3 |0 |0 |0 |15
1968–69 |Philadelphia Flyers| 4 |0 |1 |1 |20
1970–71 |Philadelphia Flyers| 2 |0 |0 |0 |4
1972–73 |Philadelphia Flyers| 11 |3 |3 |6 |16
1973–74 |Philadelphia Flyers| 14 |5 |6 |11 |43
1974–75 |Philadelphia Flyers| 17 |5 |5 |10 |33
1975–76 |Philadelphia Flyers| 16 |3 |4 |7 |43
1976–77 |Philadelphia Flyers| 9 |1 |0 |1 |22
1977–78 |Philadelphia Flyers| 4 |0 |0 |0 |7

- Led the Flyers in goals in 1969-70 (26)
- #1 leaguewide in shooting percentage (21.7%) in 1976-77, #2 (20.8%) in 1970-71, and #4 (19.8%) in 1969-70
- #3 leaguewide in PIM (183), 1972
- Only 13 players scored >=40 points every year from 1969-70 to 1976-77: John Bucyk, Bobby Clarke, Yvan Cournoyer, Gary Dornhoefer, Phil Esposito, Rod Gilbert, Ken Hodge, Jacques Lemaire, Pit Martin, Stan Mikita, Jean Pronovost, Jean Ratelle, Garry Unger
- Players who had 500 points and 1200 PIM in 800 games or fewer: Wendel Clark, Gary Dornhoefer, Dennis Hextall, Eric Lindros, Cam Neely, Brian Sutter
- Forwards with >700 PIM from 1971-72 to 1975-76: Dave Schultz (1386 PIM, 115 points), Bob Kelly (749 PIM, 113 points), Gary Dornhoefer (706 PIM, 285 points)
- Players with >600 PIM and >250 points from 1971-72 to 1975-76: Gary Dornhoefer (706 PIM, 285 points), Dennis Hextall (648 PIM, 314 points), Carol Vadnais (643 PIM, 265 points)

“Give me 15 Gary Dornhoefers and I don’t have a care in the world. He doesn’t make excuses.â€

"If you hear somebody say 'that guy is a Dornhoefer-type player,' that's a helluva compliment. He was a player who gave our team character every time he stepped on the ice."

If goaltender Bernie Parent is the heart of the Philadelphia Flyers, winger Gary Dornhoefer is the soul.

Dornhoefer's main task is to get in front of the opposing goalie and screen and make life generally miserable for him. He is among the best in the league at doing that.

He was instrumental in screening Boston goalie Gilles Gilbert on Bill Barber's important goalie that tied the third game of the Stanley Cup semi-final...
...
While Dornhoefer is far off form, coach Fred Shero of the Flyers was quick to point out his value to the team even on a limited-duty basis.

Dornhoefer was as gritty as any Flyer, playing with reckless abandon as he headed into the boards, usually with his elbows just a touch high. He thrived in the corners and along the boards. Although he wasn't a great fighter, he willingly dropped the gloves. He played full out at a high tempo, giving everything he had on most shifts.
...
Because of his crash and bang style of play he endured lots of pain in his career, missing many games. Had he been able to play more, perhaps Gary would have gotten more respect for his hockey skills.
...
Gary was perhaps at his best in the playoffs. His unequaled work ethic and body checking is most valuable in the post season, but Gary scored some big goals in the playoffs - none bigger than in the seventh game of the 1975 semi finals against the New York Islanders.
...
But it was the physical game that Gary loved to play best.

""He enjoyed the physical part of the game more than the finesse part," Bobby Clarke said. "He really paid the price physically to play the game. He received more satisfaction from a good body check than from scoring a goal."

"Dorny" had quite the effect on Clarke, who was said to greatly admire him when he first broke into the NHL. Rick MacLeish and Reggie Leach also are quick to credit Dornhoefer with helping them reach the heights they achieved.

“He was such a maniac that when I played against him, I thought he had to be a drinker and carouser off the ice,†recalled Ross Lonsberry, Dornhoefer’s linemate through the Cup years. “Turned out, he was the opposite.

“He wanted to play golf, didn’t go out with us much, but at the rink he was the greatest teammate you could have. He spent himself even at practice, looked like death warmed over after games. But he had a huge pain threshold.

“When I went on the line with him he told me, ‘you chase them behind the net and then get the hell out of the way. If you are at the net when I get there, I’m not responsible for your safety.’â€

In that first year with Philadelphia, Dornhoefer scored 13 goals and 43 points while accumulating 134 penalty minutes and gaining a reputation as a hard hitting, grinding left winger with a touch for scoring. Two seasons later he reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time, a mark he would achieve in five seasons. In 1973 he had his best season, scoring 30 goals and 49 assists for 79 points and being named to play in the All-Star Game. The most famous play of his career came in the 1973 Stanley Cup playoffs when he scored a crucial overtime goal against the Minnesota North Stars on a solo rush. The goal was memorialized on a statue at the Spectrum, which was demolished in 2010-11.

Dornhoefer combined a rough-and-tumble style of play with a degree of talent that made him a very effective performer for the Flyers.
...
By 1971-72, the Flyers organization was clearly looking to enhance its rough style, and that was echoed in Dornhoefer's increase in penalty minutes. He sat for 183 minutes in the box that year. Playing a more physical style of play had its advantages and Dornhoefer noticed he was being given more room to move around in front of the opposition's goal. In 1972-73 he had the best offensive year of his NHL career, averaging better than a point per game, when he potted 30 goals and 49 assists for 79 points in 77 games.

An original Philadelphia Flyer in every sense of the term, Gary Dornhoefer embodied the work ethic, competitive drive and personal integrity the team has valued from the time of its foundation in 1967.

"Dorny" held nothing back on the ice, playing a gritty, fearless style that set a winning tone for the hockey team, both at home and on the road. Off the ice, he has always been a man of dignity, humor and compassion...

"Gary is somebody to look up to," said Bob Clarke in The Greatest Players and Moments of the Philadelphia Flyers. "He worked hard all the time, rarely drank or swore and was a good family man. He has all the qualities you look for in a person."

Dornhoefer carries with him the hard-earned wisdom of someone who has spent four decades in and around hockey. A true student of the game, he possesses a deep understanding of how the little things – a player's positioning, puck support from a teammate, a second effort to dig free the puck on the boards – add up to wins and losses. As much as his physical play, Dorny's hockey sense helped him overachieve.
...
Unfortunately, Dorny's first year in Boston was his best. A fractured cheekbone set him back the next season and he quickly fell out of general manager Hap Emms' plans. ... Over the next two seasons, Dornhoefer became a fringe player for the Bruins, ...

"It was frustrating, but I was just a plumber. I don't think I was the first guy on [the Bruins'] mind," said Dornhoefer to Jack Chevalier of the Philadelphia Bulletin.
...
"Right from our first training camp, Gary Dornhoefer was one of our hardest working players. He played the game the right way every night. It all came from the inside; the kind of things you can't teach," said [coach Keith] Allen.
...
Not only did he register his first two-goal game in the NHL at the expense of his former team, the Bruins, he also took Bobby Orr off the ice for two fights and a ten-minute misconduct. Like many defenseman, Orr was driven to distraction by Dornhoefer's constant jostling in front of his goaltender. The Flyers won 4-2.

"They try not to let it bother them, but some guys get so occupied trying to move me out of their way, they forget about the game," Dornhoefer said of his effect on opposing goaltenders and defensemen
...
In 1972-73, Dornhoefer faced a new challenge – help motivate his ultra-talented but underachieving linemate Rick MacLeish. Dornhoefer's frequent needling ("We know Ricky's falling asleep when his head tilts too far to one side," he said) kept MacLeish in line.
...
In the [1974] conference semifinals against the New York Rangers, Dornhoefer drove Hall of Fame goaltender Ed Giacomin to distraction with screens and deflections. Dornhoefer registered seven points in a brutal seven-game war, including three assists in the opener and two goals, including the game winner, in the series finale.
...
In the [1974] Finals against the Buffalo Sabres, Dornhoefer's line was often matched up against the Sabres' feared French Connection line of Gilbert Perreault, Rene Robert and Richard Martin. Not only did the trio of MacLeish, Dornhoefer and Lonsberry contain the line for much of the series, they also outscored them in several games. For his part, Dornhoefer tallied a pair of goals in the series.

Note: the sentiments expressed below might partially explain why Dornhoefer was sent out of the Bruins organization

The story, by hockey writer Paul Rinstead, also quotes several unidentified players as saying they are dissatisfied with the treatment they are getting from Leighton (Hap) Emms, in his first season as general manager of the Boston Bruins.
...
[Tom] Williams was replaced Sunday by Gary Dornhoefer, a native of Kitchener recently called up from the minors.

"That's one of the problems around here," another player was quoted as saying. "Dornhoefer played for Hap's junior team at Niagra Falls. You'd be surprised how much partiality is being shown to former Niagra Falls players. Wayne Rivers has been playing well in the minors but he came to us from the Detroit organization. So Dornhoefer, who was sitting on the bench down there, got called up.

Trades & Transactions
Claimed by Philadelphia from Boston in Expansion Draft, June 6, 1967.


Injuries
From flyershistory.com
11-Oct-67 - Deep bruise on left instep
13-Apr-68 - Broken right ankle
23-Nov-68 - Cracked left ankle
17-Dec-69 - Back
20-Jul-70 - Knee surgery
23-Sep-70 - Right knee
5-Nov-70 - Right Knee
4-Jan-71 - Knee surgery
23-Mar-74 - Sprained left knee
26_Sep-73 - Bruised knee
1-Nov-73 - ?
2-Mar-74 - Hairline fracture of right wrist
12-May-74 - Seperated left shoudler
5-Nov-74 - Cheek fracture
24-Mar-76 - Pneumonia
2-Mar-78 - Cracked ribs

 

[tarheelhockey]

The Winston-Salem Polar Twins select


Brad Maxwell, D




Brad Maxwell's highest-profile performance was his 4-assist (and robbed of a goal that went through the net!) game in the 1981 Stanley Cup Finals. In the video above, you can see his quick-release slapshot at 4:08, 4:24 and 6:00; and his neutral-zone playmaking at 5:20.
​

Position: D
Handed: R
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 195lbs
Born: Brandon, MB, Canada


Awards
NHL All Star Game 1984
Stanley Cup Finalist 1981
World Championship bronze medal 1978, 1982


Top-50 Scoring Finishes (among defensemen)
Goals: 7, 8, 21, 26, 36, 39
Assists: 4, 21, 25, 25, 26, 33
Points: 5, 13, 24, 29, 31, 39


Regular Season

Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1973-74| Bellingham Blazers| BCJHL| ||||
1974-75| New Westminster Bruins| WCHL| 69| 13| 47| 60 |124
1975-76| Kitchener Rangers| OHA| 4| 0| 1| 1| 0
1975-76| New Westminster Bruins| WCHL| 72| 19| 80| 99 |239
1976-77| New Westminster Bruins| WCHL| 70| 21| 58| 79 |205
1977-78| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 75| 18| 29| 47| 100
1978-79| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 70| 9| 28| 37| 145
1978-79| Oklahoma City Stars| CHL| 2| 0| 1| 1| 21
1979-80| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 58| 7| 30| 37| 126
1980-81| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 27| 3| 13| 16| 98
1981-82| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 51| 10| 21| 31| 96
1982-83| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 77| 11| 28| 39| 157
1983-84| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 78| 19| 54| 73| 225
1984-85| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 18| 3| 7| 10| 53
1984-85| Quebec Nordiques| NHL| 50| 7| 24| 31| 119|
1985-86| Toronto Maple Leafs| NHL| 52| 8| 18| 26| 108|
1986-87| Vancouver Canucks| NHL| 30| 1| 7| 8| 28|
1986-87| New York Rangers| NHL| 9| 0| 4| 4| 6|
1986-87| Minnesota North Stars| NHL| 17| 2| 7| 9| 31
NHL Totals||| 612| 98| 270| 368| 1292

NHL/WHA Playoffs

Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1975-76 |CLC| WHA| 2 |0 |1 |1| 4
1976-77 |CNS| WHA | 4| 0 |0 |0 |29
1979-80| MNS| NHL | 11| 0 |8 |8 |20
1980-81| MNS| NHL | 18| 3 |11 |14 |35
1981-82| MNS| NHL | 4| 0 |3 |3 |13
1982-83| MNS| NHL | 9| 5 |6 |11 |23
1983-84| MNS| NHL | 16| 2| 11 |13| 40
1984-85| QUE| NHL | 18| 2| 9 |11| 35
1985-86| TOR| NHL | 3| 0| 1 |1| 12

- Led all defensemen in power-play goals with 12 as a rookie in 1977-78 (Potvin and Park had 9).
- Led the North Stars in PIM with 126 in 1979-80.
- Top-pairing defenseman on the Minnesota team that made the 1981 Finals. Set up the winning goal in the North Stars' only victory.
- Led the North Stars in playoff points with 11 in 1983.
- 5th in defensemen point scoring in 1984, and exceeded only by Coffey, Bourque and Potvin in assists.
- Fell one point short of being the playoff leading scorer for the 1984 Minnesota team that made the Conference Finals.
- Third in assists and points (and leading defenseman in all scoring categories) on the 1985 Nordiques team that made the Conference Finals.

According to the formula found here, Maxwell's ice time during his peak 1983-84 season broke down as follows:
Total TOI per game - 28:44
ES TOI per game - 12:41
PP TOI per game - 11:33
SH TOI per game - 4:30
PIM per game - 2:53
Not only is this easily more all-round ice time than any other defenseman on the team, Maxwell was one of only three defensemen (the others being Gordie Roberts and Curt Giles) to break the 60-game mark that season. In that respect, his importance to that North Stars team was magnified as he was the only defenseman capable of playing huge all-round minutes AND one of the few who could stay healthy. That he led Minnesota to a division win and a run to the Conference Finals (losing to the dynastic Oilers) is a considerable accomplishment given his major role on the team.

Defenceman Brad Maxwell was a fine playmaker with a booming shot from the point who also played abrasively while tending to matters in his own zone. He was an outstanding junior and a useful player for Canada on the international stage who saw very little time in the minors as a pro.
...
During the 1977-78 season, Maxwell notched 47 points but struggled defensively along with the rest of his team. Following the season, he represented Canada at the World Championships. The next year, his point total dropped slightly but his play in his own zone improved dramatically. Maxwell's two-way excellence became a key factor in the Stars' rise to prominence late in the decade. In 1981, he contributed leadership and offensive spark when the club reached the Stanley Cup final for the first time in franchise history.
...
Maxwell provided leadership and creative work on the power play as the Leafs returned to the post-season and came within a game of reaching the semi-finals.

Aside from Maxwell's strength and aggressiveness, Brad was actually more of a skill player. He possessed and extremely hard and accurate shot from the point and was an excellent puck carrier - though he lacked the speed to dominate at the NHL level. He was particularly effective on the point of a power play where he played the role of "quarterback."
...
And in the era of Paul Coffey and Ray Bourque, Maxwell's fine play was often unappreciated. But he was one of the upper class defensemen in his day too.

renowned as a playmaking defenceman.

NSPS: What made you decide to retire? Was it the injuries?

BM: Yeah, but not only that. I played ten years. I came back and I went to training camp here in '88. I was in really good shape in camp but J.P. Parise came to me and said, "Maxy, you'd make the team," but my contract had run out. Lou Nanne had traded for a couple other defensemen in the summer and with the numbers and contracts and stuff like that... and I could have went to Washington and I should've kept playing. But it's just that I'd traveled around. In two and a half years, I had played for four teams. That seemed like a lot. And you know, you kind of lose your worth a little bit. In hockey, I think when you're a first round pick and you play for one team, you're gold, but then you get traded away a couple times and you start going from a porterhouse to a t-bone, and pretty soon you're nothing but a hamburger. Your value drops immensely once you get traded a few times. I should've kept playing but the hamstring did have a big responsibility for me retiring.
...
BM: Yeah, I think what is was, Dan, is that year [1983-84] Lou Nanne had hired a guy named Bill Mahoney as the coach. He came in, a really down to earth guy. He was very talented, and he let me play. That was the thing with some coaches in the past, sometimes you'd take a bad penalty and they'd sit you for a few shifts and you'd get a little upset. But with Mahoney, he just let me play. He let me play power play, regular shift. I killed penalties, which I had never done under anyone else. He played me a lot. And also that year Craig Hartsburg had got hurt and he wasn't playing so I felt I had to pick up the slack a little bit. But it was just a fun year and I ended up playing in the All-Star Game. It was a good time.

One of the first skilled puck moving defensemen the NorthStars ever had, Brad piled up 82 goals, 221 assists in 471 games with the North Stars. He was also part of the NorthStars stunning 1981 run to the Stanley Cup final. He combined that skillful play with solid defensive work. He was named to the 1984 all-star game in what ended up being his best season as a pro with 19 goals and 54 assists. That season he also led the league in being on the ice for the most power play goals scored (72) underlining just how valuable a power play quarterback he was!

His career was hampered a lot by injuries and in a time where the likes of Paul Coffey on dominant Oilers teams captivated fans, Maxwell's play on some sub-par North Stars teams was often overlooked but make no mistake, he was one of the upper echelon defensemen of his time and had it not been for those injuries, he would get his just due as one of the best in his time.

Pat Hickey's winning goal notwithstanding, it may be that defenceman Brad Maxwell should be awarded the hero's role in Canada's 3-2 win over Sweden Saturday at the world hockey championship.

With the scored tied 2-2 in the third period and the Canadians needing at least a draw to win the bronze medal, Swedish centre Rolf Edberg appeared to have a clear path to goalkeeper Dennis Herron.

Maxwell, the 20-year-old Minnesota North Stars' rookie, was sprawled on the ice but made a desperate swipe with his stick and managed to knock the puck off Edberg's stick.

"I thought that was the biggest play of the game," said Marcel Dionne, the Canadian captain...

Trades & Transactions
Traded to Quebec by Minnesota with Brent Ashton for Tony McKegney and Bo Berglund, December 14, 1984.
Traded to Toronto by Quebec for John Anderson, August 21, 1985.
Traded to Vancouver by Toronto for Vancouver's 5th round choice (Len Esau) in 1988 Entry Draft, October 3, 1986.
Claimed on waivers by NY Rangers from Vancouver, January 20, 1987.
Traded to Minnesota by NY Rangers for future considerations, February 21, 1987.


Injuries
From hockeydraftcentral.com
Missed part of 1979-80 season with stretched knee ligaments.
Missed most of 1980-81 season with torn knee ligaments, an injury suffered during Minnesota's Oct. 29, 1980, game vs. St. Louis, and infection with blood poisoning developed after a skate cut his foot in February 1981.
Missed parts of 1981-82 season with concussion, suffered in November 1981, as well as groin injury suffered in December 1981, bruised shoulder and knee injury.
Missed start of 1984-85 season with cracked rib, an injury suffered during a Minnesota preseason game in October 1984.
Missed parts of 1985-86 season with torn hamstring. He first suffered the injury during Toronto's Oct. 13, 1985, game at Chicago. He re-aggravated the injury during Toronto's Dec. 7, 1985, game vs. Montreal and again during Toronto's Jan. 10, 1986, game vs. Minnesota.

 

[tarheelhockey]

The Winston-Salem Polar Twins select


Buzz Boll, LW/C/RW

Position: LW/C/RW
Handed: L
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 166lbs
Born: Filmore, Saskatchewan, Canada


Top-50 Scoring Finishes
Goals: 9, 15, 20, 21, 24, 27, 33, 39
Assists: 17, 25, 34, 41, 47, 50
Points: 14, 20, 26, 28, 36, 47, 50


Regular Season

Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1931-32| Syracuse Stars| IHL| NA| 3 |0 |3| 4
1932-33| Syracuse Stars| IHL| NA| 9 |6 |15| 16
1933-34| Toronto Maple Leafs| NHL| 42 |12 |8| 20| 21
1934-35| Toronto Maple Leafs| NHL| 47 |14 |4| 18| 4
1935-36| Toronto Maple Leafs| NHL| 44 |15 |13| 28| 14
1936-37| Toronto Maple Leafs| NHL| 25 |6 |3| 9| 12
1937-38| Toronto Maple Leafs| NHL| 44 |14 |11| 25| 18
1938-39| Toronto Maple Leafs| NHL| 11 |0 |0| 0| 0
1938-39| Syracuse Stars| IAHL| 7| 2 |2| 4| 6
1939-40| New York Americans| NHL| 47| 5| 10| 15| 18
1940-41| New York Americans| NHL| 46| 12| 14| 26| 16
1941-42| Brooklyn Americans| NHL| 48| 11| 15| 26| 23
1942-43| Boston Bruins| NHL |43| 25| 27| 52| 20
1943-44| Boston Bruins| NHL |39| 19| 25| 44| 2

NHL Playoffs

Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1932-33| TOR| 1| 0| 0| 0| 0
1933-34| TOR| 5| 0| 0| 0| 9
1934-35| TOR| 6| 0| 0| 0| 0
1935-36| TOR| 9| 7| 3| 10| 2
1936-37| TOR| 2| 0| 0| 0| 0
1937-38| TOR| 7| 0| 0| 0| 2
1939-40| NYA| 1| 0| 0| 0| 0

- In 1943 Boll received 2 second-team All Star votes at RW and one second-team vote at LW.
- Curiously, he never scored a playoff point other than in 1936, when he led all players in goals and points.
- 9th leaguewide in raw goals (4th in goals-per-game) and 8th in points in 1943.
- 3rd or better in team goal and point scoring in 1936, 1941, 1943 and 1935 (goals only)


Goal scoring, 1933-1944

Player | GP | Goals
8. Toe Blake | 386 | 147
9. Bill Cowley | 423 | 145
10. Lynn Patrick | 417 | 137
11 . Buzz Boll | 437 | 133
12. Syl Apps | 274 | 126
13. Charlie Conacher | 300 | 126
14. Bill Thoms | 481 | 126

Buzz was a defenceman when he helped Regina Pats win the Canadian junior hockey title in 1930.

Boll was one of the most unheralded players of the Leafs teams of the 1930s. A quick left winger with a good scoring touch, Boll was consistently solid although never flashy enough to earn rave reviews that others on the team would get. He was a conscientious defensive player, often playing on a checking line with Bill Thoms and Bob Davidson. He was a guy who did everything well but nothing excellently.
...
The veteran winger was teamed with Bill Cowley and Art Jackson and produced a career best 25 goals. [on the Americans]

Frank "Buzz" Boll was a fast skating left-winger who demonstrated an ability to score during a career that lasted eleven full seasons. He reached double figures in goals eight times and was considered one of the most consistent players in the league.

Frank “Buzz†Boll, known as the “Western Tumbleweedâ€, was regarded as one of the fastest skaters in the National Hockey League (NHL) during his era.

In his eleven-year professional career, Buzz played all the forward as well as defensive positions.

The second line will probably be composed of Hurricane Hec Kilrea... Bill Thoms and Buzz Boll. All three are amazing fast skaters and can do their share of scoring but their primary use will be for defensive purposes as they [are] all good back checkers.

Buzz Boll, a veteran used in a utility role most of last season, has blossomed forth into one of the main dynamos of the Toronto Maple Leafs scoring machine.

Hockey's Big Seven was expanded to include 10 players today after Buzz Boll, of Toronto Leafs... picked up points that brought them into the charmed circle.

players listed in the "Big Seven +3": Conacher, Schriner, Thompson, Dillon, Thoms, Weiland, Boll, Aurie, Lewis, Boucher

If Conacher is unable to play, it was expected Bob Davidson would be used on left wing on a line centred by Bill Thoms, with Buzz Boll being shifted from left to right wing to take Conacher's place.

Impressive work in training camp won a... job for... Buzz Boll, who has been shifted to center and has impressed Dutton with his playmaking.

Buzz Boll, Americans' veteran who on his best nights can skate with any center in the league, took Fred Thurrier's place on the Americans' Benson-Hill line and sparked the club to a 2-0 lead in the first 25 minutes of play, scoring both goals himself.

Jack Adams, of Detroit Red Wings, rates Buzz Boll the most improved player of the National Hockey League year -- and who wouldn't?
...
According to precedent at that age [32], he should be on the decline, not improving. But there's no doubt he's on the up-grade again with Boston Bruins. Bill Cowley's great play-making is partly but not altogether responsible for Boll's surge into the limelight. Adams even advances Boll as a "very definite candidate" for the Hart Trophy as N.H.L. player most valuable to his team.
...
... he's going fast both ways this season.

The move from the tiny farming community to Canada's biggest city must have been quite an adjustment for Boll. He needed some money, so in the summer of 1931 he landed a job working for Conn Smythe. Smythe and his group begun construction of the fabled Maple Leaf Gardens, and required a night watchman of the construction site. Smythe would always help out a hockey player or prospect, and he was more than happy to give Boll the job. Boll was provided with a make-shift shack with a stove and some fire wood, as well as a 15 cent baseball bat to keep intruders off of the grounds.

Trades & Transactions
Traded to NY Americans by Toronto with Busher Jackson, Doc Romnes, Jimmy Fowler and Murray Armstrong for Sweeney Schriner, May 18, 1939.
Rights transferred to Boston from Brooklyn in Special Dispersal Draw, October 9, 1942.

 

[tarheelhockey]

The Winston-Salem Polar Twins select


Jocelyn Guevremont, D




Guevremont can be seen wearing #22 in this 1976 Super Series game against the Soviet Wings. At 54:15, we see a nice isolated shot of his skating and puckhandling as he assists on a Sabres goal.
​

Position: D
Handed: R
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 200lb
Born: Montreal, Quebec, Canada


Awards
NHL All Star Game 1974


Top-50 Scoring Finishes (among defensemen)
Goals: 3, 5, 6, 13, 18, 24, 25
Assists: 4, 9, 16, 19, 20, 23, 24
Points: 4, 7, 8, 10, 21, 22, 26


Regular Season

Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1968-69| Montreal Junior Canadiens| OHA| 54| 11| 40| 51| 79
1969-70| Montreal Junior Canadiens| OHA| 54| 13| 45| 58| 46
1970-71| Montreal Junior Canadiens| OHA| 60| 22| 66| 88| 112
1971-72| Vancouver Canucks| NHL| 75| 13| 38| 51| 44
1972-73| Vancouver Canucks| NHL| 78| 16| 26| 42| 46
1973-74| Vancouver Canucks| NHL| 72| 15| 24| 39| 34
1974-75| Vancouver Canucks| NHL| 2| 0| 0| 0|0
1974-75| Buffalo Sabres| NHL| 64| 7| 25| 32| 32
1975-76| Buffalo Sabres| NHL| 80| 12| 40| 52| 57
1976-77| Buffalo Sabres| NHL|80| 9| 29| 38| 46
1977-78| Buffalo Sabres| NHL| 66| 7| 28| 35| 46
1978-79| Buffalo Sabres| NHL| 34| 3| 8| 11| 8
1979-80| New York Rangers| NHL| 20| 2| 5| 7| 6
1979-80| New Haven Nighthawks| AHL |36 |7 |27 |34 |18
NHL Totals || |571 |84 |223 |307 |319

NHL Playoffs

Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1974-75 |BUF |17 |0 |6 |6 |14
1975-76 |BUF |9 |0 |5 |5 |2
1976-77 |BUF |6 |3 |4 |7 |0
1977-78 |BUF |8 |1 |2 |3 |2
Career || 40 |4 |17 |21 |18

Defensemen scoring, 1971-72 to 1976-77

Rank | Player | Goals | Points | GP
1 | Bobby Orr | 153 | 516 | 323
2 | Guy Lapointe | 117 |375|450
3 | Brad Park |102 |391|403
4| Denis Potvin|94 |308|314
5 |Carol Vadnais|92 |313|453
6 | Jocelyn Guevremont | 72 | 254 | 451

And although he lacked defensive skills during the early going, he applied himself steadfastly to balance his game. As such, he finished his rookie campaign with a league-record 51 points, the most, up to that time, scored by a rookie.

As an offensive specialist, Guevremont continued his industrious efforts to shore up his defensive game. The results came to fruition after his trade to the Buffalo Sabres in 1974. There he succeeded in maintaining his offensive output while landing on the positive side of the plus/minus scale year in and year out.

He lasted with the Sabres until 1979. At that time, he was dispatched to the New York Rangers. In the Big Apple, however, Guevremont saw only limited action, spending much of his time in the press box watching new recruits make rookie mistakes. He was finally sent down to the New Haven Nighthawks of the AHL. But before he left, he warned the Rangers' management that unless he got some ice-time on his next invite the NHL, they could consider him to have a chronic shoulder ailment.

As a result, word traveled across the league that the veteran defender was damaged goods. The fallout came in the form of no offers from other NHL clubs, such as the St. Louis Blues, who would have otherwise picked him up. Tired of waiting by the phone, Guevremont retired at the close of the 1979-80 campaign.

Though he continued to be an offensive specialist, the Canucks lacked the patience and veteran player presence to properly teach Geuvremont the defensive game that he was knocked for. It wasn't until a trade to the Buffalo Sabres in 1974 that "Josh" earned the reputation as a solid two way player.

The Sabres of the 1970s were known for their hulking, physical defenders. Guevremont didn't necessarily fit in with that group more so than complimented it nicely with his different approach. Guevremont was a regular power play power point quarterback in Buffalo, often trying to set up forward Rene Robert for one timers on the other point, while Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Danny Gare set up down low. When playing at full strength he often paired with lanky defensive specialist Bill Hajt.

Although he was not a big goal scorer his hard slap shot resulted in many tip goals on the power play.

As a young prospect of the Canucks, Jocelyn Guevremont represented Vancouver in team Canada at the 1972 Summit. He was a soft blueliner with impressive puck handling skills and good sense of positional hockey. Besides the 1972 series where he didn’t actually get a chance to play Team USSR, he showcase impressive defense performance against the Soviet Wings club during their 1975-76 Super Series game in Buffalo.

Jocelyn Guevremont was a highly touted 21 year old hockey player when he got invited to Team Canada '72. There was a little known rule that each of the three Canadian NHL teams at the time had to be represented by two players. There wasn't much of a problem selecting worthy players from Toronto and certainly Montreal. But the Vancouver Canucks were just a young expansion franchise with no real starplayers. As a result, highly regarded Dale Tallon and Jocelyn Guevremont got the nod to play for Team Canada!

Guevremont, the 3rd overall selection in 1971,had just come off of an impressive NHL rookie debut with 13 goals and 51 points playing as a defenseman. But Team Canada's defense was stacked even with the injury problems, and once the series proved to be closer than any Canadian had predicted, Guevremont was told he wouldn't get a chance to play in the series.

In fact, in Brian McFarlane's book Team Canada 1972: Where Are They Now? Guevremont claims that the coaching staff told him that they did not really want him
for the team, and that he should just enjoy his time on the team.

Guevremont did enjoy his time though. He was able to learn a lot just by practicing with some of the NHL's greatest defensemen, and he credits that experience for making him a better player.

Today, there are those who think Guevremont is the best pro prospect in Canada -- yes, even better than highly-rated Guy Lafleur of Quebec Remparts. Vancouver Canucks, in fact, say they may draft Guevremont first ahead of Lafleur.

[caption]SURPRISED

"I was surprised to read that," the 19-year-old was saying yesterday. "I don't play Vancouver's style. They play the man and check hard like Boston. My style is more Canadiens."
...
Guevremont has successfully managed to avoid the limelight, only because of the type of hockey player he is. He's methodical, not flashy. His skating is far from fluid...
...
The thing Guevremont does best is break up plays using his long reach. And his shot... is one of the hardest and most accurate in the league. He's scored 17 goals.

He is not a hitter. "It's just not my game," he says. "Usually when I hit I play poorly. But I don't mind going into corners and I'll bump the other guy first -- I have my respect."

Guevremont, according to some, is the best hockey player, the Canucks have.

Defenceman Josh Guevremont earned the cheers of the crowd with some unusually robust hitting.

Defenceman Jocelyn Guevremont... was traded to Buffalo Sabres.
...
The 23-year-old Montreal native is expected to add strength at the point on power plays...

Other newcomers for Buffalo this season are Jerry Korab and Jocelyn Guevremont, who have added immeasurably to the offensive potential of the defense...

Trades & Transactions
Traded to Buffalo by Vancouver with Bryan McSheffrey for Gerry Meehan and Mike Robitaille, October 14, 1974.
Traded to NY Rangers by Buffalo for future considerations, March 12, 1979.

 

[tarheelhockey]

The Winston-Salem Polar Twins select


Dave Ellett, D




Ellett's double-OT goal in 1990 was the most important of his career and perhaps the most important in the Jets' NHL history.
​

Position: D
Handed: L
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 205lb
Born: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Nationality: Canadian


Awards
CCHA Second All-Star Team (1984)
NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team (1984)
World Championship Silver Medal (1989)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1989, 1992)


Regular Season

Season | Tm | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM
1984-85 |WIN |8 |1 |5 |6 |4
1985-86 |WIN |3 |0 |1 |1 |0
1986-87 |WIN |10 |0 |8 |8 |2
1987-88 |WIN |5 |1 |2 |3 |10
1989-90 |WIN |7 |2 |0 |2 |6
1992-93 |TOR |21 | 4 |8 |12 |8
1993-94 |TOR |18 |3 |15 |18 |31
1994-95 |TOR |7 |0 |2 |2 |0
1995-96 |TOR |6 |0 |0 |0 |4
1996-97 |NJD |10 |0 |3 |3 |10
1997-98 |BOS |6 |0 |1 |1 |6
1998-99 |BOS |8 |0 |0 |0 |4
1999-00 |STL |NHL | 7 |0 |1 |1 |2
Career | NHL | 116 |11 |46 |57 |87

NHL Playoffs

Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1984-85 |WIN |8 |1 |5 |6 |4
1985-86 |WIN |3 |0 |1 |1 |0
1986-87 |WIN |10 |0 |8 |8 |2
1987-88 |WIN |5 |1 |2 |3 |10
1989-90 |WIN |7 |2 |0 |2 |6
1992-93 |TOR |21 |4 |8 |12 |8
1993-94 |TOR |18 |3 |15 |18 |31
1994-95 |TOR |7 |0 |2 |2 |0
1995-96 |TOR |6 |0 |0 |0 |4
1996-97 |NJD |10 |0 |3 |3 |10
1997-98 |BOS |6 |0 |1 |1 |6
1998-99 |BOS |8 |0 |0 |0 |4
1999-00 |STL |7 |0 |1 |1 |2
Career |NHL| 116 |11 |46 |57 |87

Defensemen Goal scoring, 1984-85 to 1991-92

Rank | Player | GP | Goals
3|Al MacInnis|611|162
4|Ray Bourque|695|158
5 | Dave Ellett | 614 | 121
6|Doug Wilson|484|121
7|Larry Murphy| 623|116

- One of 6 defensemen to break 40 points every year from 1984-85 to 1993-94
- On the 1991-92 Maple Leafs, Ellett was 2nd to Glenn Anderson in points, 3rd to Anderson and Wendel Clark in goals, and t-2nd to Doug Gilmour in assists.
- Led his team in defenseman scoring on 4 occasions.

When Ellett joined the Jets in 1984, he was a solid defenseman right away, scoring 38 points and garnering a +20 plus/minus rating. He became part of a solid Jets nucleus in the mid-to-late 80's that had the misfortune of playing in the same division as the dominant Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames. As a result, Ellett did not garner very much late-round playoff experience with the Jets.

Ellett's most notable moment with the Jets came in the 1990 Smythe Division semi-final series against the Edmonton Oilers. With the game tied at 2-2 in the second overtime period, Ellett scored a power play goal to give the Jets the win and a 3-1 series lead. Despite losing the next 3 games to the Oilers, this goal is considered the most memorable goal in the Jets' NHL history.

In the middle of the 1990–91 season, Ellett was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs with Paul Fenton for Ed Olczyk and Mark Osborne. It was with the Leafs that Ellett transitioned from an offensive defenseman into a solid two-way rearguard. He was an integral part to the Leafs clubs of 1993 and 1994 that reached the Conference Finals.
...
In 1989 Ellett was the subject of controversy when he decided to play for Team Canada in the World Championships. Bob Johnson, coach of the American team, complained that Ellett had to play for the United States because of his birthplace and because he attended Team USA's training camp for the 1987 Canada Cup. But in actuality, Ellett was allowed to play for Team Canada because he never actually played for the USA internationally.

Ellett was part of one of Wayne Gretzky's most-remembered goals. In Game 7 of the 1993 Campbell Conference Finals between the Leafs and the Los Angeles Kings, Gretzky scored a hat trick. He scored his third goal from behind the net by banking it off Ellett's skate and past the Toronto goaltender, Félix Potvin. Ellett returned the favor by scoring for Toronto with just over a minute remaining, but Los Angeles hung on to win the game and go to the Stanley Cup Finals against Montreal.

During six full seasons in Winnipeg, Ellett was tremendously resilient, appearing in no fewer than 68 games each season and dressing for at least 75 games on five occasions.
...
Early in 1990-91, Ellett was sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs where he would spend the better part of seven years. The Leafs put together two solid runs at the Stanley Cup in 1993 and 1994 with the likes of Ellett, Doug Gilmour, and Jamie Macoun providing some much-needed leadership. Both years the Leafs advanced to the Conference finals, only to be turned back. In the 1994 playoffs, Ellett averaged a point per game in 18 post-season contests.

Dave Ellett was a very skilled finesse player. Skating was his prime asset. He was an excellent skater, blessed with very good speed and quickness, and fine agility. His mobility allowed him to dictate the play at either blue line. His transition game was great because he could effortlessly turn the play around at the defensive blue line.

His puck ability was also top notch, and that shone through on the power play, which is where Ellett established himself as one of the NHL's top players. He could control the point with great comfort, holding the line and pinching in with great efficiency. He was a key player in establishing the offensive zone. He was an under-rated puck rusher and a good break out playmaker. He also had a very good shot, and the smarts to keep it low and hard to create opportunities for deflections and rebounds.

As good as he was offensively, Ellett struggled at times defensively. He had good size and decent strength, and he used those skills in efficient manner rather than any vociferous way. He became good at establishing body position but could be outmuscled in the corners. His lack of noticeable physicality became a criticism point from his detractors in Winnipeg, accusing him of be unenthusiastic defensively at times. From time to time he was also guilty of playing the puck instead of the man on one-on-one breaks against him, resulting in a few memorable blow-bys.

Ellett was one of those players who was very valuable, but not necessarily very memorable. He never posted an incredible season or more importantly a string of playoff success. His very nature and his key to success was to remain solid and efficient, not spectacular.
...
Ellett would play 7 seasons in T.O. He was a very important veteran presence in two deep Toronto playoff runs.

Injuries
From hockeydraftcentral.com
Broke nose in fight with Alan Kerr during Winnipeg's Jan. 27, 1987, game at N.Y. Islanders.
Missed part of 1987-88 season with bruised thigh, an injury suffered during Winnipeg's March 5, 1988, game at Toronto. He did not return to action until Winnipeg's March 29, 1988, game at Vancouver.
Missed part of 1988-89 season with sprained ankle, an injury suffered during Winnipeg's Nov. 16, 1988, game vs. Chicago.
Missed part of 1992-93 season with separated shoulder, an injury suffered during Toronto's March 9, 1993, game at Washington. He did not return to action until Toronto's April 11, 1993, game at Hartford.
Missed part of 1993-94 season with strained ribs, an injury suffered during Toronto's Dec. 11, 1993, game vs. Calgary. He did not return to action until Toronto's Jan. 4, 1994, game vs. Tampa Bay.
Missed remainder of 1993-94 regular season with second degree shoulder separation, an injury suffered during Toronto's March 31, 1994, game at San Jose.
Missed part of 1995 season with cracked bone in foot, an injury suffered when he was hit by Brett Hull's slap shot during Toronto's Feb. 27, 1995, game at St. Louis. He did not return to action until Toronto's April 7, 1995, game vs. Detroit.
Missed parts of 1995-96 season with sprained knee, an injury suffered in October 1995, and with the flu, contracted on Jan. 1, 1996.
Missed parts of 1996-97 season with scratched eye, an injury suffered during Toronto's Dec. 27, 1996, game at St. Louis, and with bruised rib, an injury suffered during Toronto's Jan. 31, 1997, game at New Jersey.
Missed part of 1998-99 season with the flu, contracted in December 1998.
Missed part of 1998-99 season with elbow injury, suffered during Boston's Dec. 31, 1998, game at Dallas. He did not return to action until Boston's Jan. 28, 1999, game vs. New Jersey.
Missed remainder of 1999 playoffs with neck injury, suffered during Game 3 of Boston's first-round series vs. Carolina on April 26, 1999.
Missed part of 1999-00 season with strained groin, an injury suffered during St. Louis' Feb. 21, 2000, game at Anaheim.

Trades & Transactions
Traded to Toronto by Winnipeg with Paul Fenton for Ed Olczyk and Mark Osborne, November 10, 1990.
Traded to New Jersey by Toronto with Doug Gilmour and New Jersey's 3rd round choice (previously acquired, New Jersey selected Andre Lakos) in 1999 Entry Draft for Jason Smith, Steve Sullivan and the rights to Alyn McCauley, February 25, 1997.
Signed as a free agent by Boston, July 29, 1997.
Signed as a free agent by St. Louis, October 22, 1999.
Officially announced retirement, September 8, 2000.

 

[tarheelhockey]

The Winston-Salem Polar Twins select


Fred Scanlan, LW

Scanlan is seated in the bottom row, second from left. Note the Stanley Cup not far from his left foot.

​

Position: LW
Handed: ?*
Height: ?
Weight: ?
Born: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

* No contemporary representation of Scanlan's handedness is known to exist. Hockey cards were produced during the early 1980s showing "him" holding a stick right-handed, but it is not clear whether these images were authentic.

Awards
Hockey Hall of Fame, 1965
Stanley Cup Champion 1899, 1900


Regular Season

Season | Age | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM
1897-98 |20 |Montreal Shamrocks| AHAC| 8 |2 |0 |2 |n/a
1898-99 |21 |Montreal Shamrocks| CAHL| 8 |4 |0 |4 |n/a
1899-00 |22| Montreal Shamrocks| CAHL| 7 |6 |0 |6 |n/a
1900-01 |23 |Montreal Shamrocks| CAHL| 8 |5 |0 |5 |0
1901-02 |24 |Winnipeg Victorias| MNWHA| 3 |5 |1 |6 |2
1902-03 |25|Winnipeg Victorias|MNHWA|6|6|2|8|0

NOTE: Iain Fyffe's hockeythink.com site provided the statistics for 1901-02 and 1902-03. The assist figures are assigned according to game narratives from the Manitoba Free Press. In both seasons, the league leader in assists had 3 (Tony Gingras in 1902, Billy Breen in 1903). No other player between 1896 and 1910 had more than 2 assists in a season.

Stanley Cup Games

Season | Age | Team | GP | G | A | Pts
1898-99| 21| Montreal Shamrocks| 1 |1 |0 |1
1899-00| 22| Montreal Shamrocks| 5 |2 |0 |2
1900-01| 23| Montreal Shamrocks| 2 |0 |0 |0
1901-02| 24| Winnipeg Victorias| 5 |2 |0 |2
1902-03| 25| Winnipeg Victorias| 4 |1 |0 |1

Note: According to NHL records, Scanlan was credited with the Cup-winning goal in 1902.


Evidence of overall ability

One of the great forward lines around the turn of the century was comprised of three players who were to be elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame -- Harry Trihey, Arthur Farrell, and Frederick Scanlan.
...
Scanlan joined the club in 1897-98 and quickly became part of the forward foursome, which also included Jack Brannen at rover.
...
Fred Scanlan played in the era when forward passing was not allowed; in other words, all passes had to be lateral. The forwards usually advanced up the ice abreast while the rover trailed.

Frank J. Selke, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, once said of Scanlan: "He was the workhorse of the great Shamrock forward line, always ready for his share in the new-style combination attacks, combining heady play with an accurate shot."

... afterwards Scanlan made a lightning dash and scored from a side shot.
...
...brilliant rushes by Scanlan, Trihey and Brennan were features of the play.
...
Scanlan was the bright star for the Shamrocks, although Trihey and Brennan were conspicuous when the time for the final effort came.

The Shamrock forwards, Farrell, Trihey, Scanlan and Brennan worked together more effectively than did Bain, Campbell, Gingras and Roxburgh [of the Cup-challenging Winnipeg Victorias.]

The wings waged a bitter fight, although Gingras, as usual, asserted a lead over Scanlan at the start, but the Shamrock left wing in the long run was too strong.

Stanley Cup game summary

Scanlan was the one steady player of the line last night, but he was alone.
...
Scanlan played a game similar to the fine exhibitions he used to give when he wore a green and grey sweater, and was one of the champions of the world, but his work was lost owing to the failure of his three fellow forwards to help him out, and his gallant rushes were without avail.

Scanlan, as usual, played a nice game, but was not effective as he was usually along [sic] when he went in front of the net, but he was clean and careful and did a lot of hard work.

Evidence of playmaking and shooting ability

The Shamrocks towards the end of the first game put on a little combination that counted... Brennan and Scanlan saw the opening, and Brown was in the right place in the nick of time, scoring first game for the Shamrocks.

Brennan and Scanlan worked the puck in front of the goals, when Brown took possession of it and scored the second game for the Shamrocks.

Immediately after the face Scanlan scored on a pretty run and pass.

Shamrock [sic] drew first blood, Scanlan after worming from the right boards in behind Flett, and, tallying on a fast, low forward puck. [This shot was described in the game details as a "vicious side puck"]
...
Trihey, Farrell and Scanlan, are superior to anything the victorious team [Winnipeg Victorias] can boast of in shooting ability.

To Farrell to Brannan to Scanlan and Trihey comes through Johnstone and Flett, scoring on a beautiful forward shot...

Trihey and Scanlan, who did the major portion of the Shamrock cannonading, travelled up to a well timed range [ie, good shooting range]

Evidence of defensive play

McKerrow at last rushed the puck the full length of the ice, only to lose it to Scanlan, who also got the full length of the ice, but he shot wide.

Johnstone got it away and glided swiftly to the other end of the rink hotly pursued by the Shamrocks. Scanlan recovered with a rush and made a try for the 'Peg goal, which Roddy Flett negotiated with ease. Bain and Wood relieved with a rush and there was a face for an offside near the Shamrock posts. Capt. Bain got the puck and passed to Johnstone, who put in a hot one, which was lifted out by Grant. Scanlan relieved again, but the disk did not stay long in Winnipeg territory.

Bain passes to Wood, who loses to Scanlan. Scrimmage at Shamrock goal. Brennan loses to Rod. Scanlan secures, Bain takes it. Loses to Scanlan, who shoots: Rod blocks.

The following excerpts describe a Stanley Cup game. They have been rearranged into chronological order.

At the outset Gingras' speed and quick recovery bothered Scanlan, but later the gritty Shamrock wing, standing up under a continuous run of the hardest body work and checking any defence can administer, to an overly aggressive forward, got his man in limbo. With the trying finish poor Gingras absolutely wilted and done was no match for the great little Irishman.
...
The remaining unexpired playing time was replete with the fastest hockey imaginable. Scanlan was much in evidence. His run up from Gingras and centre to Trihey, with the Captain's spectacular run, nearly gave Shamrock an additional point.
...
Scanlan secured possession on the Victoria cover-point, Johnston's, fumble, transferred to Trihey and the Shamrock captain got away ten yards out from McKenna.

In the seventh game Bain's shooting was interfered with by Scanlan's checking...

Evidence of toughness

Scanlan stopped the game briefly and went from the ice limping. He had given his leg a twist, but was as spry as ever when he reappeared.

The following passage was quoted in the book "Power Play: Mental Toughness in Hockey and Beyond" as an illustration of mental toughness in the early era. Note that there is also an implication of playmaking skill.

But the plucky Westerners would not be denied and finally a brilliant rush by Scanlan and Gingras gave the latter an opening and he scored with a sizzling shot from right wing.
...
It was a tired but happy Winnipeg team that climbed into bed that night. Magnus Flett had to be put to bed and Keene and Scanlan were very sore.

Gingras and Scanlan were warned...

All hands evinced remarkable stamina for over forty minutes of actual play. Then Shamrock appeared stronger. This was especially so with Farrell and Scanlan. The work these men performed, finishing strong and willing at that, would have prostrated ordinary men.
...
Referee Baird warned Scanlan and Gingras... Trihey and Scanlan got together... Scanlan was now holding Gingras...

In the sixth game Scanlan was hurt... Trihey and Scanlan were frequently jabbed hard in the face, while Flett landed with body on Scanlan in the eighth game, incapacitating the Shamrock player.

2/2/1903]As an exhibition of checking this match war [sic] far and away beyond the usual run of matches, and yet when the whole affair was over the Winnipeg men were smiling, and Freddie Scanlan remarked in a casual manner, "Hard checking? Why it wasn't in it with any of the Rowing Club matches," which led to the assumption that these matches must have been rather warm in their own way.

...

There was one man on the ice whose name should be mentioned during the enumeration of rough play, and he is Fred Scanlan. Scanlan was without a doubt the cleanest player on the ice during the two matches, and in addition the most finished forward player of all those on the ice. Scanlan went into everything, took his medicine without making any bones about it, and not once, in spite what might have been pretty severe provocation, did he make any effort at retaliation. It was a creditable record of a good man.

...

A minute later Scanlan came down on another dashing run, but somebody stepped on his heel and the gallant rush ended by Scanlan crashing head on into the fence with a bang that jarred.

Other notes of interest

According to biographi.ca:
[College de] Sainte-Marie’s four forwards – Farrell, Harry Trihey, Fred Scanlan, and Jack Brennan – would become the core of the Shamrocks’ offence.

According to hockeycentral.co.uk (and confirmed by listings on mcgill.ca)
Fred Scanlan, Arthur F. Farrell and Harry J. Trihey were members of McGill's hockey team from 1898 to 1900...

No online source explicitly tracks Scanlan's attendance at different universities. Based on partial sources, it would appear that he played with his Shamrock teammates at St. Marie from 1895-97 and then at McGill from 1898-1900. It's not clear how they managed to all change schools at the same time, so take this reconstruction with a grain of salt.

Scanlan is one of hockey's great mysteries. ... No one knows when Scanlan was born, where he was from, what happened to him after he was done [with] hockey, or when or where he died, or even where he is buried.

The Montreal Shamrocks hockey team grew out of the Shamrocks Lacrosse team, world champions at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 or 1894.

On this Lacrosse team was another Scanlan: J. T. Scanlan.
There is a good chance that these Scanlan's are related to each other. My relations were on both teams.

From a Stanley Cup game played in Montreal.

When the [Winnipeg] Victorias jumped out on the ice they received a hearty welcome and there was a real glad hand for Freddie Scanlan.