September 16, 2006

Hockey Legends In The News

October 23rd, 2006

Jimmy Peters Sr. Dead At Age 84, Garry Bauman Dead At 66

From The Mining Journal
James “Jimmy”, “Shakey” M. Peters, age 84, of Lost Creek Drive in Marquette and formerly of Munising and White Lake, Michigan, died on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 6:25 p.m. at the Norlite Nursing Center in Marquette. He was born on October 2, 1922 in Verdun, Quebec to William and Chrissy (Meldrum) Peters. Jimmy grew up in Verdun where he played youth hockey for the Verdun Canadians.
Full Story

From The Calgary Herald

BAUMAN _ Garry 1940 - 2006 Garry Bauman, beloved husband of Marlys Bauman of Calgary, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2006 at the age of 66 years. Garry was born in Innisfail, AB on July 21, 1940. Starting his hockey career, he received a scholarship after being scouted by Michigan Tech. Garry later was a goaltender in the NHL, playing for the Montreal Canadiens and then the Minnesota North Stars. When he retired from hockey he pursued a teaching career at Strathcona Tweedsmuir School until his retirement in 1999.

Full StoryOctober 20, 2006

Dryden's Comments Fire Up Clarke, Ryan Walter Unveils Board Game

Bob Clarke is having enough problems getting this year's Philadelphia Flyers in winning form without having their past deeds dredged up as part of the Liberal party leadership race.

The Flyers GM was incensed that Grit candidate and former Montreal Canadiens goalie Ken Dryden took "cheap shots" at the Flyers, likening the Habs' defeat of the Broad Street Bullies in the 1976 playoffs to his party's quest to knock off Stephen Harper's Conservatives.

"It is not relevant to anything," Clarke told the Ottawa Citizen. "He thinks he looks good? He looks like an idiot saying something like that."

An add-on from the same article:

Ex-NHLer turned motivational speaker Ryan Walter is promoting a new board game, Trade Deadline Hockey, which "puts the player in the role of GM to keep a professional hockey team within the salary cap by out-maneuvering your opponent."

It launches this month for about $30

Full Story


From NHL Digest.com

Paul Stastny To Wear Father Peter’s Number

Peter StastnyThis is a great hockey story that shows how much NHL players respect and admire family, tradition, and the game of hockey. What a great sentiment for the Avalanche and the Stastny family.

It is nice to see hockey’s heritage passed down through the new generation. Fans of multiple generations are now able to see offspring of their heros from days gone by make thier own mark in the National Hockey League.




Duff Rode The Rails To Hall of Fame

From NHL.com's Evan Weiner:

Most of Dick Duff's NHL career, which began with Toronto in 1955 and ended in 1971-72 with Buffalo, was in the "Original Six" days where train rides, not planes, were the main mode of transportation. But Dick Duff enjoyed the life of a hockey player back in the six-team league when things might have been "simpler."

Trains were a major part of a hockey player's life when the 19-year-old Duff joined the Maple Leafs and caught a big break immediately when he was assigned uniform No. 8.

Numbers today are no big deal, but when Duff started his career, getting a single-digit number usually meant getting a lower berth on a train and there were a number of advantages to having a lower berth.

Full StoryOctober 19, 2006

Return At 45 For Larionov?

From Kuklas Korner

According to the translation from a story that appeared in Sport-Express, Yotes assistant coach Barry Smith has talked to Igor Larionov about a return to the NHL. Larionov expects to give an answer by the end of the week but mentioned he would need a month to prepare…

Full Story

October 16, 2006

Bitter Brew

The current issue of MacLean's magazine has a cover story revealing more details about the iconic Canadian coffee chain's questionable past with founders Tim Horton, the Hall of Fame Maple Leafs defenseman, and Ron Joyce.

The story has been well documented from Horton's widow's perspective, with her being screwed over by the business people after her husband's demise, but now Joyce is fighting back with his own and very different version of the story in his book Always Fresh: The Untold Story of Tim Hortons By the Man Who Created a Canadian Empire

Steve Maich, one of MacLean's best writers, has a must read piece here, not only for fans of Tim Horton, but the many more fans of Tim Hortons.
There is no icon in Canadian business more universally revered than Tim Hortons. For millions in this country, "Tim's" long ago transcended the world of doughnuts and a decent cup of coffee. It is now a part of the national identity -- one of those rare brands by which people identify themselves. A double-double from Tim Hortons kind of guy wouldn't be caught dead ordering a venti soy latte from Starbucks. And for generations of Canadians, there is no more welcome sign on a late night drive than those glowing red letters along the side of the highway.

To the man who was the driving force behind Tim Hortons for 30 years, this is the source of enormous and justified pride, but precious little glory. Earlier this year, Tim Hortons shares were listed for the first time on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The offering created a sensation and put a value of more than $5.5 billion on the chain. In all the stories heralding Tim's arrival among the heavyweights of the business world, however, the name Ron Joyce was almost universally relegated to footnote status, just passing references to the former Hamilton cop who founded the chain with legendary NHL defenceman Tim Horton back in the mid-1960s.

But Ron Joyce's place in the history of Tim Hortons is no footnote, and with a new book due in stores later this month, Canadians will finally get a glimpse of the complicated and messy personal story behind one of the most successful businesses ever created in this country -- the drugs, the infidelity, an epic court battle, a nine-figure cheque, and one spectacular, fatal car crash.

October 15, 2006

Campbell Makes Hockey History

Congratulations must go out to Cassie Campbell, who became the first female commentator in Hockey Night In Canada history Saturday night. The former Team Canada captain and probably the most recognizable player in female hockey history brought a refreshing aura to the show.

The most obviously noticeable trait is she definitely knows her hockey. I far preferred her to the once witty, now disinterested Harry Neale, or the repetitive Greg Millen. Her presence even brought stodgy old Bob Cole's professionalism up a level. She didn't rely on catch phrases or statistics, and she didn't try to be an entertainer. Instead she did exactly what I want in commentator - she spoke on what she saw, and pointed out her constructive and insightful knowledge of the game to the audience back home.

As Robert Tychowski points out in his article at Slam! Sports, hockey fans are very unforgiving of their hockey commentators, and Campbell is unfortunately even more susceptible to criticism because she is female, even though she is an "Olympic sweetheart."

Interestingly, Tychowski's article quotes Campbell as being "never more nervous in my entire life. More nervous than for the Olympics, the World Championships, for gold medal games, anything.

Don't worry Cassie, the nerves never showed through. Hopefully HNIC's nerves don't show through either, and they continue to give Campbell more air time. Unfortunately, she is slated to return to her job as a rinkside reporter. On Saturday night she stepped in for an absent Harry Neale, who was stranded in the snowstorm in the Buffalo/Niagara region.

Full Story
October 14, 2006

NHL.com Unforgettable: L.A. Kings Jim Fox

Fox was a crafty right winger for the Kings for nine seasons, scoring 186 goals, and picking up 292 assists, for 478 career points. Between 1981-82 and 1984-85, Fox scored 30 goals in three-of-four seasons.

A knee injury forced Fox to retire at the age of 29, but he remained with the Kings' organization, working first in community relations, and then as a television analyst. Since arriving in Los Angeles, Fox has played in, or covered, a quarter century of NHL games. But only once has he witnessed what transpired at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on January 27, 1982.

Full Story

October 13, 2006

Islanders Bring Back Bossy

From NewYorkIslanders.com
Legendary Islanders right wing Mike Bossy is returning to the organization in an official capacity for the first time since his retirement as a player in 1987. The 49-year old Bossy has been named the team’s new Executive Director of Corporate Relations.

“It’s wonderful to be back with the Islanders,” said Bossy, whose No. 22 was retired by the Islanders in 1992. “This franchise and all of Long Island hold a special place in my heart. I have made a commitment to (Islanders owner) Charles Wang to do everything in my power to make the Islanders successful. A big part of that will be establishing partnerships with local and national businesses. A major professional sports franchise like the Islanders needs the support of corporate sponsors.”
Full Story



Rare Bobby Orr Jersey Up For Grabs

From the Vancouver Sun:
To cheer him up, a family friend gave him a Bobby Orr hockey sweater. But not a store-bought sweater, a real one, worn by Orr in road games with the Boston Bruins during the 1968-69 season.

Joyce has had the sweater in his closet for decades. Last March, he heard about a sports memorabilia show at the Croatian Cultural Centre. A Montreal firm that had auctioned off Jean Beliveau’s personal collection for over $1 million US was going to be there looking for memorabilia—and the same company had sold a game worn Bobby Orr jersey for $150,000 US.

So Joyce went down to meet them. He went up to dealer’s table, took the Orr sweater out of a bag and said “Can you look at this?”

The guy he handed it to literally started shaking with excitement. A buzz went round the room, and they were instantly surrounded by fans looking to see one of hockey’s holy grails.

Full Story


October 8, 2006

Lemieux Wants To Stay Involved With Penguins

The arena still sits at 66 Mario Lemieux Place. His nameplate adorns an empty stall in the team dressing room. Fans who wear their hearts on their sleeves wear his name on their backs. His jersey and retired number have been restored to their place of honor among the championship banners hanging from the rafters.

Last night, on the occasion of his 41st birthday, Lemieux stood at a news conference in a business suit to introduce the new owner of a franchise he took to championship glory as a player, then bailed out of bankruptcy with money he was owed by the previous owners. He is not keeping any money in the team but left open the possibility of serving as a consultant.

"I'm always going to be a Penguin," Lemieux said. "I love this team and this city. I'm raising my kids here ... I'd love to be involved in the franchise."

More
October 7, 2006

Vic Heyliger Passes

COLORADO SRPINGS, Colo. — Legendary University of Michigan and U.S. National Team coach Vic Heyliger passed away this morning at his home in Colorado Springs, Colo. Heyliger was 87 and is survived by his four grown children. “Vic did so many great things for so many people,” said John Matchefts, who played for Heyliger on three national championship teams at Michigan. “He was a great human ...

More

October 5, 2006

Carl Brewer's Struggles Remembered In New Book
On the ice, Carl Brewer was teamed with Bob Baun on a great Maple Leafs defence.

But away from the rink, Brewer's strongest partner was Susan Foster. They battled a very different kind of National Hockey League foe.

Starting with nothing more than a sense of justice, the pair went after player union kingpin Alan Eagleson and his buddy-buddy cabal of team owners. They helped uncover millions of dollars in misappropriated pension funds from retired veterans that ultimately drove Eagleson from office.

Their 15-year struggle to expose the NHL's poor treatment of its golden-era players has been chronicled by Foster in The Power Of Two, a book the couple intended as a joint project before Brewer died in 2001.
October 4, 2006

The most exciting game on the opening night of the 2006-07 season was the 3-2 OT Dallas Stars win in Colorado.

An interesting side story was the NHL debut of Peter Stastny's son Paul Stastny.

Peter Stastny, the highest scoring player of the 1980s not named Wayne Gretzky, was in attendance, was a proud poppa. Somewhere uncles Anton and Marian, good NHL players in their own day, were also beaming.

Paul Stastny isn't the first off spring of one of the game's true greats to make it to the NHL. In 2005 he saw his oldest son make his NHL debut, getting in to 20 games with Edmonton and Boston. He is now set to begin his first full season in the NHL with the Bruins.

While Yan Stastny is projected to be more of a fringe player, Paul Stastny has some definite promise.

"He is maybe the most complete player as a freshman perhaps that I've ever coached," said Univeristy of Denver coach George Gwozdecky. "I think he's very gifted and he's worked extremely hard."

"He grew up watching his father play and watching the Nordiques play and being completely immersed in the hockey world," Gwozdecky says. "I think there's a strong case to be made for the gene pool. There's no question that there's certain things Paul has that you can't teach -- he's got a great vision for the game, a great sense for the game."

Interestingly, the old Nordiques were relocated and transformed into the Colorado Avalanche. Paul Stastny, who was born in Quebec City but identifies himself as American where he was raised, is playing for the same organization as his father. He is also playing in the same city where he starred in college.

Another interesting side note - Avalanche captain Joe Sakic broke into the league with the Nords and spent 3 years apprenticing under Peter Stastny. Now he's playing with his son.


Borje Salming's True Legacy

From Today's Toronto Star

When the fearless Swede pulled on a Leafs sweater in 1973, he changed the NHL forever

The banner, bearing Borje Salming’s battle-worn visage and his No.21, will inch skyward into the rafters of the Air Canada Centre tonight. There amongst the icons, along with fellow newcomers Red Kelly and Hap Day, Salming will have a place of permanence, well- and hard-earned after 16 stellar years on the Toronto
blueline.

For his legacy, however, look down, not up. On the ice will be two Swedish captains - Mats Sundin of the Leafs and Ottawa’s
Daniel Alfredsson - an unheard of possibility when the shy kid from inside the Arctic Circle packed up his reindeer-patterned sweaters in Kiruna and changed the face of professional hockey.

Full Story

The Leafs will also honour Hap Day
Seven Stanley Cups and a Hall of Fame induction later, the Toronto Maple Leafs are finally going to honour a man who should have been honoured long ago.

The Leafs will raise Clarence (Hap) Day's No. 4 to the Air Canada Centre roof, 16 years after the St. Thomas resident's death.
Full Story

and Red Kelly
“When I arrived in Toronto, Punch and I talked things over. He asked me how I would feel about playing defence. I said fine. If I made a mistake, I’d still have players behind me. He told me the road to the Stanley Cup leads through Montreal and he wanted me to check Jean Beliveau.”

“I remember 1967 because we could have had another five Cups in a row,” recalled Beliveau. “Punch moved Red up to forward and he had a great playoff. I admired Red for his great talent, but I had the occasion to meet him and he’s always been more than a gentleman.”

Kelly would play never play defence again.
Full Story

September 29, 2006

Minus 82 - Bill Mikkelson Remembers

Every hockey season, he checks the newspaper or goes on-line to scan the player statistics from the night before. He is not looking for goals or assists. He has no use for penalty minutes. His category of choice is the plus-minus rating, the measure of a player's defensive worth.

Even now, 32 years after laying claim to a record the National Hockey League doesn't acknowledge, Bill Mikkelson is drawn to the number that defines his career, a number so incomprehensible it reads like the temperature on Neptune.

"How did you do it?" he is asked. "How did you end up at minus-82?"

He smiles and puts down his coffee and explains it as a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time all the time.

"While we were playing, it never crossed my mind," he said. "I just went game to game. You look back, and in a sense it's, 'Boy, that is bad.' It's almost embarrassing. But I still check the minus ratings. I follow it every year."

The NHL may only recognize those with the best defensive numbers, but rest assured, Mikkelson stands alone as the man with the minus touch. To give you the full scope of Mikkelson's handiwork with the 1974-75 Washington Capitals, consider that his minus-82 was posted in 59 games, meaning that he averaged more than a goal against every time he heard a national anthem played.

Really, that's nothing to sneeze at. Last season, Mark Recchi of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes coasted in with a chilly minus-36, the worst rating in the league. To get to Mikkelson's count, Recchi would have had to have played 50 more games - in his bare feet - not
that any coach would have allowed him to see the ice once he reached minus-60.

So how did it happen? How did the young defenceman who grew up listening to NHL games on his radio in the farming community of Brookdale, Man., northeast of Brandon, end up with a record no hockey player wants?

Mikkelson, 58, is blessed with a dry sense of humour and a healthy sense of propriety. He would rather be known for scoring goals or scoring the goal that won his team the Stanley Cup. It just didn't work out that way. Then again, it wasn't all bad, he insists.

He got to play junior hockey for the Brandon Wheat Kings and attend the New York Rangers' training camp. Later, he went to the University of Manitoba and played for the Winnipeg Jets in the old Western Canada Hockey League. When the Rangers dropped him, the Los Angeles Kings picked him up as a free agent, and in 1970-71, he turned professional with Springfield of the American Hockey League. That year, Springfield won the Calder Cup and Mikkelson was on his way to the big time, the NHL.

The opening period of his first NHL game went like this: Against Toronto at Maple Leaf Gardens, Mikkelson's flubbed cross-ice pass was picked off by Leafs captain Dave Keon, who skated in untouched and scored on a breakaway.

"I guess I should have known then what was destined, eh?" Mikkelson said. "That was the giveaway."

That it was. When the NHL expanded in 1972, Mikkelson was claimed by the New York Islanders and played 72 games, scoring one goal and 10 assists. The next season, he was back in the minor leagues, then bound for Washington after another round of NHL expansion. That, according to Mikkelson, was when the horror story began.

"When I went to Washington in 1974, we had Ron Low in goal," Mikkelson recalled. "Greg Joly was the first-round pick. We would just come close in a game. If we lost by a goal or two, it was almost a victory. I don't have too many good memories of it, other than just being in the NHL, playing in Boston Garden against Bobby Orr. It was the stuff people only dream about."

Mikkelson's pursuit of winning took precedence over any personal statistics (he scored three goals and had seven assists with the Caps in 1974-75). On a team that won only eight times in 80 games, he knew the numbers weren't pretty, so he ignored them. It wasn't until a decade or so later that his name began to surface among hockey trivia fanatics.

But difficult as the game was for Mikkelson, it also gave him great joy. He met his wife, Betsy, while playing in the minors. His youngest daughter, Meaghan, plays at the University of Wisconsin and was a member of Canada's under-21 team. His son, Brendan, was a member of Canada's under-18 team two years ago and was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks (second round, 31st overall) in 2005.

On top of that, when Mikkelson played for Winnipeg and attended the U of M, he was able to graduate on time and eventually get a job with IBM. He worked with the company for 24 years before taking early retirement.

"If somebody said I had a choice not to play in the NHL or hold the NHL record for the worst plus-minus, I'd take the worst plus-minus," he said. "At the very least, I can say I was there and it was special."
September 24, 2006

Blues to retire Brett Hull's jersey

ST. LOUIS -- Brett Hull, the high-scoring former St. Louis star who set numerous franchise records in 11 seasons with the Blues, will have his No. 16 jersey retired by the team in December.

"It's going to be great," new Blues president John Davidson said. "He made a huge impact on this franchise."

Hull holds franchise records for goals (527), hat tricks (27), game-winning goals (70), power-play goals (195) and shots on goal (3,367) and ranks second in assists (409), points (936) and short-handed goals (18). He scored 86 goals in 1990-91, third-most in NHL history.
September 23, 2006


Jean Beliveau - Hockey's Pen Pal
Jean Beliveau has personally answered every single piece of fan mail he has received since breaking in with the Canadiens in 1950. Replying to birthday well-wishers took 19 days.

"I've always thought, if somebody takes the time to get in touch, to try to reach me with a card, then I should at least thank them, acknowledge that I received their good wishes," Beliveau said.

"Many of the people who sent me cards have been doing so for 20, 25 years, maybe more. I see those right away on the envelopes: here's one from Renfrew, Ont., another from Detroit, one from Cape Cod.


Montreal Gazette



September 22, 2006

Howe, Olmstead share memories

Gordie Howe and High River resident Bert Olmstead had a lot to talk about -- nine Stanley Cups, 982 goals, 1,470 assists and 41 years in the NHL between the two hockey hall of famers.
When the 78-year-old Howe, the rugged Detroit Red Wing right winger and third in points in the NHL history, talks about Olmstead, he speaks like another Detroit icon -- Aretha Franklin and her hit R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

“Bert’s leadership was one of his strong points -- and he was a strong man,” said Howe, who played in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings from 1946-1971 and the Hartford Whalers in 1979-’80. “Thank God Bert and I had respect for each other. When I hit Rocket (Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard), Bert would come over and say ‘Hey, watch it.’”

Howe said they had too much respect for each other to drop the gloves.
High River Times - Full Story

Juneau helps Nunavut fight drugs and crime

Juneau became interested in Nunavik when visiting the Ungava Bay community of Kangiqsualujjuaq last March. To his surprise, he found no kids at the rink and the ice surface in poor condition.

“I thought it was weird,” he told last week’s KRG regional council meeting in Kuujjuaq.

Juneau later linked up with regional leaders and hockey enthusiasts in Quebec City, and together they hatched a plan to use hockey to improve Nunavik’s social conditions and educational levels.

“We believe hockey can be used as a tool to fight against crime and drugs and alcohol consumption. Hockey drives people to be strong in life,” Juneau said.

Full Story

September 20, 2006

From CBC.ca

Two of the greatest Montreal Canadiens will have their jerseys retired by the NHL club this season.

On Wednesday, the Canadiens announced that it would raise the sweaters of Serge Savard and Ken Dryden during separate ceremonies at Montreal's Bell Centre.

Savard's No. 18 will be retired prior to the Canadiens' home game on Nov. 18 against the Atlanta Thrashers. Dryden's No. 29 will be raised to the rafters on Jan. 29 before a game against the Ottawa Senators.


Montreal Canadiens.com Press Release

MONTREAL – The Canadiens will honor two of the greatest players in team history during the 2006-07 season by retiring the jerseys of defenseman Serge Savard (No. 18) and netminder Ken Dryden (No. 29)


More

From Montreal Canadiens.com - Dryden and Savard earn ultimate tribute

After winning their share of Stanley Cups together as teammates, Ken Dryden and Serge Savard were once again side-by-side in Montreal Wednesday, just as their jersey numbers will soon also be next to one another high above the ice at the Bell Centre.

“I’ve certainly been privileged in my life,” admitted Savard, who won eight Stanley Cups in 14 years with the Canadiens. “I was privileged to be born with talent, privileged to play with some of the biggest players to ever play the game and most of all, privileged to play for the greatest team in the world.”

Dryden also doesn’t have to be reminded of how fortunate he was to play for the Canadiens.

“I was unbelievably lucky to be a part of this team,” said a visibly emotional Dryden. “To this day, people from across the country stop me on the street to thank me for all those great memories. But from the players, management, staff at the Montreal Forum and the fans, it is up to me to thank you.”

It was like old times for Savard and Dryden, as they held court with the media with Dryden even poking fun at his legendary pose.

More


September 18, 2006

Floyd Curry Dies At Age 81
By Red Fisher - Montreal Gazette

Floyd Curry, who died on Saturday at age 81, will be remembered by most hockey people for a lot of reasons.

They will remember him for his devoted service to the Canadiens covering decades - starting with the 601 games he wore the CH and the four Stanley Cups he won with the team.

Those among you with long memories will recall the night in the early '50s when Curry, a defensive specialist, scored his only NHL hat trick. They will remember that what made it truly special was that Princess Elizabeth was among the Forum spectators.
Full Story

September 17, 2006

Hockey Book Will Hail Cesare
By Greg Douglas - Vancouver Sun

Jason Farris, recently appointed CEO of Citizens Bank, doesn't produce hockey books because he needs the money. His first attempt at the publishing game - Hockey Play by Play: Around the NHL with Jim Robson - turned into a best seller by Canadian standards.

Canuck Place Children's Hospice was the main beneficiary and there is more to come for his favorite charity. The latest Farris creation, entitled Hail Cesare, is a visual scrapbook of Cesare Maniago's goaltending career, which took him from an Allan Cup victory in 1960 to the completion of an illustrious 18 year NHL career that ended with the Vancouver Canucks in 1978.

"I can recall watching Cesare from our Pacific Coliseum nosebleed green seats in Section 329, row 27, and being totally in awe," says farris, who refers to himself as "a young goaltender of no note whatsoever" growing up in Kerrisdale. "I wrote him in August 2001 asking if he'd be interested in doing a book with me. He called a couple of weeks later and here we are, five years later, going to print next week with a publication date of early November."

"Legends Rocket Richard, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita recorded mileston goals agains the lanky native of Trail during the days of a six team NHL and they are all duly noted in the 64 page soft cover edition that will sell for $44.95.

"This is it for me and the publishing business," Farris says. "In Jim Robson and Cesare Maniago, I have worked with two of the best."

September 16, 2006

Bower was a goaltending star with Leafs
By NEIL STEVENS - Canadian Press

TORONTO (CP) - Legendary goaltender Johnny Bower starred in the NHL despite being afflicted with arthritis.

He used a lightweight stick because his fingers couldn't cope with the heavier models many others used.

Most hockey fans were unaware Bower was dealing with the pain of arthritis as he helped the Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup four times during the 1960s, and Bower talks about it in a new book about his playing career, "The China Wall."
Full Story

September 15, 2006

Pappin a link to glory days
TIM WHARNSBY - Globe And Mail.com

Jim Pappin is alive and healthy, and looks younger than a man who celebrated his 67th birthday last Sunday.

But to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the coaches on the ice at Ricoh Coliseum yesterday, as well as the management team in the stands, Pappin may as well be a ghost. The mere mention of his name haunts the Leafs. He is a reminder that the team has been without a Stanley Cup for four decades.

Pappin was the last Toronto player to score a Stanley Cup-clinching goal, and he will celebrate the 40th anniversary of his historic game-winner in the spring. There is a plan under way to bring back the 1967 team for a reunion in late March.
Full Story

September 1st, 2006

From Globe And Mail.com Death Notices

Long-time pro hockey and lacrose player Ike Hildebrand passed away a
few days ago.
ISAAC (IKE) HILDEBRAND It is with great sadness that the family of Ike Hildebrand announces his peaceful passing on August 27th 2006 in St. Albert AB at the age of 79. He is sur vived by his loving wife Barbara, sons Jay (Kim), Daniel (Marian), and daughters Jody, Heidi and Melanie, grandchildren Drew, Warren, Jackie and Kyle, brother Fred (Mae)of San Diego and sister Mary (Bud) of Langley BC. Ike excelled at both of Canada’s national sports, lacrosse and hockey. He played lacrosse with the New Westminster Salmonbellies Senior team and at age 17 won the MVP award in the Mann Cup Canadian Championship. In a lacrosse career that spanned 17 years (1943-1960) he was honored 13 times as an allstar. After a junior hockey career with the Oshawa Generals, he spent 10 years playing professional hockey with minor pro teams in the Pacific Coast League, the US Hockey League, the Quebec Pro League and the American Hockey League. He also played with the New York Rangers, and the Chicago Black Hawks of the `original six’ NHL teams 1949-1953. He was playing coach with the Belleville McFarlands and scored the winning goal when they won the World Championship for Canada in Prague Czechoslovakia in 1959. He was inducted into Canada’s Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1972 and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 as well as Sports Halls of Fame in Peterborough (1978), Belleville (1989) and Oshawa (1993). Ike was also an ardent golfer and has two holes-in-one to his credit. A memorial service will be held at the Sturgeon Community Hospital Chapel, 201 Boudreau Road, St. Albert on August 31 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer ‘s society, 10531 ­ Kingsway Ave. Edmonton, AB T5H4K1 or the Youville Home, 9 St. Vital Ave., St. Albert, AB T8N1K1. The family wish to express their sincere thanks to the staff at the Youville Home and Sturgeon Hospital. Connelly-McKinley Ltd. ~ St. Albert. Telephone (780) 458-2222, to send condolences: http://www.connelly-mckinley.com

Posted by Joe Pelletier at 6:21 PM

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

  © Blogger templates Newspaper III by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP