
He was nicknamed "The Rat," not for his antagonistic antics, but because Bobby Clarke thought he looked and skated like one. History will always remember The Rat as a yappy, &#!@ disturber.
But history will also remember The Rat every year at draft time. Ken Linseman took a stand against the 20 year old draft in the WHA, successfully claiming if was old enough to vote, he should be old enough to play pro hockey.
The fall out - the WHA raided junior hockey of its top players, and the NHL lowered its draft to 18 forever. The draft became even more of a wild card, and there was more pressure placed on junior, midget and drafted players at an earlier age.
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1 comment:
this was interesting
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