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Hockey Annual 1972

Hockey Annual 1972

The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.

IN THIS ISSUE

GOALING INNOVATOR PLANTE: TEMPERAMENTAL STAR OR SOLID PRO?

Jacques Liante wiped the perspiration away from his face and took off a battered goaltender’s mask. It was delapidated and badly soiled, but it had served Jake well. When Fred Stanfield of the Boston Bruins drilled a side angle shot at Plante in the St. Louis Blues goal, the mask may have even saved Jake’s life. “I think that is an exaggeration, but the shot might have done serious damage except for the mask,” grinned Jacques. “I never even saw it. It was the last time I wore the St. Louis uniform.” Stanfields shot was a deflection which cracked the Plante mask asunder and hospitalized him. W hile lying in bed the six foot, 175 pound Shawinigan, Quebec native was determined to perfect a facial protective device that would not cave in. “1…

IN THIS ISSUE

KOMMANDER KURT CANUCKS’ LEADER

The Vancouver Canucks skated slowly out onto Madison Square Garden ice, resplendent in Blue, Green and White uniforms. Skating slowly in circles was Orland Kurtenbach, still wearing the number twenty five as he had in his days with the New York Rangers. One thing was different, though. Kurt had a big C on the front of his uniform shirt and a big grin on his face. “How goes it, Kurt,” called a fan from the side boards near the Canuck bench. “We miss you.” “It couldn’t be much better,” yelled Kurtenbach in reply. “Honestly, I have never been happier.” He had a reason to be. Just prior to that invasion of Gotham, Kurtenbach had scored the first hat trick in Canuck history. Vancouver had scored three straight wins over Toronto, and even though…

WHERE TO FIND NHL THUMBNALL SKETCHES

MINNESOTA NORTH STARS

NORTH STARS HOME SCHEDULE COACH: JACK GORDON 1970-71 BILL GOLDSWORTHY—wing Had a torrid second half last season after being shifted onto a line with Jude Drouin and Danny Grant … Finished with 34 goals and 31 assists … A proven playoff performer who had eight goals in 14 games in 1968 and four goals in six games in 1970… At beginning of present season, had played a total of 268 games in a Minnesota uniform, tops among players on the present North Star roster. TED HARRIS—defense A rarity for a defenseman, combines both dexterity and skill with an undisputed policeman reputation … Team captain and provides much-needed leadership for a predominately youthful rearguard corps … Was selected to the NHL second All Star team in 1968 as a member of the Montreal Canadiens, but was…

WHERE TO FIND NHL THUMBNALL SKETCHES

ST. LOUIS BLUES

BLUES HOME SCHEDULE COACH: I BILL MCCREARY 1971 JIM ROBERTS — defense The first player taken by the Blues in the 1967 expansion daft, and a mainstay of the team ever since … A versatile I performer who is used both as a rearguard and also as a forward who specializes in defusing the enemy’s big gun … Former St. Louis GM Scotty Bowman clearly established his value to the club when he said last year: “If I were making a trade, Roberts would bring more than anyone else.” GARRY UNGER — center This 23-year-old mod swinger is in his first full season with the St. Louis club after a 1970-71 mid-season trade which saw him move over from the Detroit Red Wings … The Blues’ management are counting heavily on the talented native of…