Sports History

Born December 13, 1969, in Pskov, USSR, was Hockey Hall of Fame Center, Sergei Fedorov. This skating legend hoisted Lord Stanley's Cup on three different occasions. Sergei was a two-time Selke winner and an All-Star. He skated with the Detroit Red Wings, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Washington Capitals during his brilliant 18-year NHL career.

Born August 11, 1920, in Sutherland, Saskatchewan, was Hockey Hall of Fame Goaltender, Chuck Rayner. This legend from between the pipes won the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1950 and was an NHL All-Star 1949, 50, 51. He played his entire nine-year NHL career with the New York Americans, New York Rangers. In 1950 he led the Rangers to overtime in the seventh game of the Stanley Cup finals.

Born November 8, 1924, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, was Hockey Hall of Fame Goalie, "The China Wall," Johnny Bower. This legend between the pipes played for 15 seasons, capturing two Vezina Trophies and four Stanley Cup Championships. He was on the New York Rangers for the first three seasons of his career but experienced much of his success as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Born November 2, 1921, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, was Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing Bill Mosienko. This legend was a two-time NHL All-Star and won the 1944-45 Byng Award. Mosienko spent his entire 14-year career with the Chicago Black Hawks, scoring 258 goals with 282 assists. A famous moment during his career included him scoring three goals in just 21 seconds against the New York Rangers in 1952.

Born May 31, 1903 in Sandon, British Columbia, was Hockey Hall of Fame Goalie Tiny Thompson. Tiny had a great 12 year NHL career playing for both the the Boston Bruins, and later for the Detroit Red Wings. Helping the Bruins take home the Stanley Cup as a rookie in the 1928–29 season. Thompson was a four-time Vezina Trophy winner, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1959.

Born November 13, 1950, in Victoriaville, Quebec, was Hockey Hall of Fame Center Gilbert Perreault. This legend was a scoring machine, putting 512 pucks on the net in his brilliant career with the Buffalo Sabres. Perreault was a two-time NHL All-Star and made the 100 Greatest NHL Players list in 2017.

Born November 3, 1901, in Toronto, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Defenseman Lionel Hitchman. This legend was a two-time Stanley Cup Champion and Hart Memorial Award winner. Hitchman skated with the Ottawa Senators and the Boston Bruins during his thirteen-year career.

Born October 2, 1960, in Vancouver, British Columbia, was Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing Glenn Anderson. This Canadian was a member of six Stanley Cup winning teams of the Edmonton Oilers.

Fern Flaman, a name etched in both Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs lore, wasn't just a defenseman; he was an enigma wrapped in blue and gold, then white and green. His career, split between these two fierce rivals, showcased a player of exceptional talent, unwavering tenacity, and a loyalty that some might call complex, and others, simply captivating.

In Boston, Flaman's arrival in 1944 heralded the dawn of a defensive fortress. His rugged play, characterized by aggressive body checks and a knack for reading the ice like a book, earned him the respect of teammates and the fear of opponents. He anchored the Bruins' blue line for seven seasons, helping them secure two Stanley Cup appearances. He became a fan favorite, his name echoing through the hallowed halls of the Boston Garden.

Then, in a twist of fate worthy of a hockey epic, Flaman found himself traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1950. Donning the white and green, he found himself amidst a dynasty-in-the-making. His defensive prowess seamlessly integrated into the Leafs' powerful machine, and his unwavering determination fueled their championship drive. In 1951, he lifted the Stanley Cup with his former rivals, a poignant feat that solidified his place in hockey history.

But the duality of Flaman's career didn't end there. Traded back to the Bruins in 1954, he embraced his return with the spirit of a warrior returning home. He captained the team for five seasons, leading them to another Stanley Cup appearance in 1957. His loyalty to both Bruins and Leafs wasn't questioned; it was simply understood. He served each team with the same fiery passion, etching his name in the hearts of fans on both sides of the rivalry.

Flaman's legacy transcends mere statistics. He was a pioneer of the "stay-at-home" defenseman, paving the way for generations of blue-liners who prioritized protecting their net over flashy offensive forays. He was a leader, both vocal and by example, inspiring his teammates to push their limits and never back down. He was a symbol of the NHL's golden age, a time when rivalries were fierce but respect between players remained untarnished.

Born February 20, 1942, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Center, Phil Esposito. This legend was an eight-time NHL All-Star who won five Art Ross, two Ted Lindsey Awards, and two Hart Memorial Trophies. Esposito is best known for his time with the Boston Bruins; however, he started his NHL journey with the Chicago Black Hawks. On the other side of his career, after playing in Beantown, he was a member of the New York Rangers. Esposito's career was so impactful that he was honored on the NHL's 100th Anniversary - 100 Greatest Players.