Sports History

Born July 1, 1941, in Montreal, Quebec, was Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame right-wing, Rod Gilbert. From 1960-78 he was with the New York Rangers. He in known to be the first NY Ranger to have his number retired which was number 7. Roger was known as "Mr. Ranger", as he played right wing on the Goal-A-Game line with Vic Hadfield and Jean Ratelle but never with a Stanley Cup championship team.

Ray Bourque, the "Big Rig," carved his name into hockey history not just with a Norris Trophy record five times but with a career so prolific it spanned generations. He became a loyal cornerstone, drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1979, anchoring their defense for 21 seasons.
Bourque's offensive prowess redefined the role of a defenseman. His graceful skating, laser-like slapshot, and pinpoint passes rivaled many forwards. He held the NHL record for most points by a defenseman for years, scoring 410 goals and 1,169 assists, a testament to his offensive dynamism.

But Bourque was more than just points. He was a defensive stalwart, reading plays like a chess master and clearing pucks with the efficiency of a snowplow. His 1,570 games played stood as a testament to his durability and commitment.

Despite individual brilliance, the Stanley Cup remained elusive for Bourque. The Boston faithful yearned to see their captain hoist the coveted trophy, a dream that grew heavier with each passing playoff.

Finally, in 2000, fate intervened. Traded to the Colorado Avalanche, Bourque found himself on a championship-caliber team. In his final NHL game, at 40, he lifted the Stanley Cup, tears streaming down his face as a city's dream finally came true.

Bourque's legacy extends beyond trophies. He embodied sportsmanship and grace, winning the King Clancy Trophy for leadership and humanitarianism.

Norm Ullman, born in 1935, carved his name into hockey history as a prolific scorer and versatile forward. His 20-year career spanned two franchises, the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs, and was marked by an uncanny ability to find the net and a relentless drive to win.

Detroit Dynasty Days:

Ullman's journey began in Detroit, where he joined the legendary Red Wings in 1955. The young center found himself amidst a powerhouse lineup featuring Gordie Howe and Sid Abel. Despite the shadow of these giants, Ullman's talent shone through. He quickly established himself as a scoring threat, averaging over 20 goals per season for 12 consecutive years. He formed a potent line with Alex Delvecchio, and the duo became known as "The Ullman Line" for their dynamic playmaking and goal-scoring prowess.

Ullman's peak came in the mid-1960s. He captured the Maurice Richard Trophy in 1965 for leading the league in goals, and even challenged Stan Mikita for the Art Ross Trophy for most points. His contributions helped the Red Wings win several Stanley Cup Finals appearances, cementing his status as a Detroit fan favorite.

Maple Leaf Metamorphosis:

In 1967, Ullman's career took an unexpected turn. He was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, a bitter rival of the Red Wings. Despite the initial shock, Ullman embraced the change and adapted seamlessly to the new environment. He continued his scoring ways, becoming a key offensive weapon for the Leafs. His leadership and veteran presence helped guide the team through a period of transition and build towards future success.

Records and Accolades:

Ullman's career numbers speak for themselves. He finished with 490 goals, 739 assists, and 1229 points, ranking him among the top scorers in NHL history. He participated in eleven All-Star games, was twice named a First-Team All-Star, and even captured the Lady Byng Trophy for outstanding sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.

Born July 29, 1925, in Renfrew, Ontario was Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame Left Wing Ted Lindsay. This skating legend won the Art Ross Trophy 1950, and was an NHL Players Association pioneer. Ted played 22 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Lindsay was a six-time Stanley Cup champion (1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1960) and won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in 1954. He was also a two-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner (1954 and 1957), which is awarded to the player who demonstrates the most sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.

Lindsay was a physical player who was known for his hard hitting and aggressive style of play. He was also a gifted scorer, recording 723 goals and 701 assists in his career.

After his playing career, Lindsay was active in the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association and helped raise money for children's charities in Metro Detroit. He was also a vocal advocate for players' rights and helped to found the NHL Players' Association. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966.

Born February 16, 1953, in Hanna, Alberta, was Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing Lanny McDonald. This legend was a key player on the Calgary Flames' 1989 Stanley Cup championship team. He was a two-time All-Star and a four-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner. Before becoming a Calgary skater, McDonald was on the roster of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Colorado Avalanche.

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.