Tuesday, July 31, 2018

THE TAVARES IMPACT


Christmas in July took on a new meaning for Toronto Maple Leaf fans when the club signed the prized free agent of 2018, John Tavares. The addition of the former New York Islander gave Toronto a solid force up the middle. The threesome at centre ice includes Auston Matthews, Tavares and Nazem Kadri.

Perhaps, the greatest combination of power at centre for the Maple Leafs was in 1947. A November trade with the Chicago Black Hawks resulted in Toronto obtaining Max Bentley. He joined Syl Apps and Ted Kennedy in the job of distributing the puck to Leaf wingers.

Howie Meeker, the 1947 winner of the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie, explained what it meant to have his new teammate wearing the blue & white. Meeker discussed the transaction with me as part of my new book, Bob Goldham Outside The Goal Crease. Goldham was one of five Leafs going to Chicago for Bentley and Cy Thomas. "The previous two years Bentley won the scoring championship. He comes to our place and plays on the third line. He was the guy that took all the rookies. He was the guy that took the borderline hockey players and gave them jobs. He still led our team in scoring."

As defending Stanley Cup champions, Bentley helped the Leafs capture another crown in 1948. In the Stanley Cup final, Toronto sweeped Detroit by winning game four in Detroit by a score of 7-2. Then, in the 1949 final, the Leafs once again only needed four contests against the Red Wings to gain their third consecutive Cup. Bentley rounded out his Stanley Cup run with Toronto in 1951. He led all playoff performers that year with eleven assists.

"When you go through it up front, we're going to have lots of depth and lots of speed," said Leaf bench boss Mike Babcock at the presser to announce the Tavares signing. "We will find really good mixes for those guys." Early speculation has Tavares playing between Zach Hyman and Mitch Marner.

Friday, July 27, 2018

BRIAN McFARLANE: THE HOCKEY PLAYER


Most of us know Brian McFarlane as a distinguished hockey broadcaster, historian and author. But few are aware of his accomplishments on the ice. Last fall, McFarlane was recognized for his work as  a member of the St. Lawrence University hockey team.

I had the chance to sit down with McFarlane and discuss his time at the school, which is located in Canton, New York. Our talk began with the weekend when he was honoured by the University.

"It was a wonderful weekend and I was really surprised. They call it the Legends of Appleton, the arena when I went there in 1951. The arena was brand new and the boards were varnished. I'd never seen varnished boards in a hockey rink."

Looking back, McFarlane has no regrets of his decision to head south of the boarder to continue his education and play hockey.

"I've often said it was the single best decision I've ever made in my life. I was a failing high school student in Ottawa (Ontario) and the vice-principal actually laughed when I told him I was going to college. He said, 'you going to college, that will never work.' Well, it worked well for me. My marks shot-up and I got to be class president."

Then, there was the incentive to lace-up his skates and continue to play the game he loved.

"Our junior team played an exhibition game in Lake Placid," said McFarlane of the first step in his journey. "After the game, the coach came in and told me he was organizing a hockey team for the next season. He asked, 'how would you like to go here?' I told him I'd love to come here. I'd already half-committed to an elite college further down in the State, but my marks probably wouldn't have gotten me in there. And they didn't have a hockey program or radio station on the campus. So, St. Lawrence was a perfect match for me."

While most hockey players pursued other paths to advance their goals, McFarlane's choice was unique for the time.

"We certainly were pioneers," stated McFarlane of his decision to combine learning and sport. "I think my scholarship was $600 and a job in the cafateria paid my room and board. I had eleven guys working for me, all hockey players, running the cafeteria as waiters. That was a real blessing getting the room and board paid for."

Along with attending classes and performing his duties at mealtime, McFarlane applied his skills on the ice. His record-setting production is still legendary at St. Lawrence University.

"We only played about 20 games a year. That's why I'm so surprised some of my records for the St. Lawrence University Saints still stand. No one has scored 101 goals down there but me. I had 10 hat tricks and three 5 goal games."

I asked the Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster to describe his game and what he brought to the table. And as expected, McFarlane was modest in his assessment.

"I couldn't shoot the puck, but I could pass it. I wasn't a fast skater and I wasn't a strong guy, but I still tried to knock guys around. I made plays and I could put the puck in the net."

Although he was tucked away at a college in the United States, McFarlane's talent didn't put him off the radar screen.

"I had a tryout with the Chicago Black Hawks one fall. But I was really worried I might get suspended for skating with professionals. Nobody in the NHL was interested in college players. They were the last-place team in the league at that time. But I realized I wasn't going to get an opportunity. And I think it was just as well. If I'd made the NHL, I would be on a fourth line or in the American Hockey League."

Thursday, July 26, 2018

PHOTO GALLERY: BOB GOLDHAM OUTSIDE THE GOAL CREASE

Part of the auction at the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Awards Gala.
Author, broadcaster and historian Brian McFarlane at the Original Six Alumni lunch. He worked with Bob on Hockey Night in Canada and was his teammate on the NHL Oldtimers team.
Dave Draper holding his copy of 'Bob Goldham Outside the Goal Crease.' Goldham coached Dave and his late brother, Bruce, at St. Mike's.
Former Boston Bruins head scout Bob Tindall.
Part of an auction for Special Olympics.
Former Hockey Night in Canada executive producer Ralph Mellanby. On the advice of his senior producer, Bob Gordon, he hired Bob Goldham as the first permanent studio analysis on the telecast.
While co-hosting the 'Naz and Wally Sports Hour' on Zoomer Radio AM740, I had the chance to talk about my book.
'The Maven' Stan Fischler with his copy of 'Bob Goldham Outside the Goal Crease.' Pictured with Stan is his good friend John Fayolle.
Sue Foster was so helpful in providing me with details on the players battle concerning the pension fund.   
Former Boston Bruins forward, Bob Beckett.
 With John Fayolle, the New York City based correspondent for the Fischler Report.
Bob Goldham's granddaughter Ali with her copy of my book. Photo credit: Barb Loynachan. 
Leah, Bob Goldham's granddaughter, with her copy of  'Bob Goldham Outside the Goal Crease.'  Photo credit: Barb Loynachan.
Left: Suzanne Primeau, the granddaughter of Toronto Maple Leaf legend, Joe Primeau, who was a member of the famed Kid Line with Charlie Conacher and "Busher" Jackson. Right: Former NHL referee, Bryan Lewis.
Back Row: Doug Wellington, Rod Loynachan, Jim Gregory. Front Row: Pete Conacher, Barb Loynachan and Barb's friend, Dianne. Photo credit: Hat Trick Productions / Lora Evans.
With Barb Loynachan. Photo credit: Hat Trik Productions /  Lora Evans.
With former NHL defenceman Ivan Irwin. Photo credit: Hat Trik Productions / Lora Evans.
With Barb Loynachan and Jim Gregory. Photo credit: Hat Trik Productions / Lora Evans.
(L to R) Ray Mulley, Blaine Smith, who is the son of Leaf great, Sid Smith, Barb Loynachan and Doug Wellington. Photo credit: Hat Trik Productions / Lora Evans.


Wednesday, July 25, 2018

BOOK LAUNCH

On July 9, 2018, the first launch for my book, Bob Goldham Outside The Goal Crease, took place at the Original Six Alumni luncheon in Markham, Ontario. The event began with a video tribute to Bob Goldham that was prepared and presented by Paul Patskou.

It was wonderful to have Bob's daughter, Barb Loynachan and her husband, Rod, on hand to take part in the launch. Barb, gave a talk on her dad and her tears of joy left no doubt how she felt about Bob. Also, Bob Goldham's biggest fan and supporter, Doug Wellington, was in attendance.

With Barb and Senior NHL Vice President of Hockey Operations, Jim Gregory. Photo credit: Hat Trik Productions / Lora Evans.


With former NHL defenceman, Ivan Irwin. Photo credit: Hat Trik Productions / Lora Evans.


On July 19, author Greg Oliver, in his Society for International Hockey Research blog titled, "Two Minutes for Reading so Good," wrote about the launch and interviewed me for the piece. Here is a link to the article Good As Goldham.

Monday, July 2, 2018

NOW AVAILABLE: BOB GOLDHAM OUTSIDE THE GOAL CREASE

For the past year, my writing efforts have been dedicated to a book project on former NHL defenceman Bob Goldham.  I'm pleased to report my book is completed and available on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca.


Here is a description of the book...

Bob Goldham Outside The Goal Crease chronicles the life and career of the former NHL defenceman. For the first time, Goldham's entire story is told!

Born in Georgetown, Ontario, Goldham moved to Toronto and attended Northern Vocational High School, where he excelled in a number of sports. During this time, he played junior A hockey with the OHA Toronto Marlboros.

His NHL career began with a bang in 1941-42, when the Toronto Maple Leafs, after losing the first three games in the best-of-seven Stanley Cup final, roared back to win the next four contests to capture Lord Stanley's mug. This historical accomplishment remains unmatched by any other NHL franchise and Bob Goldham made a huge contribution in making it happen.

As Elmer Ferguson, the dean of writer's in the Hockey Hall of Fame, wrote in June 1942, "It was Goldham who fought back, savagely, effectively, impatiently brushing aside the mop of hair dangling in his eyes...Goldham met the surging Wings drives, snared the puck time after time, (and) fought his way out."

In addition to the Leafs, Goldham skated for the Chicago Black Hawks and Detroit Red Wings. He played an important role in the Red Wings Stanley Cup dynasty in the 1950s. Goldham's unique talent for blocking shots resulted in him being called hockey's second goalie.

After his retirement, he coached at St. Michael's College School. Behind the bench of the St. Mike's Majors, Goldham guided a young Dave Keon through his time junior A hockey. "I really admired him as a coach," said Keon.

Later, he joined Hockey Night in Canada and became a noted studio analyst and colour commentator. "Bob became a star and wore his fame with great humility and I liked that about him," stated executive producer Ralph Mellanby.

Fortunately for hockey fans, Goldham recorded his personal and professional memories and for the first time these are revealed in Bob Goldham Outside The Goal Crease.