BOSTON'S TRAINING CAMP - 1966

As the NHL training camps got underway this week, there are high  hopes in each city that this will be the year for their club. And back in 1966, there was no greater anticipation than in Boston. As the Bruins gathered for camp in London, Ontario, all eyes were on the prized rookie they signed in early September. That rookie was Bobby Orr.

"I'm happy with the contract," Orr told the press after putting pen to paper. "We've been negotiating for two months and I'm glad it is all settled."

Once at camp, Orr's participation in scrimmages left little doubt he would have any problems adjusting to a higher degree of competition. A Canadian Press report noted that "Orr ... impressed with his speed, puck handling and general poise."

Looking back to Orr's first camp, only one thing appears to be out of place. Forever known as "number four, Bobby Orr," the number assigned to him in London was 19 (see the above photo). Beyond this, Orr lived up to all the hype surrounding his leap to the pro ranks from junior hockey. Milt Schmidt, Boston's GM, gave this appraisal of the Bruins new saviour to Neil MacCarl of the Toronto Daily Star.

"I'd say his biggest asset is the fact he has a lot above his shoulder," said Schmidt. "He seldom makes mistakes. All the good hockey teams-winning teams-have somebody on the blueline who can get the puck out of his own end, either by carrying it out himself, like Doug Harvey used to do for Montreal, or passing it up like Carl Brewer did for the Leafs."