CELEBRATING WITH DON LUCE

At the October Hockey Talk session, held at Marcel Dionne's BLUELINE DINER in Niagara Falls, the guest of honour was former NHL centre, Don Luce. The occasion was a celebration of Don's 71st birthday (October 2, 1948).

PHOTO GALLERY

Marcel Dionne making his opening remarks.

Former Sabres Terry Martin (L) and Derek Smith.

Seymour Knox IV looks on as Don Luce blows out the candles on his cake.  

Former Hockey Night in Canada colour commentator,  Harry Neale, with Gary England.

The 2019-20 season marks the 50th anniversary of the Buffalo Sabres. Although Don wasn't a member of the original Sabres, he did participate in the very first contest played by the expansion team. At the time, Luce skated for the New York Rangers.

A product of the Rangers farm system, Luce played his junior career with the OHA Kitchener Rangers. In his final year with Kitchener, he put together a banner year by producing 94 points in 54 games. His talent as a playmaking center was evident in the fact 70 of those 94 points came from assisting on goals. Luce's pro career started in 1968-69 with the Omaha Knights. In his second year in Omaha, he was summoned by the New York Rangers.

To begin their initial season in the National Hockey League, the Buffalo Sabres played their first ever game in Peterborough, Ontario, on September 17, 1970. The opposition that historic night were the New York Rangers. And in the line-up for New York was future Sabre, Don Luce. Buffalo took a 4-0 lead into the third period, but New York went on the attack and fought back with the game ending in a 4-4 draw. One of the goal scorers for the Rangers was Don Luce.

Asked about the first outing of his club, Sabres' coach and general manager Punch Imlach said, "Naturally we'd like to have won, but I still say it's a hell of a story. Any time we tie New York this year, I'll be happy because that means I'll beat a lot of other guys."

On May 25, 1971, Imlach swung a deal with the Detroit Red Wings and acquired Don Luce and defenceman Mike Robitaille in exchange for goalie Joe Daley.

Luce played the bulk of his NHL career with Buffalo, and along with linemates Danny Gare and Craig Ramsay, were part of a Sabres club that reached the Stanley Cup final in 1975. This line not only shutdown the oppositions top trio, but they could also score. On his way to the Cup final, Luce had his most productive NHL season by recording 76 points (33 goals/34 assists) in 80 games.