Hockey
September 23rd, 1992 - Goaltender Manon Rhéaume became the first woman to play in one of North America’s four major Men’s professional leagues when she tended goal for one period during an exhibition game between the expansion Tampa Bay Lightning & St. Louis Blues. She never played in the pros again, but played six seasons of minor league hockey, and won a Silver Medal in the 1998 Olympics for team Canada.
On June 22nd, 1991 the Expansion San Jose Sharks selected RW Pat Falloon with the 2nd overall selection in the NHL Draft. Pat would have the best statistical season of his career, with 59 points. (25 goals, & 34 assists) I was scrolling through YouTube the other day when I came across this gem, and decided take a ride on the ‘Fintastic Voyage’ your 1991-92 San Jose Sharks Inagural Season team video. Highly recommended!! The Sharks finished 17-58-5. Good for a last place finish of 39 points. It’s tough being the new guy sometimes.
Got one for the Blaze Hockey Buffs out there. Who can tell us the name of this Toronto Maple Leafs Defensemen who scored 5 goals during a 9-1 Toronto victory over Detroit back on February 2nd, 1977? It’s the most goals in a single game by a Defensemen in NHL History. He’s also the only player to score 5 goals on 5 shots.
Happy Birthday to Former Florida Panther Scott Mellanby. Scott scored the 1st goal in Panthers history back on October 9th, 1993.
Remember when the Hartford Whalers wore pants? Our birthday boy Ron Francis and the Whale only wore the ‘Cooperalls’ as they were called for the 1982-’83 season before they were banned by the NHL. Apparently the players slid too much when they fell to the ice. Who can name the only other NHL team to don the Cooperalls? Free Issue of Blaze to the first person who send over a DM with the answer & a mailing address. Happy Sunday Dudes!
Today we’re honoring Mr. Bill Nyrop. Bill won 3 straight Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens during the 1970’s. He also won three straight Sunshine Hockey League Championships as Owner/GM/ & Coach of the West Palm Beach Blaze from 1992-1995. Sadly he passed away from cancer at just 43 on December 31st, 1995. R.I.P. Bill.
Happy Birthday Beezer! John Vanbiesbrouck was the 1st pick in the 1993 NHL Expansion draft by the upstart Florida Panthers. He made three All-Star Teams during his five seasons in the Sunshine State, while also leading the Panthers to their one and only Stanley Cup Appearance in 1995-96.
