Your comment about AM radio broadcasts flashed me back to when I'd hide my little radio under my pillow so I could quietly listen to Chuck Kaiton call Whalers games after my bedtime on WTIC 1080 without my parents knowing. One of my warmest memories of childhood. Life was so much simpler back then.
Chuck as a favorite of mine, as well -- and a good friend. During my years working with him he was always prepared and professional and easily one of the all-time greats!. Thanks for the comment!
I listened from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to KMOX, St Louis Blues hockey.Dan Kelly here. Also WBZ Boston, Group W Westinghouse. Learned the game without visuals, just my transistor. Then cable came to Harrisonburg,VA. WOR in New York, NBC weekend games with Peter Puck. I jumped up in bed when the Bruins won the 1970 Stanley Cup.
@@ProHockeyAlumni Kaiton was a very underrated announcer. It was sad how the Hurricanes dispatched his services and went with a simulcast of the TV announcers a few years back.. Back in 1979-80 I audio taped some Whaler post game highlights. I have that audio tape somewhere.
I grew up in Eastern Ontario in the 1970's. When the reception was right, I could listen to Chicago Blackhawks home games on AM radio. In the summer, every so often when the wind was blowing right I was fortunate enough to catch a Cleveland Indians game from an AM station out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a kid I felt like a spy secretly listening in on some kind of clandestine WW2 radio transmission. I treasured those moments, and have always loved sports on the radio. Different and special times.
Same for me, except I would listen to Jim Robson on CKNW on cold rainy Vancouver winter nights. I am 56 years old and I remember wishing that one day my Canucks win the cup. Now I will probably be dead before that happens. I told my kids to bring some booze to my grave when they finally do it 40 years from now.
I was a former teammate of Ricks and he was a great guy, great player and I enjoyed his company. I was so sorry to hear of Headley's passing and it saddens me that we couldn't help him gets through his issues. RIP Headley
Rick Blight's story is quite sad, but I'm glad that the Canucks did right by him and his family after he passed away. I really enjoy this channel. I may have only viewed the golden era of hockey from 1990-1993, but hearing the stories of these greats of the games prior to the 1990s is always interesting. Keep it up!
These are very well researched and interesting hockey videos on RUclips. The old clips, photos, and videos add many layers to these stories. I’m in Vancouver and have been a long suffering Canucks fan. The team had a lot of solid players in the 70’s but many were traded away too soon (Lever, Derlago, Vaive, Neely, Ashton etc). I’m shocked Blight was only 49 when he passed! Great scorer and Graves definitely ended his career. Absolute BS move to do that to your own teammate.
Wow, this was so informative! I remember Blight but would never have given him as second thought. This is why your vids are so great....you dig to find the stories that no one else has covered; and particularly those of human interest. You continue to raise the bar with each new entry. :) Thanks again!!
Well , l👀ky here ... Opened RUclips and what pops up . Rick Blight - born in Portage Le Prairie , where I live . Played his junior career here and for the Brandon Wheat Kings . Where I was raised , and my favorite team . Not sure what you'd call it . Ima just say Waaaaay Cool ! 😀 Ty Sir .
Thanks, my man. Life on the prairie is fascinating to me -- especially as it relates to hockey. I need to take a road trip to Manitoba some day. That area just breeds good, tough Canadians.
You do the best I have ever seen at these videos . They should be put together in 6 episode segments and put on film . They are that good and tell lots of stories people are not aware of .
As an old Seals/Barons fan from the 60s/70s, what I remember about Hilliard Graves was that he was the only Seals player who would regularly standup to the Flyers during the their goon-it-up heyday, and traded punches with Schultz on more than one occasion, and he held his own. but yeah, everyone hated him for that hipcheck.
I think i am getting hold. I forgot that player. He had a sad ending, but than you for reviving him in the collective memory of the canadian hockey community. There is no doubt that it was the golden era of hockey. Thank you for your great work.
I grew up in Winnipeg. I remember Rick coming into Winnipeg to play in the provincial junior golf tournaments. Even at 15ish, he hit the living daylights out of the golf ball. He was a very talented golfer. Such a good guy. RIP Rick.
I'll never forget the training camp incident in 1978. I was never crazy about Graves and his hip check but to do it to your own teammate was something I could not, and still cannot fathom. Even worse, Graves was kept on the team for another full season I believe. Anyway, thank you for telling this sad Canucks training camp story from '78. It's not well known, I was very surprised to find it here. I have subscribed to your channel and I look forward to more interesting hockey stories from the golden era 😌
I had a Rick Blight collection of newspaper articles and followed him way back when. I was quite young but he was my favourite player at the time. And when you showed the draft where Rick was selected 10th, I note that Robin Sadler was picked by Montreal at 9th. My Father who played for UND on a hockey scholarship and with 6 teams had the option to sign with the BlackHawks but instead pursued business, well my dad told me that I believe in Vancouver, he coached the same Robin Sadler when he was younger and my dad to this day (he is 90) has stated that Sadler was the best hockey player he had ever seen in person. He believes that Sadler became a truck driver and did not play with the Canadiens due to stress or other unknown factors.
Another fantastic player profile. Thus was my era of following hockey closely, so I remember Rick Blight quite well. I did not know how his story ended. Sorry to hear of his struggles after his career ended. You do a wonderful job with these videos. Keep up the good work.
In the 1975 unofficial World Juniors Tournament, Rick Blight had 2 goals and 2 assists in 5 games. I remember reading in the Brandon Sun that he didn't feel that he played well ... but his statistics looked pretty strong. He started out as one of the strongest players from a weak draft year. I never knew about the Hilliard Graves' hip check that started the downward arc of his career. Graves was near the end of his career at the time and Graves' might've been playing hard and in his usual way to keep his spot in the NHL. The low hits were definitely knee breaker moves and many players usually tried to keep their head on a swivel for Graves. But, I never knew about any "friendly-fire" incidences until I heard about this one.
@@ProHockeyAlumni The most interesting thing is that the most successful player in this draft was selected in the 15th round, and it was Kings legend Dave Taylor.
Still have fond memories of Rick's 4 goal performance on opening night in Pittsburgh, as well as scoring both goals in the 2-0 victory over Moscow Dynamo at the Pacific Coliseum...... Rest in Peace, Rick.
Rick Blight was my minor hockey coach. Perfect example of why coaches have to complete "respect in sport" modules before stepping on the ice with kids now in manitoba.
@@ProHockeyAlumni Carol Vadnais! You lucky duck! I mean Seal.😁 I remember when my world came to an end as I learned of the trade of Brad Park and Jean Ratelle to Beantown for Vadnais and Esposito. Vadnais was a good defenseman but not Brad Park who also came up through the Rangers farm system. Keep up the good work!
Great show as usual. I love the part when you say "...until disaster struck again" and the double V canucks jersey comes on screen! 😅 R.I.P. Rick Blight
Wow, what a terrible draft year! Pierre Mondou was one of the lone bright lights on that list shown (Doug Halward would join Vancouver for their '82 Stanley Cup run...). This is an amazing channel, as it gets to the hearts of the humans behind the business of hockey. Thanks! (PS: Hard to imagine today that a salary of less than $200 K would be a total too difficult to trade... !! Damn, the NHL was cheap back in the day.)
The reason why it was a terrible draft year was because in 1974 teams were allowed to draft 18 year olds. Most of the players who would have been eligible in 1975 were drafted in 1974. The WHA raiding the juniors caused the NHL to lower the draft age for one season. This caused the 2nd year Capitals and Scouts to not get much help that year in the draft. With that said in 1975 the Kings hit gold with a very low draft pick Dave Taylor.
This is excellent work. Many clickbait RUclipsrs use "Sad Ending" in their titles irrespective of whether there even was a sad ending, because it gets views. I was initially concerned, but nope - definitely a sad ending to this story....
Thx … there’s so much garbage out there - especially with A.I. It all lacks substance and is an insult to viewers. People saw our success and try to rip it off - but you can’t cut corners.
Graves knocked Rene Robert out of action with stretched knee ligament in December of 1975. Robert missed several weeks of action and returned to the lineup just before the Sabres memorable win over the Wings of the Soviets. Excellent presentation. I remember Blight well and didn't realize the reason why his career declined so quickly.
I remember Rick Blight playing for the Canucks also Graves, we knew Graves was hated and surprised no one took him out. Sorry Rick went out the way he did, RIP
On Graves, yes hip check was his ONLY fame in the end. But 500 games still an accomplishment. I never thought about his technique. This was radio and newspaper times. That clip showing his front facing technique was def unique. Would it get a call today? But yes, taking out a team mate was pretty boneheaded move. I expect with all his victims he was on auto pilot looking for this opportunity.
Graves was wrong to hit a teammate like that, you are supposed to be getting ready to battle not actually doing it. Canucks at that time just never seemed to get going, poor trades mostly. IMO. They did finally start to challenge with Naslund (SP) leading the way, the fans had to be patient for a while.
I could go to a movie for $1 then. I don’t know how much it is these days but let’s say it’s $15. 15 times 120 000 will give you a comparable comparison . In 1976 my Dad bought an acre of land (on southern Vancouver Island) for $6000. That lot now would be close to 500 thousand.
more VAN content? The wins just keep coming from PHA. Yes sad tale that I didn't know about, the back story at least. Yes a few stars mixed in with those VERY lean years. Great story telling as usual here ! *** Get a file started for Punch Mclean , still around for an interview. Lots of VAN connections.
Believe me, I was thinking of you when I went back-to-back with the Canucks. And a Punch McLean reference from REG makes it all worthwhile! Thanks, my friend.
@ had to go the the wiki doctor to learn. yes worthy. before my hockey passion started. The wiki page is a bit odd on the death details, confirmed in 2021?? from a death in '71??
@@register1430 - Part of Pitt history---# had never ben worn post '71--Scored OT winning goal to Pens first playoff series..Mario was instrumental in --#retirement-- as his went in the rafters first retirement- Sadly the next year Pirates Clemente died in '72 and # 21 retired... A very overlooked story-There's a YT vid from Pitt news on it.
I remember listening to Gene hart on the radio to flyer games and on tv29 ,I used to pick it from Philly In New Jersey central Jersey at that good times
Being from Philadelphia, I didn’t get a chance to see Blight play much. The west coast games were on too late for me to watch. I knew he was a scorer & that’s about it. Hilliard Graves was a dime a dozen player. Nothing special about him at all. Great content. Miss the podcast. Keep up the good work.
I remember Rick Blight wanted the Leafs to draft him they selected Don Ashby instead another hockey life sad story! I remember when Rick signed with the Leafs I was hoping he would regain his form but it wasn’t to be. Thanks for his story and keep up the good work. And yes I remember dirty little Graves I think Tiger chased after for his dirty hit Valiquette
Thanks for the comment and content! Coincidentally, I was just chatting with one of Don Ashby's Wichita teammates about his tragic drive home after the 80-81 season. Everyone says he was a good guy and a real talented kid. 44 years ago. unreal.
Wow great video. I found it interesting to see the junior scoring leaders and Blight had more points than Trottier, Greschner, Gare, Mike Rogers. I also remember Hipcheck Hilliard. I don't recall him being a dirty player but after watching your replays I didn't like the knee on knee crap.
Graves was a total idiot. I remember him saying he needed to hip check others to protect himself because he was small. So what does he do? He takes out a teammate in a practice who was never a rough player and was no danger to him. Too bad Potvin never got a hold of him and ended his career.
A day after Christmas I lost one of my best friends. Knew him for 36 years, watched him grow from a child to a man. Called in his first turkey and guided the canoe the day he shot his first canoe deer, and shared hundreds and hundreds of campfires over the years. I thought I knew him well. Turns out he suffered from depression his entire life. This jokester, this lover of life, nature, fishing, and his family, wasnt able to overcome the demons. People, please, if you suffer the same sort of problems my young friend did please please please go speak with someone. Ive never lost a friend this close and it hurts, I want there to be a reason why, I want something to blame, other than mental illness. But there isnt. He loved his wife and kids. He loved his family. He loved his community. I never saw him raise his voice in anger, not even once. He was calm and collected, college educated, never missed work and did all the things your supposed to. In the end it wasnt enough. Rest easy, Sam.
Knocked out arguably one of the better players on his own team . Sounds like an idiot.dam shame to go out like that. I sincerely hope that he at peace now.
Today a guy like Graves would be sent packing for doing that to a leading scorer on his own team. I recall Graves being nasty akin to another Maritimer Brad MARCHAND MUST be something about those little mean guy from back east
@SteveJones-g9n the Same reason Don Cherry never played in the NHL. u dont take out your best player no matter what era. It was the 70s ,u make it sound like he stone age.
I grew up watching him and I knew the Canucks owners and management screwed him over. He was a great player. Look at his stats, today that would get him a 5 million dollar contract. What really pisses me off is that even as a kid I knew the Canucks screwed him over. You mention all the talent they had. It was coaching and ownership. They didn't have a culture of winning and hard work. They honestly didn't care because the building was always full. It was only in the mid 1980s when only 8000 people showed up for home games did the cheap owners called the Griffiths family decide to bring in real hockey people like Quinn and Burke to run the show. These same owners even screwed Pavel Bure over and that is why he wanted out of Vancouver. You should do a show on Jere Gillis. He went on to be a successful stuntman in Hollywood after his hockey career was over.
Where's the evidence for this ? I was unaware of this formidable sniper, but also confess I didn;t watch many Canucks games during that era. Working backwards from the sad outcome, did he suffer from episodes of depression, or was he bipolar, or did he have a drinking problem ? Because, I gotta say, some of the photos show a guy who isn't at his ideal weight. I can understand getting a leg injury and then struggling to get back in shape, but NHLers do overcome knee injuries, depending on how the rehab goes. I doubt many NHLers from the 1970's made enough of a nest egg during their playing days. Related anecdote: I had a summer job at the Olympic stadium in 1976, and one day I spotted Hall-of-Famer Jacques Plante driving a forklift.
8 B L I G H T I was 8 yrs old when he joined the Canucks. He was our closest thing to a Guy Lafluer, beautiful long strides when he skated. Farming went through a rough patch in the 90s, many bankruptcies and equipment prices had gone stratospheric meaning super bad financing terms. He must have had many dark nights. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤8
I used to enjoy this channel because the creator made it about the content and not himself. Not sure why he feel that we need to watch him read from a script every 10 seconds for 80% of the video but I would rather not. I am unsubscribing as I do not find his "hey look at me videos" to be as enjoyable. I used to like all of the hard work he did finding pics and clips to include.
Thanks and I'll miss you. But, it's NEVER about me -- always about the players. However, with A.I. and the proliferation on faceless videos, I just want to bring my own transparent and authentic approach to the process -- even if it costs my good subs like you. THX!
I guess it's just personal ... I may extend that to 1996, which was a season I really enjoyed. But post '93, we had the lockout and the neutral zone trap, and the low-scoring clutch-and-grab style that really turned me off.
The canucks had some talent when I was a kid. It’s true. Thomas gradin. Harold snepts Stan smyl. Plus some other decent players. Including Rick. But they never managed to get anywhere, I’ll admit, that being a Canadian? I was always a bit disappointed. O well. They tried.
Your comment about AM radio broadcasts flashed me back to when I'd hide my little radio under my pillow so I could quietly listen to Chuck Kaiton call Whalers games after my bedtime on WTIC 1080 without my parents knowing. One of my warmest memories of childhood. Life was so much simpler back then.
Chuck as a favorite of mine, as well -- and a good friend. During my years working with him he was always prepared and professional and easily one of the all-time greats!. Thanks for the comment!
I listened from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to KMOX, St Louis Blues hockey.Dan Kelly here.
Also WBZ Boston, Group W Westinghouse.
Learned the game without visuals, just my transistor.
Then cable came to Harrisonburg,VA.
WOR in New York, NBC weekend games with Peter Puck.
I jumped up in bed when the Bruins won the 1970 Stanley Cup.
@@ProHockeyAlumni Kaiton was a very underrated announcer. It was sad how the Hurricanes dispatched his services and went with a simulcast of the TV announcers a few years back.. Back in 1979-80 I audio taped some Whaler post game highlights. I have that audio tape somewhere.
I grew up in Eastern Ontario in the 1970's. When the reception was right, I could listen to Chicago Blackhawks home games on AM radio. In the summer, every so often when the wind was blowing right I was fortunate enough to catch a Cleveland Indians game from an AM station out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a kid I felt like a spy secretly listening in on some kind of clandestine WW2 radio transmission. I treasured those moments, and have always loved sports on the radio. Different and special times.
Same for me, except I would listen to Jim Robson on CKNW on cold rainy Vancouver winter nights. I am 56 years old and I remember wishing that one day my Canucks win the cup. Now I will probably be dead before that happens. I told my kids to bring some booze to my grave when they finally do it 40 years from now.
I was a former teammate of Ricks and he was a great guy, great player and I enjoyed his company. I was so sorry to hear of Headley's passing and it saddens me that we couldn't help him gets through his issues. RIP Headley
Thanks for that tribute ... I couldn't fit in the "Headley" humor but I appreciate you including it here!
thanks for this story. You have a great skill at making these stories personal. We learn about the human, not just the player
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment. Greatly appreciated!
Love the old school jerseys in the background. This is a great channel!
Appreciate that -- those jerseys all have some special meaning to me -- often guys I know or have worked with in the past. Thx for watching!
Great and respectful story of one of Pro Hockey's Alumni. Love the channel.
Thank you -- I appreciate that! "Respect" is the key ... THX!
Rick Blight's story is quite sad, but I'm glad that the Canucks did right by him and his family after he passed away. I really enjoy this channel. I may have only viewed the golden era of hockey from 1990-1993, but hearing the stories of these greats of the games prior to the 1990s is always interesting. Keep it up!
Well youngster, I am so glad you are with us and I appreciate your comment! Greatly appreciated!
@ProHockeyAlumni I'd argue 37 isn't young (ask my 9-year-old son), but I do enjoy the short documentaries on players who shaped the game.
These are very well researched and interesting hockey videos on RUclips. The old clips, photos, and videos add many layers to these stories. I’m in Vancouver and have been a long suffering Canucks fan. The team had a lot of solid players in the 70’s but many were traded away too soon (Lever, Derlago, Vaive, Neely, Ashton etc). I’m shocked Blight was only 49 when he passed! Great scorer and Graves definitely ended his career. Absolute BS move to do that to your own teammate.
This is an awesome comment and it added great value! Thank you 🙏
Wow, this was so informative! I remember Blight but would never have given him as second thought. This is why your vids are so great....you dig to find the stories that no one else has covered; and particularly those of human interest. You continue to raise the bar with each new entry. :) Thanks again!!
Thx OG - your support means a lot!
Well , l👀ky here ...
Opened RUclips and what pops up .
Rick Blight - born in Portage Le Prairie , where I live .
Played his junior career here and for the Brandon Wheat Kings . Where I was raised , and my favorite team .
Not sure what you'd call it .
Ima just say Waaaaay Cool ! 😀 Ty Sir .
Thanks, my man. Life on the prairie is fascinating to me -- especially as it relates to hockey. I need to take a road trip to Manitoba some day. That area just breeds good, tough Canadians.
The way you do these stories now is great. Love the format. Thank you for a great channel.
Thank you ... In that case, I'll continue producing them! I greatly appreciate the kind words.
You do the best I have ever seen at these videos . They should be put together in 6 episode segments and put on film . They are that good and tell lots of stories people are not aware of .
RT: I am humbled -- and appreciative -- of your comments. 🙏 Thanks for sharing!
As an old Seals/Barons fan from the 60s/70s, what I remember about Hilliard Graves was that he was the only Seals player who would regularly standup to the Flyers during the their goon-it-up heyday, and traded punches with Schultz on more than one occasion, and he held his own. but yeah, everyone hated him for that hipcheck.
Yes 👍 he also fought O’Reilly and other tough guys 🙏 thx!
I think i am getting hold. I forgot that player. He had a sad ending, but than you for reviving him in the collective memory of the canadian hockey community. There is no doubt that it was the golden era of hockey. Thank you for your great work.
Thx BBK … as always a blessing to have you in the discussion. 🙏
i love this channel. so much cool history
cool history about cool players watched by cool fans like you. Thank you!
I grew up in Winnipeg. I remember Rick coming into Winnipeg to play in the provincial junior golf tournaments. Even at 15ish, he hit the living daylights out of the golf ball. He was a very talented golfer. Such a good guy. RIP Rick.
You’re doing an amazing job, these videos are always entertaining and very well done. Kudos to you and special thanks from Saint-Donat, Québec!
Merci beaucoup 🙏 🇨🇦 I appreciate your support! 🏒
I'll never forget the training camp incident in 1978. I was never crazy about Graves and his hip check but to do it to your own teammate was something I could not, and still cannot fathom. Even worse, Graves was kept on the team for another full season I believe. Anyway, thank you for telling this sad Canucks training camp story from '78. It's not well known, I was very surprised to find it here.
I have subscribed to your channel and I look forward to more interesting hockey stories from the golden era 😌
Thanks for the quality comment and content. Greatly appreciated!
Another great video. Thank you so much Pro Hockey Alumni❤️
I had a Rick Blight collection of newspaper articles and followed him way back when. I was quite young but he was my favourite player at the time. And when you showed the draft where Rick was selected 10th, I note that Robin Sadler was picked by Montreal at 9th. My Father who played for UND on a hockey scholarship and with 6 teams had the option to sign with the BlackHawks but instead pursued business, well my dad told me that I believe in Vancouver, he coached the same Robin Sadler when he was younger and my dad to this day (he is 90) has stated that Sadler was the best hockey player he had ever seen in person. He believes that Sadler became a truck driver and did not play with the Canadiens due to stress or other unknown factors.
Another fantastic player profile. Thus was my era of following hockey closely, so I remember Rick Blight quite well. I did not know how his story ended. Sorry to hear of his struggles after his career ended. You do a wonderful job with these videos. Keep up the good work.
Thx man … I appreciate your kind words! 🏒
Rick's career was over just before I was born... but I love Canucks' history! Thanks for the video, what a sad ending.
Another excellent video. Really a sad story. The list of players that Graves injured was astonishing!
Thx 🙏 for watching and for your feedback!
This is one of my favorite channels. If this was about basketball, you'd have 5 million subscribers. Great work, my man
Thanks! I appreciate the kind words!🙏 awesome to have you here 🏒
Stop whatever you're doing. Pro Hockey Alumni just posted 🎉
HA! Thanks -- you are officially #1!
Amen!
There was never much to cheer for back then, but Rick was one of the few highlight players in that era. RIP.
another quality upload. thanks so much for doing this
Glad you enjoy it! I appreciate the feedback.
In the 1975 unofficial World Juniors Tournament, Rick Blight had 2 goals and 2 assists in 5 games. I remember reading in the Brandon Sun that he didn't feel that he played well ... but his statistics looked pretty strong. He started out as one of the strongest players from a weak draft year. I never knew about the Hilliard Graves' hip check that started the downward arc of his career. Graves was near the end of his career at the time and Graves' might've been playing hard and in his usual way to keep his spot in the NHL. The low hits were definitely knee breaker moves and many players usually tried to keep their head on a swivel for Graves. But, I never knew about any "friendly-fire" incidences until I heard about this one.
great comment with excellent substance. Yes, the '75 draft was one of their worst in NHL history - the result of the WHA-NHL war. Thanks again!
@@ProHockeyAlumni The most interesting thing is that the most successful player in this draft was selected in the 15th round, and it was Kings legend Dave Taylor.
Still have fond memories of Rick's 4 goal performance on opening night in Pittsburgh,
as well as scoring both goals in the 2-0 victory over Moscow Dynamo at the Pacific Coliseum...... Rest in Peace, Rick.
Against the great Gord Laxton! Thx!🙏
Rick Blight was my minor hockey coach.
Perfect example of why coaches have to complete "respect in sport" modules before stepping on the ice with kids now in manitoba.
Tell us more.?
What does that mean? Super curious in Texas.
@@PunkRockGardener he was very disrespectful
@@brentbell9543Jfc ….that describes 80% of all minor hockey coaches honestly.
@@inger132 nah.
Worse
Another great hockey profile: THANKS! A sad tale that I was not aware of at the time. BTW: I love that classic Seals jersey, Mark!
You are very welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, love that Seals jersey #5 Vadnais!
@@ProHockeyAlumni Carol Vadnais! You lucky duck! I mean Seal.😁 I remember when my world came to an end as I learned of the trade of Brad Park and Jean Ratelle to Beantown for Vadnais and Esposito. Vadnais was a good defenseman but not Brad Park who also came up through the Rangers farm system. Keep up the good work!
Great show as usual. I love the part when you say "...until disaster struck again" and the double V canucks jersey comes on screen! 😅 R.I.P. Rick Blight
Very observant! I’m impressed!
Love this channel! Would love to hear/see a video of Gary Lupul
Thanks for the suggestion ... I'll put him on the list! Thanks for commenting.
Nice work and research on Rick. Sad that his wife and kids had to move forward without him. Story was very respectfully done! Long live hockey 🏒!
Remember the name , but not his career , excellent back story , sad ending .Great video as always
Thank you T -- I appreciate the comment!
Thanks for this video, a great but tragic story.
Thanks Durbie ... appreciate you watching and commenting!
Great story, thanks!
Appreciate you taking the time to watch -- and comment!
Love this channel.
Thanks for watching and commenting! This channel loves ya right back!
I bumped into Rick and his young son at a par 3 golf course in Vancouver in the late 70's. it was my first year of college. He was a nice guy
Wow, what a terrible draft year! Pierre Mondou was one of the lone bright lights on that list shown (Doug Halward would join Vancouver for their '82 Stanley Cup run...). This is an amazing channel, as it gets to the hearts of the humans behind the business of hockey. Thanks! (PS: Hard to imagine today that a salary of less than $200 K would be a total too difficult to trade... !! Damn, the NHL was cheap back in the day.)
Mondou
Great comment and excellent content. Thanks for sharing. yes, that depleted draft was the worst of the era, for sure.
The reason why it was a terrible draft year was because in 1974 teams were allowed to draft 18 year olds. Most of the players who would have been eligible in 1975 were drafted in 1974. The WHA raiding the juniors caused the NHL to lower the draft age for one season. This caused the 2nd year Capitals and Scouts to not get much help that year in the draft. With that said in 1975 the Kings hit gold with a very low draft pick Dave Taylor.
This is excellent work. Many clickbait RUclipsrs use "Sad Ending" in their titles irrespective of whether there even was a sad ending, because it gets views. I was initially concerned, but nope - definitely a sad ending to this story....
Thx … there’s so much garbage out there - especially with A.I. It all lacks substance and is an insult to viewers. People saw our success and try to rip it off - but you can’t cut corners.
I guess, because the Flyers played Vancouver so infrequently, I don't remember him. I love your set.
Thx 🙏 I figured it was a cool way to have a sound buffer - I’ll rotate new sweaters into the mix each week
❤🤘👍 love seeing these notifications brother! Mojo radio back in the early 2000s n late 90s AM 640! Those were the days man😢
Pick, my man ... you're the king! Greatly appreciated, as always.
Graves knocked Rene Robert out of action with stretched knee ligament in December of 1975. Robert missed several weeks of action and returned to the lineup just before the Sabres memorable win over the Wings of the Soviets. Excellent presentation. I remember Blight well and didn't realize the reason why his career declined so quickly.
Thanks Mort ... great to hear from you my main Sabres man!
I remember Rick Blight playing for the Canucks also Graves, we knew Graves was hated and surprised no one took him out. Sorry Rick went out the way he did, RIP
Thx 🙏 agreed 👍
On Graves, yes hip check was his ONLY fame in the end. But 500 games still an accomplishment. I never thought about his technique. This was radio and newspaper times. That clip showing his front facing technique was def unique. Would it get a call today? But yes, taking out a team mate was pretty boneheaded move. I expect with all his victims he was on auto pilot looking for this opportunity.
Graves was unique in that he was a forward. Most of the hip checkers back then were defencemen. The Plager brothers and Mike Robitaille come to mind.
Right on Reg 🏒🇨🇦
In true Canadian fashion, when asked why he wasn't scoring, he didn't blame Graves or the injury. 👍🇨🇦
Right on 👍 🇨🇦
Solid player and played both zones with an anticipation that not many could match.
Good summation ... THX!
Your videos are phenominal
Thank you. I appreciate great fans like you who inspire me to go the "extra mile" on research. THX!
The 72 "Wheaties" had Ron Chipperfield, Robbie Neale, Rick Blight, Dale McMullin, Dwayne Pentland, John Paddock, Doug Murray and others.
you had to be tough to survive the WCHL ... I respect 'em all. THX!
Graves was wrong to hit a teammate like that, you are supposed to be getting ready to battle not actually doing it. Canucks at that time just never seemed to get going, poor trades mostly. IMO. They did finally start to challenge with Naslund (SP) leading the way, the fans had to be patient for a while.
Good high-value comment -- greatly appreciated, Duds!
GREAT CHANNEL
appreciate that ... make it worth the effort!
$ 120,000 a season , some players make more than that per game now .
Yup, back in the 70s that was a BIG contract ... now you get paid more in the the minors
That's about the cost of a ticket for a game now.
I could go to a movie for $1 then. I don’t know how much it is these days but let’s say it’s $15. 15 times 120 000 will give you a comparable comparison . In 1976 my Dad bought an acre of land (on southern Vancouver Island) for $6000. That lot now would be close to 500 thousand.
Happy new year my friend Mark greetings from Brazil
Obrigado! That’s awesome to have you watching. I need to take a trip to Brazil at some point.
I LOVE that Seals jersey in the background...and the Barons jersey that we can only see a piece of.
Great - well keep ‘em in the rotation! 🏒
Got His Rookie Card Somewhere In My Canucks PC
One of the best of the early canucks.
more VAN content? The wins just keep coming from PHA. Yes sad tale that I didn't know about, the back story at least. Yes a few stars mixed in with those VERY lean years. Great story telling as usual here ! *** Get a file started for Punch Mclean , still around for an interview. Lots of VAN connections.
Believe me, I was thinking of you when I went back-to-back with the Canucks. And a Punch McLean reference from REG makes it all worthwhile! Thanks, my friend.
How about the other #21 retired jersey in Pittsburgh, Michel Briere. Died tragically after 1 year in NHL?
@ had to go the the wiki doctor to learn. yes worthy. before my hockey passion started. The wiki page is a bit odd on the death details, confirmed in 2021?? from a death in '71??
@@register1430 - Part of Pitt history---# had never ben worn post '71--Scored OT winning goal to Pens first playoff series..Mario was instrumental in --#retirement-- as his went in the rafters first retirement- Sadly the next year Pirates Clemente died in '72 and # 21 retired... A very overlooked story-There's a YT vid from Pitt news on it.
#8 for our Canucks great player
How about the Henry Boucha story?
He did! ruclips.net/video/zorTrev7CRA/видео.htmlsi=XzJ2ailVtLrYaAEc
Well done. No hype or drama. U R subbed
Thank you! 🙏 welcome aboard!
What a blight!
I remember listening to Gene hart on the radio to flyer games and on tv29 ,I used to pick it from Philly In New Jersey central Jersey at that good times
Being from Philadelphia, I didn’t get a chance to see Blight play much. The west coast games were on too late for me to watch. I knew he was a scorer & that’s about it.
Hilliard Graves was a dime a dozen player. Nothing special about him at all.
Great content. Miss the podcast. Keep up the good work.
Thanks ... yeah I miss the podcast, too ... You never know. Thanks for your comment!
I remember Rick Blight wanted the Leafs to draft him they selected Don Ashby instead another hockey life sad story! I remember when Rick signed with the Leafs I was hoping he would regain his form but it wasn’t to be. Thanks for his story and keep up the good work. And yes I remember dirty little Graves I think Tiger chased after for his dirty hit Valiquette
Thanks for the comment and content! Coincidentally, I was just chatting with one of Don Ashby's Wichita teammates about his tragic drive home after the 80-81 season. Everyone says he was a good guy and a real talented kid. 44 years ago. unreal.
4:37 Goalie basically surrendered on this play....
Got his hockey cards from the mid seventies He makes a good Hockey card.
Wow great video. I found it interesting to see the junior scoring leaders and Blight had more points than Trottier, Greschner, Gare, Mike Rogers. I also remember Hipcheck Hilliard. I don't recall him being a dirty player but after watching your replays I didn't like the knee on knee crap.
so many legends came out of the west in that era. Just look at that list! THX! Great comment.
Thats a sad story. Theres more support i think for NHL hockey players during their carreers and after retirement.
The NHLPA and the NHL have come a long way on these issues … 🙏
Graves was a total idiot. I remember him saying he needed to hip check others to protect himself because he was small. So what does he do? He takes out a teammate in a practice who was never a rough player and was no danger to him. Too bad Potvin never got a hold of him and ended his career.
Can’t argue with your points … guys had their livelihoods at stake … thx! 🙏 🏒
Taken right after Robin sadler. Montreal pick who never played. Did well in Real Estate in north Van
A day after Christmas I lost one of my best friends. Knew him for 36 years, watched him grow from a child to a man. Called in his first turkey and guided the canoe the day he shot his first canoe deer, and shared hundreds and hundreds of campfires over the years. I thought I knew him well. Turns out he suffered from depression his entire life. This jokester, this lover of life, nature, fishing, and his family, wasnt able to overcome the demons.
People, please, if you suffer the same sort of problems my young friend did please please please go speak with someone. Ive never lost a friend this close and it hurts, I want there to be a reason why, I want something to blame, other than mental illness. But there isnt.
He loved his wife and kids. He loved his family. He loved his community. I never saw him raise his voice in anger, not even once. He was calm and collected, college educated, never missed work and did all the things your supposed to. In the end it wasnt enough. Rest easy, Sam.
Incredible contribution to this discussion. Condolences to you and thank you for this heartfelt account of your friend’s hidden struggles. 🙏
Knocked out arguably one of the better players on his own team . Sounds like an idiot.dam shame to go out like that. I sincerely hope that he at peace now.
🙏
Very sad, but how do you do that to your family?
Yup, you have to be in the darkest of dark places to end it all. Such a shame - he’s got grandkids he’s never met
I hope you haven’t been bullied by the NHL regarding free use content. We have a voice and can certainly make the NHL aware of it.
Vancouver Cannots 50+ years of futility
Jim Robson; a legend
I missed one thing - did Graves get any type of reprimand for taking out his own top player ?
I mean ,WTH MAN .
Hey, bud. Nope, Harry just shook his head and moved on. Nobody was happy about it. Thanks again.
Why would he? He practiced the way he played, hockey is a brutal sport especially back then.
Today a guy like Graves would be sent packing for doing that to a leading scorer on his own team. I recall Graves being nasty akin to another Maritimer Brad MARCHAND MUST be something about those little mean guy from back east
@SteveJones-g9n the Same reason Don Cherry never played in the NHL. u dont take out your best player no matter what era. It was the 70s ,u make it sound like he stone age.
I grew up watching him and I knew the Canucks owners and management screwed him over. He was a great player. Look at his stats, today that would get him a 5 million dollar contract. What really pisses me off is that even as a kid I knew the Canucks screwed him over. You mention all the talent they had. It was coaching and ownership. They didn't have a culture of winning and hard work. They honestly didn't care because the building was always full. It was only in the mid 1980s when only 8000 people showed up for home games did the cheap owners called the Griffiths family decide to bring in real hockey people like Quinn and Burke to run the show. These same owners even screwed Pavel Bure over and that is why he wanted out of Vancouver. You should do a show on Jere Gillis. He went on to be a successful stuntman in Hollywood after his hockey career was over.
Great comment …. I agree with your points and appreciate your input
RIP
harry Neale: likeable guy, but not the brightest imho
Rick was my coach in Bantam for 1/2 a season and I went to school with his son in Portage (not pronounced French like you butchered it)
Rick was a silent victim of CTE.
That’s a great point ! 🏒
Where's the evidence for this ?
I was unaware of this formidable sniper, but also confess I didn;t watch many Canucks games during that era.
Working backwards from the sad outcome, did he suffer from episodes of depression, or was he bipolar, or did he have a drinking problem ? Because, I gotta say, some of the photos show a guy who isn't at his ideal weight. I can understand getting a leg injury and then struggling to get back in shape, but NHLers do overcome knee injuries, depending on how the rehab goes. I doubt many NHLers from the 1970's made enough of a nest egg during their playing days. Related anecdote: I had a summer job at the Olympic stadium in 1976, and one day I spotted Hall-of-Famer Jacques Plante driving a forklift.
Toronto Toros! That jersey rules, and I hope that name is adopted if Toronto ever gets another NHL franchise.
The drew pretty well in the WHA, despite getting lousy dates at MLG. I can see it! RHX!
Didn't they move to Birmingham?
Oh hey that's what you look like. Cool.
Ha! Thx!🙏 for watching
Today's subject number#8 Original Greight Eight 4 EVA GO CANUCKS GO !
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I was 8 yrs old when he joined the Canucks. He was our closest thing to a Guy Lafluer, beautiful long strides when he skated. Farming went through a rough patch in the 90s, many bankruptcies and equipment prices had gone stratospheric meaning super bad financing terms. He must have had many dark nights. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤8
Right you are … good points - thx!
I used to enjoy this channel because the creator made it about the content and not himself. Not sure why he feel that we need to watch him read from a script every 10 seconds for 80% of the video but I would rather not. I am unsubscribing as I do not find his "hey look at me videos" to be as enjoyable. I used to like all of the hard work he did finding pics and clips to include.
Thanks and I'll miss you. But, it's NEVER about me -- always about the players. However, with A.I. and the proliferation on faceless videos, I just want to bring my own transparent and authentic approach to the process -- even if it costs my good subs like you. THX!
Wow Trevor Your content is so much better. Suck it. FJT.
@@ProHockeyAlumniI don't mind extra comments.
Wish the Atlanta Flames had drafted Blight, instead of Richard Mulhern.
What a weird comment.
My only complaint? He doesn’t make more videos.
The way the Canucks handled the Graves incident crystallizes what a garbage franchise they were for the vast majority of their history.
Can’t argue with that 🏒 thx! 🙏
Why do you consider the golden era to stop in 1993? Just curious
I guess it's just personal ... I may extend that to 1996, which was a season I really enjoyed. But post '93, we had the lockout and the neutral zone trap, and the low-scoring clutch-and-grab style that really turned me off.
The canucks had some talent when I was a kid.
It’s true.
Thomas gradin.
Harold snepts
Stan smyl.
Plus some other decent players.
Including Rick.
But they never managed to get anywhere,
I’ll admit, that being a Canadian?
I was always a bit disappointed.
O well.
They tried.
There was the 1982 playoffs. That was a fun run to the finals 🙏 🇨🇦🏒