While we will still produce our in-depth documentaries, this format combines the PHA podcast with our YT docs so we can produce much more content on a consistent basis. There are a lot of players, we want to acknowledge and this format allows us to do that. Let is know your thoughts on the Anders Hedberg video. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to being back to producing great content celebrating the legends of the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's!
btw- t/y for vid. Now retired in Philippines, growing up in WNY we could watch some Ranger games out of NYC. I heard the infamous Billy the Whistle Chadwick at one point & gave me flashbacks. 😂 lol
@@tomharrison6607 yes Ratty is on my list … a man revered by all who know him … but I’m going to discuss Brad Park first. But I’ll definitely 👍 do a Ratelle episode!
@@ProHockeyAlumni that will be great he was shockingly under rated from 1960 to 1980 only espo and mikita had more points in that 20 year period and from 1968 to 1980 only espo had more points in that 12 year period also after the big trade he was way better for the bruins than espo for the rangers in points plus minus and overall play
In 1976 I was selling my house, and one day i answered my front door to find Anders Hedberg and his lady, asking if they could take a look. I knew that they lived just up the hill from my house, and I often saw Anders running along the boulevard in front of my house, but I was certainly surprised and excited to see them at my door. They came in, looked around, and as they were leaving, I mentioned that my three young sons were going to be terribly disappointed when I told them that their idol had been in our home while they were at school. "Bring them to the house when they get home," Anders said. so I did, packing them into our car on the pretence that we had to go grocery shopping, then pulling up just half a block from home and parking in front of the house which they knew perfectly well belonged to a hockey hero. We were invited in, and Anders was so kind and welcoming, showing the boys his many trophies on display. (I have to confess that my 13-year-old was considerably more interested in the beautiful blonde Swedish lady!) Anders autographed pictures for each of the boys, and we left after an encounter that my sons would remember forever.
Brings back memories reading yours. Im Swedish, and moved to the states five years later. As a Swede at that time, and especially as a teenager, moving to the US was very special in so many ways. Inspite it being many years since i moved back to Sweden, I miss the states every day. I know alot is different today, but the "core" is still the same when you get out in the rural country. There is something very special with the US that I love to the bone...my second home❤️
As a high school journalism student in the mid 70’s in Winnipeg, I had the privilege of sitting down one on one with Anders for a class assignment. He was the most easy to talk to person a young teenage hockey fan could ever hope to meet. He put out his hand, introduced himself and took a lot of time to chat with me. A genuine class act and all around good person. And that’s not even mentioning his superior hockey skills. Even at a game after that,he still remembered our chat and wondered how my class assignment turned out. Super nice guy and a very caring person. I wasn’t aware until now he had dealt with cancer in 2022. Sincerely wishing him the best of health. I too survived a major cancer issue in 2022 and am feeling great now at 65. Anders is a winner in every sense of the word and deserves the best life has to offer.😊
I got to play 9 holes of golf with Anders back in 1975/6 in Winnipeg. Was the greatest 9 holes ever playing with a true icon with just him and I .A memory I will always hold dear to my heart ! Truly blessed to have had that once in a lifetime opportunity.
So cool to listen to an American talking about the beginning of Swedes moving to American league. Many younger people in sweden have no idea who Anders Hedberg was. Be safe all.
Anders Hedberg and Ulf "Lill-Pröjsaren" Nilsson two big legends in Swedish Hockey. Was actually very sad when they left for US since then one couldn't see them on our ice anymore, not even in the National Team. All those who stepped over was then even more excluded from National Teams than they are today. Not even Olympics was OK for them to play. Even if it was hard in 70s to follow them in NHL one tried the hardest. Those days we had no internet and news in newspapers was limited from NHL on this side of the pond. It was the same wake-up call when Börje Salming got his ovation in that Canada Cup game in Toronto. We didn't know how big he was in Toronto before that standing ovation he got for several minutes. He just played some seasons in Brynäs before leaving so his skills was practically unknown in his own country.
My thoughts exactly. Hedberg was playing for Djurgården before the move? Hell, I knew more about Stig than Börje of the Salming brothers. Stig playing in Brynäs was great, Börje emigrated and we didn't hear of him until we did...
Don't know why the algorithms pulled up this video but, boy am I glad they did. Hedberg and Nilsson (a.k.a Lillpröjsarn) were the superstars of their era in Sweden but definitely don't get the recognition they deserve back home. Great to see a superb video that highlights their greatness. Thank you 👍
Great video and a great tribute to Anders. Was a regular at Madison Square Garden and we were so excited to have "The Swedes" with Freddie the Fog Shero as coach. When a breakout with Ulfie and Anders developed, up in the famous upper level Blues section, the spontaneous eruption of "Swedes" would sound. Sure, we'd like to have seen a few more goals but that 1979 team and unexpected trip to the NHL Finals was, for long-suffering Ranger fans, majestic. We were just sad to see Ulfie's career cut short by injury. That one really hurt. We simply adored those guys. "Swedeeeeeeeee!"
Luckily my Boston cable station allowed me to watch WOR and Rangers games so I got to see Anders and Ulf quite a bit…. A real shame that Ulfie was rarely healthy … maybe that ‘79 final would have gone a different way.
I was an usher at those games in the old barn of the 1970's. So jealous of that gorgeous Kings sweater above your shoulder. Please continue to make these amazing videos for our pleasure!
What can I say...Ime a swede and so ime HUMBLY proud as to the way you guys in USA and CANADA resived "our players" in to your heart GOD bless you all ❤❤
What perhaps not many people know is that Anders Hedberg came from the small town in northern Sweden that also is the hometown of Peter Forsberg, Markus Näslund, the Sedin brothers and Victor Hedman.
Another outstanding video Mark! My first memory of Hedberg and Nilsson was during the 1976 playoffs. The Winnipeg Jets completely annihiated my hometown Calgary Cowboys! The “Hot” line cruised to the final and captured the Avco Cup. Very early in the following 1976-77 season I recall as a 14 year old along with my father. seeing the Jets beat the Cowboys at the old Stampede Corral. I heard a funny story about the Swedish back up goalie for the Jets named Curt Larsson. During a bench clearing brawl Curt got paired up with opposing back up goalie. During the melee Curt somehow managed to get separated from his hairpiece! Players from both sides allegedly started laughing which put an end to the brawl. I never get tired of hearing stories about the WHA. Thanks again!
Great comment - as usual … I never made it to the Corral - but I hear the boards were high and like cement … I used to send away for Cowboys photos and game programs - still have ‘em. I’ll see Reggie Lemelin later today - I’ll have to get his memories of that classic barn
Wow, thanks! I remember Ulf "Liill-Pröjsarn" Nilsson first from WC in Helsinki when Ulf got busted for doping. The team doctor had given cough syrup containing efedrine to just about half of the team. Since only two players were tested after the game, Ulf was the only one convicted. No suspension back then, but the 4-1 win against Poland was changed to a 0-5 loss. Back then we couldn't watch WHA or NHL hockey in Sweden, but I was very excited when Anders and Ulf got the chance to play with Bobby Hull. Bobby Hull was almost mythical to hockey fans in Sweden. Anders Hedberg's hockey sense, his shot in the stride and his connection with Bobby and Ulf was great to see. Thanks again!
21k subscribers? Found you this morning over a cup of coffe. As a Swede born 68 and still my memory intact, videos like this is a bless. Thank you and for this you just got another subscriber 👍🏼☕️
Thank you for this great video on Anders. Hedberg was probably my first favorite hockey player. Of the 4 big sports in America I came to hockey the last in the late 70s and I remember living in Connecticut going to broadcasting school and watching the Rangers games and it was his first year and him and Ulf Nielson and philosophies and they had a surprise run to the Stanley cup Final against Montreal who won I believe in 5 games. But after broadcasting school I moved back to New York and state arrangements fan ever since. And Anders still remains my favorite Ranger evdr even ahead of Brian Leech and some of the great goalies the Rangers have had. Thanks again for this tribute video.
I love learning of these players through your videos, thank you. Not an expert, but love Hockey. Never disappointed in watching yours, (unless I miss one.)
Great Video. The NHL missed a great opportunity in the70's to create its own Super Bowl of Hockey by having the best WHA team play the best NHL team for the Stanley Cup. Imagine if the Jets would have played the Canadians in the 70's. Now that would have been a series rather then see the Canadians beat up on the Flyers or Bruins.
Im from Winnipeg, and we just kind of took it for granted that we had Ulf, Anders and Bobby...kind of like we do with our team sometimes. Cmon Winnipeg, buy tickets to the odd game. I dont want to see them leave again...
I was a pro-Canadian hockey fan and detested all other nations. How naive could a hockey mad kid be? But time cools all fires and now I can admire all nations and their players for their absolute brilliance. The internet allows me to refresh my memories of the Soviets, Swedes, Czechs, and so on. Although I never got to see these greats in person, I do confess that the Europeans changed hockey for the much needed better. And what was good of the old NHL they took to higher heights. Who will come along to transform the game next?
@@fredhall5038 great insights …. The talent level in the NHL today is outrageous…. The international infusion in the game is the biggest difference 🏒✌️
the Jets started when i was around 4 years old, so my first hockey memories a couple years later were when the Swedes were first brought in. The WHA was everything to me, listening to the Jets games on CJOB. I knew it was a step down from the WHA but it seemed like more fun. I hung out to get autographs, met many of the players, and collected the WHA hockey cards when they came out. Joe Daley and Hedberg were my favourites. Don't sleep on how great Sjoberg was though, every bit as good and as important as Hedberg and Nilsson. If you look at Hedberg, his face, hair, build, skating, shot, when Laine first started with the Jets I saw a lot of similarities. Too bad the mental part of the game doesn't seem to be there.
Great video. An amazing player. That line in Winnipeg pretty much owned the ice when they were on, and almost seemed to score at will. Great move by the Rangers. It almost paid off with a Stanley Cup in 1979, but they ran into the Habs dynasty of the mid to late 70's. Was interesting to see some of the player salaries listed back then. Some players now make that much in a week lol
(S) - Memories memories memories. Now 75 years old, I remember the first Swedes 'over there'. Many times mocked, called chickens. But I think all of us who love hockey can agree that skill (and a new way of thinking) has become the evolution of hockey. The first Swedes did not have it easy.
Great video. I didn’t really get to experience Hedberg, my hockey interest sparked in the mid eighties when I was about 8 years old. The stars then was Håkan Loob and Kent Nilsson among others. And there wasn’t a lot of coverage from NHL and WHA at that time. Alway fun to hear what other countries says about Swedish players, especially from Canada and USA. In a weird way it makes you proud, pretty silly but I can’t help it. Thanks again for at great video.
A+ work as usual my friend! So glad to finally see a full length new upload!🤌🤙👍 and as always u never disappoint brother! And I love the change up and being able to see the man behind the voice😊 hopefully u keep this structure for ur future videos. I love seeing your videos about players I never got a chance to see since I wasn't born till 88..and unless they were hhofers or part of big moments in nhl history I don't know who they r..but through your videos and podcast episodes I learn about so many players I wouldn't have otherwise! So thsnk you so much for that sir, u are an underappreciated well of hockey history that I for one am glad you put the time and quality into ur videos so "youngsters"😅 such as myself(I use that term loosely!)😅 can learn..so thanks for making my day better🤙👍 I needed it❤ look forward to the next one
He was the first international hockey star who grew up in the small town of Örnsköldsvik in the north of Sweden. Later on Peter Forsberg, Markus Näslund and the Sedin twins all grew up there.
Once again - thank you for an excellent video! Also The Hockey News……totally agree! For me it was Monday’s it would show up at my house and I’d absorb it. So many great memories 👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Ya we had Monday delivery … God forbid it wasn’t there 😂 … HN was my window to the Hockey world I read them cover to cover. Thx for the awesome comment ✌️🏒
Anders was such a class act on & off the ice. Start of the Swedish invasion over to North America. Great content 👍, always love stopping to read the newspaper clippings . God I loved the “ Hockey News” used to get mine every week at the old RI Auditorium going to the Reds games. Cost 35 cents back in the day. Is that a Richie Leduc Cincinnati Stinger jersey behind you ?
Ranger fans were quite excited when Ulf and Anders arrived in NYC. I was young, but can remember how fans were inspired by their play and how so many good things were spoken of the duo. There were times when they seemed to be moving so much faster than other players and one could sense that the Rangers were on an up-swing. They were good play makers and proved to the NHL that European players could in fact endure in the league. Unfortunately, Ulf Nillson broke his ankle during the 1979 Stanley Cup run for the Rangers. His injury resulted from a hit he received from Dennis Potvin who played for the Islanders. That was a fierce rivalry in those days. The injury pretty much ended Ulfie's career. Ranger fans were furious and came to despise Potvin. That incident is the reason why Ranger fans still Chant "Potvin Su*ks" 45 years later at every game in Madison Square Garden. Ranger fans always wonder how things may have gone if that didn't' transpire. Of course, the Islander dynasty followed and that certainly added fuel the fire against Potvin in MSG
Great history here - thanks for this quality comment … it’s a shame NYR fans only got a glimpse of a healthy Ulfie … he showed his talent in the 1981 playoffs but he absence was surely missed in 79 and 80. Thx great 👍 comment!
Wish I would've been a little older to have seen them/him play. I was 5 in 77, and my neighbors got me #4 Sjoberg kids jersey. Wish I still had it 😂 that's basically my wha memories. But always been searching for stuff from the WHA Jets since the 80's. My comment about the Bobby Hull strike from a few years ago,finally made it into a video 😂 To this day Hedberg is such a classy guy.
Plus imagine having Kent Nilsson in this lineup. Glen Sather said he molded his team, the early Oilers, on the Winnipeg Jets. Those Swedes made a crucual impact on the game and were class acts.
Small detail to Jets 74-75 story, which iqnited this Swedish duo to top level of North American hockey. At the same season, The Jets also signed 2 Finns, Veli-Pekka Ketola and Heikki Riihiranta, which are considered as the first Finns in North American Pro hockey. Few were already been on training camps, but they were the first in the playing roster. To highlight their level of talent, Ketola himself is considered as the best player of Finnish hockey on the 70's. So the 74-75 Jets truly were a forerunner on adapting the european hockey to North America. On biography written in 1979, Ketola mentioned that the Hull-Nilsson-Hedberg did not seem to have a bad night during their mutual Jets-era. And that the line was suprisingly good also on own end, despite that their game was about attacking and ice time was huge. He also mentioned that both Hedberg and Hull develop themselves during the process, which intensified their scoring ability. Both forexample changed their style of play and shoot the puck.
I renember also meeting his wufe Gunna Marie and she was a very nice and attractive woman . I love your videos a Rick Middleton video would be great, he overcame Alcohol addiction with the Rangers was traded to Bruins for over the hill Ken Hodge and is a border line Hall of famer.
I expected more goals as a ranger fan but he had a tremendous all around game. At that time Phil Esposito was still scoring but was slow and couldn't backcheck, Hedberg played in all situations killed penalties score 30 + goals . I wish Ulf Nilsson would have been healthier and Hedberg and him would have been lethal pp players . I Met Anders at Charlie Os bar on the same block as MSG, he and the other rangers were great with the fans. I pray that his health is good he was a great player and a good guy .
Unfortunately Nilsson and Anders didn’t get to play together enough in New York and with out a 60-70 goal scorer on the wing obviously the numbers would drop, Hull tried a comeback with the Rangers in 82 but Ulf got hurt anyway so it ended after some exhibition games .
Taking the summer off and quietly doubling the sub count ?? - good on you ! I got the right name from the thumbnail. Yes Salming got the same treatment , maybe worse. His book was an interesting read also. Wow, salary bump that started it all in the NHL, that and making salaries public. And the impressive jersey collection - Philly Blazers or Vancouver Blazers?
@@ProHockeyAlumni I hate seeing under subbed accounts. You need to get in Gino Reda (TSN) orbit. He has the contacts and history but NO SUBS. Long form interviews. But he's losing the algorithm push. Great content like you. Maybe you can trade info. Look forward to more stories from the lessor lights you find. Better to get when they are still around and can add colour. Thanks for the kind words back.
12/13 yr old me made it into the newspaper way back in the day . I lived in Brandon Mb. Ulf Nilsson , Anders Hedberg and Bobby Hull were at the Brandon's Shoppers Mall giving out autographs and taking pix . There was a large picture of me headlining the sports section on that day . Weirdly , I was never a fan of the Jets . Somehow , I tied my wagon to les Nordiques . Not french at all . I actually came to dislike the Jest 😉 .
Hedberg is a classy guy. It may have been him that inspired others from the same small town of Örnsköldsvik to be equally classy. Best examples would be #19 Markus Näslund, Peter Forsberg, Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Niklas Sundström
To tell the truth I have never had a discussion with my hockey friends about those two like I was the only one to notice how great they were. When I saw Anders and Nilsson playing with Bobby Hull I was hoping the Leafs would grab them since Ballard was big on Swedes. I thought "oh look out" when I saw New York grabbed one. Don't remember how busy I was then but to me the two of them just seemed to fade away. I thought Nilsson was better than Anders when I saw them with Bobby.
I was a avid hockey fan growing up in Chicago and its weird that i didnt know the talent of Hedberg, it was always Lefleur or Trottier or Orr, maybe because he was in the WHA i guess
The Wha isn’t the same thing. Certainly had top end talent although the bottom end was weak. Lots of drop off when entering the nhl. Just how it was Probably gonna hear it tho.
Good points … I’m the. Biggest WHA booster out there but the league was not as deep as the NHL. It was much better than the critics thought it was but - as you noted - the depth was not there.
While we will still produce our in-depth documentaries, this format combines the PHA podcast with our YT docs so we can produce much more content on a consistent basis. There are a lot of players, we want to acknowledge and this format allows us to do that. Let is know your thoughts on the Anders Hedberg video. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to being back to producing great content celebrating the legends of the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's!
btw- t/y for vid. Now retired in Philippines, growing up in WNY we could watch some Ranger games out of NYC. I heard the infamous Billy the Whistle Chadwick at one point & gave me flashbacks. 😂 lol
@@bonzotalonzo9072 Who could forget the "Big Whistle!"
@@ProHockeyAlumni a video on jean ratelle the classiest hockey player of all time would be awesome if you could thank you i love your videos
@@tomharrison6607 yes Ratty is on my list … a man revered by all who know him … but I’m going to discuss Brad Park first. But I’ll definitely 👍 do a Ratelle episode!
@@ProHockeyAlumni that will be great he was shockingly under rated from 1960 to 1980 only espo and mikita had more points in that 20 year period and from 1968 to 1980 only espo had more points in that 12 year period also after the big trade he was way better for the bruins than espo for the rangers in points plus minus and overall play
In 1976 I was selling my house, and one day i answered my front door to find Anders Hedberg and his lady, asking if they could take a look. I knew that they lived just up the hill from my house, and I often saw Anders running along the boulevard in front of my house, but I was certainly surprised and excited to see them at my door. They came in, looked around, and as they were leaving, I mentioned that my three young sons were going to be terribly disappointed when I told them that their idol had been in our home while they were at school. "Bring them to the house when they get home," Anders said. so I did, packing them into our car on the pretence that we had to go grocery shopping, then pulling up just half a block from home and parking in front of the house which they knew perfectly well belonged to a hockey hero. We were invited in, and Anders was so kind and welcoming, showing the boys his many trophies on display. (I have to confess that my 13-year-old was considerably more interested in the beautiful blonde Swedish lady!) Anders autographed pictures for each of the boys, and we left after an encounter that my sons would remember forever.
Oh, sorry - I forgot to say that the video was terrific!
Incredible story! Thanks so much for sharing! ❤
Fantastic story! Ett minne för livet👌🇸🇪
She must been good looking!
Brings back memories reading yours. Im Swedish, and moved to the states five years later.
As a Swede at that time, and especially as a teenager, moving to the US was very special in so many ways.
Inspite it being many years since i moved back to Sweden, I miss the states every day.
I know alot is different today, but the "core" is still the same when you get out in the rural country.
There is something very special with the US that I love to the bone...my second home❤️
As a high school journalism student in the mid 70’s in Winnipeg, I had the privilege of sitting down one on one with Anders for a class assignment. He was the most easy to talk to person a young teenage hockey fan could ever hope to meet. He put out his hand, introduced himself and took a lot of time to chat with me. A genuine class act and all around good person. And that’s not even mentioning his superior hockey skills. Even at a game after that,he still remembered our chat and wondered how my class assignment turned out. Super nice guy and a very caring person. I wasn’t aware until now he had dealt with cancer in 2022. Sincerely wishing him the best of health. I too survived a major cancer issue in 2022 and am feeling great now at 65. Anders is a winner in every sense of the word and deserves the best life has to offer.😊
@@robertmclaughlin5953 gotta love this substantive comment - I’m glad you are well 💪✌️
I got to play 9 holes of golf with Anders back in 1975/6 in Winnipeg. Was the greatest 9 holes ever playing with a true icon with just him and I .A memory I will always hold dear to my heart ! Truly blessed to have had that once in a lifetime opportunity.
awesome ... thanks for sharing!
So cool to listen to an American talking about the beginning of Swedes moving to American league. Many younger people in sweden have no idea who Anders Hedberg was. Be safe all.
Thanks 🙏 for watching 🇸🇪 … I appreciate your feedback
Anders Hedberg and Ulf "Lill-Pröjsaren" Nilsson two big legends in Swedish Hockey. Was actually very sad when they left for US since then one couldn't see them on our ice anymore, not even in the National Team. All those who stepped over was then even more excluded from National Teams than they are today. Not even Olympics was OK for them to play.
Even if it was hard in 70s to follow them in NHL one tried the hardest. Those days we had no internet and news in newspapers was limited from NHL on this side of the pond.
It was the same wake-up call when Börje Salming got his ovation in that Canada Cup game in Toronto. We didn't know how big he was in Toronto before that standing ovation he got for several minutes. He just played some seasons in Brynäs before leaving so his skills was practically unknown in his own country.
Great post with excellent insights. Thank you!
My thoughts exactly. Hedberg was playing for Djurgården before the move? Hell, I knew more about Stig than Börje of the Salming brothers. Stig playing in Brynäs was great, Börje emigrated and we didn't hear of him until we did...
A class act from a true gentleman and magic hockey player.
Don't know why the algorithms pulled up this video but, boy am I glad they did. Hedberg and Nilsson (a.k.a Lillpröjsarn) were the superstars of their era in Sweden but definitely don't get the recognition they deserve back home. Great to see a superb video that highlights their greatness. Thank you 👍
Thanks for taking the time to comment … and I’m glad that pesky algorithm identified you as a knowledgeable hockey fan! 🏒✊
You're such a good storyteller. Thank you, and have a nice day
Thank you 🙏 your comment is greatly appreciated!
Great video and a great tribute to Anders. Was a regular at Madison Square Garden and we were so excited to have "The Swedes" with Freddie the Fog Shero as coach. When a breakout with Ulfie and Anders developed, up in the famous upper level Blues section, the spontaneous eruption of "Swedes" would sound.
Sure, we'd like to have seen a few more goals but that 1979 team and unexpected trip to the NHL Finals was, for long-suffering Ranger fans, majestic. We were just sad to see Ulfie's career cut short by injury. That one really hurt.
We simply adored those guys. "Swedeeeeeeeee!"
Luckily my Boston cable station allowed me to watch WOR and Rangers games so I got to see Anders and Ulf quite a bit…. A real shame that Ulfie was rarely healthy … maybe that ‘79 final would have gone a different way.
Another great vidéo of you. Professional, well articulate, perfect voice… and the quality of research, editing and entertainement. 10/10.
Thanks again BBK -- great hearing from you!
I was an usher at those games in the old barn of the 1970's. So jealous of that gorgeous Kings sweater above your shoulder. Please continue to make these amazing videos for our pleasure!
Thanks 🙏 sadly I never made it to the Winnipeg Arena … But I’ve always had a strong connection to Jets fans and that 1.0 franchise
What can I say...Ime a swede and so ime HUMBLY proud as to the way you guys in USA and CANADA resived "our players" in to your heart GOD bless you all ❤❤
we love 'em ... the Swedes of the 70s and 80s were especially gracious and skilled.
What perhaps not many people know is that Anders Hedberg came from the small town in northern Sweden that also is the hometown of Peter Forsberg, Markus Näslund, the Sedin brothers and Victor Hedman.
Try to write the name of that Town in English if you can 😂
@ Eagleshieldbay
@Sauromannen
Have sum cake 🎂
As a younger hockey player, I love these interesting videos of hockey history and lore
I love having v the young guns aboard … so great to see you have such an appreciation for the traditions and history of the game!
Waiting for the Hockey News in my mailbox is equal to waiting for Pro Hockey Alumni uploads. Keep up the great work!
That is awesome … actually that is my goal - to be the video version of the classic Hockey News! I appreciate your support!
Another outstanding video Mark! My first memory of Hedberg and Nilsson was during the 1976 playoffs. The Winnipeg Jets completely annihiated my hometown Calgary Cowboys! The “Hot” line cruised to the final and captured the Avco Cup. Very early in the following 1976-77 season I recall as a 14 year old along with my father. seeing the Jets beat the Cowboys at the old Stampede Corral. I heard a funny story about the Swedish back up goalie for the Jets named Curt Larsson. During a bench clearing brawl Curt got paired up with opposing back up goalie. During the melee Curt somehow managed to get separated from his hairpiece! Players from both sides allegedly started laughing which put an end to the brawl. I never get tired of hearing stories about the WHA. Thanks again!
Great comment - as usual … I never made it to the Corral - but I hear the boards were high and like cement … I used to send away for Cowboys photos and game programs - still have ‘em. I’ll see Reggie Lemelin later today - I’ll have to get his memories of that classic barn
Wow, thanks! I remember Ulf "Liill-Pröjsarn" Nilsson first from WC in Helsinki when Ulf got busted for doping. The team doctor had given cough syrup containing efedrine to just about half of the team. Since only two players were tested after the game, Ulf was the only one convicted. No suspension back then, but the 4-1 win against Poland was changed to a 0-5 loss. Back then we couldn't watch WHA or NHL hockey in Sweden, but I was very excited when Anders and Ulf got the chance to play with Bobby Hull. Bobby Hull was almost mythical to hockey fans in Sweden. Anders Hedberg's hockey sense, his shot in the stride and his connection with Bobby and Ulf was great to see. Thanks again!
Thanks 🙏 for the kind words and historical notes that I never knew … great value in that post 🙏🏒
The only bad thing about this channel is we don’t get enough new videos. It’s a treat when you do❤
I’m committed to getting g back on a regular schedule … I’ll explain my absence in the next video … I am so glad you continue to watch! ❤
@@ProHockeyAlumni no need to explain👍 Every video is a must watch and makes them something to look forward to👍
21k subscribers? Found you this morning over a cup of coffe. As a Swede born 68 and still my memory intact, videos like this is a bless. Thank you and for this you just got another subscriber 👍🏼☕️
🇸🇪 welcome aboard - and thank you 🙏
One of my dad’s favorite players.
Thank you for this great video on Anders. Hedberg was probably my first favorite hockey player. Of the 4 big sports in America I came to hockey the last in the late 70s and I remember living in Connecticut going to broadcasting school and watching the Rangers games and it was his first year and him and Ulf Nielson and philosophies and they had a surprise run to the Stanley cup Final against Montreal who won I believe in 5 games. But after broadcasting school I moved back to New York and state arrangements fan ever since. And Anders still remains my favorite Ranger evdr even ahead of Brian Leech and some of the great goalies the Rangers have had.
Thanks again for this tribute video.
I loved reading this post - thank you! 🏒🙏✌️great substance!
I love learning of these players through your videos, thank you. Not an expert, but love Hockey. Never disappointed in watching yours, (unless I miss one.)
I appreciate your kind words and they inspire me to produce the best work possible .. thank you!
Anders Hedberg. What a legend. Grew up watching him play.
Some great footage from the WHA days. Thanks for a wonderful video!
I loved the rebel league -- I guess you did, too! Thanks for watching!
@@ProHockeyAlumni Yes, and thanks for playing the Brass Bonanza!
Great Video. The NHL missed a great opportunity in the70's to create its own Super Bowl of Hockey by having the best WHA team play the best NHL team for the Stanley Cup. Imagine if the Jets would have played the Canadians in the 70's. Now that would have been a series rather then see the Canadians beat up on the Flyers or Bruins.
Im from Winnipeg, and we just kind of took it for granted that we had Ulf, Anders and Bobby...kind of like we do with our team sometimes. Cmon Winnipeg, buy tickets to the odd game. I dont want to see them leave again...
I've always had a affection for WPG and Jets fans. They are the best!
Hedberg hails from the same small city (Örnsköldsvik) that produced Peter Forsberg, Markus Näslund, the Sedin twins, and Victor Hedman
Wow! I did not know that. Thanks for sharing.
Your channel is great!! I love it!!
Thanks so much -- I appreciate the enthusiasm and that keeps me going!
Hedberg and Nilsson are names from my youth! ❤ LGR!!
I was a pro-Canadian hockey fan and detested all other nations. How naive could a hockey mad kid be? But time cools all fires and now I can admire all nations and their players for their absolute brilliance. The internet allows me to refresh my memories of the Soviets, Swedes, Czechs, and so on. Although I never got to see these greats in person, I do confess that the Europeans changed hockey for the much needed better. And what was good of the old NHL they took to higher heights. Who will come along to transform the game next?
@@fredhall5038 great insights …. The talent level in the NHL today is outrageous…. The international infusion in the game is the biggest difference 🏒✌️
the Jets started when i was around 4 years old, so my first hockey memories a couple years later were when the Swedes were first brought in. The WHA was everything to me, listening to the Jets games on CJOB. I knew it was a step down from the WHA but it seemed like more fun. I hung out to get autographs, met many of the players, and collected the WHA hockey cards when they came out. Joe Daley and Hedberg were my favourites. Don't sleep on how great Sjoberg was though, every bit as good and as important as Hedberg and Nilsson. If you look at Hedberg, his face, hair, build, skating, shot, when Laine first started with the Jets I saw a lot of similarities. Too bad the mental part of the game doesn't seem to be there.
Great comment … and we will never sleep on Shoe - should be in HHOf
So glad you posted this video! Love PHA.
Thank you for your kind words ... much more on the way!
I remember him for his unique scating. Quite upright stile and reaching top speed very fast.
You are right - unique indeed! ❤
Great video. An amazing player. That line in Winnipeg pretty much owned the ice when they were on, and almost seemed to score at will. Great move by the Rangers. It almost paid off with a Stanley Cup in 1979, but they ran into the Habs dynasty of the mid to late 70's. Was interesting to see some of the player salaries listed back then. Some players now make that much in a week lol
@@michaelkirkpatrick7483 thanks 🙏 for sharing your memories of a special time in Winnipeg hockey!
I just love this channel. Thanks for existing.
The ultimate compliment! Thank you ❤
Great video as always, keep up the good work 👏👏
Thanks my man … it ain’t official until JJ checks in. 🙏 🏒
Good to see you, Mark! Thanks for the video 👍
Thank you! ❤
(S) - Memories memories memories. Now 75 years old, I remember the first Swedes 'over there'. Many times mocked, called chickens. But I think all of us who love hockey can agree that skill (and a new way of thinking) has become the evolution of hockey. The first Swedes did not have it easy.
Gotta love this comment ... straight from the heart. Thank you from North America!
Nice to put a face to the voice . Great video as usual . Thanks
Thanks 🙏 appreciated!
Great video. I didn’t really get to experience Hedberg, my hockey interest sparked in the mid eighties when I was about 8 years old. The stars then was Håkan Loob and Kent Nilsson among others. And there wasn’t a lot of coverage from NHL and WHA at that time. Alway fun to hear what other countries says about Swedish players, especially from Canada and USA. In a weird way it makes you proud, pretty silly but I can’t help it. Thanks again for at great video.
Thank u for the substantive comment ... Take proud in your countrymen -- so many of them had uncommon courage and class.
Great job as usual mark
Thanks, my man, Fitz!
@@ProHockeyAlumni I love these videos
I was wondering what you looked like. I used to get the Hockey news, really loved it and Hockey Illustrated.
Every Monday in hockey season was like Christmas if the Hockey News was in the mailbox … but I’d be pretty bitter if it wasn’t there. 😂 I
A+ work as usual my friend! So glad to finally see a full length new upload!🤌🤙👍 and as always u never disappoint brother! And I love the change up and being able to see the man behind the voice😊 hopefully u keep this structure for ur future videos. I love seeing your videos about players I never got a chance to see since I wasn't born till 88..and unless they were hhofers or part of big moments in nhl history I don't know who they r..but through your videos and podcast episodes I learn about so many players I wouldn't have otherwise! So thsnk you so much for that sir, u are an underappreciated well of hockey history that I for one am glad you put the time and quality into ur videos so "youngsters"😅 such as myself(I use that term loosely!)😅 can learn..so thanks for making my day better🤙👍 I needed it❤ look forward to the next one
You’re the man, Pick … as always great post and I appreciate your support as I re-energize the channel! ✌️🇨🇦
He was the first international hockey star who grew up in the small town of Örnsköldsvik in the north of Sweden. Later on Peter Forsberg, Markus Näslund and the Sedin twins all grew up there.
@@LapsangTe notice how I didn’t bother to pronounce the name of his hometown😂🇸🇪 … good info and thanks! 🙏
@@ProHockeyAlumni I guess it's one of the most diffucult towns in Sweden to pronounce. Even a Swede can't pronounce it unless he's 100% sober. ;)
@@LapsangTe I always use the shortform "Övik" since i'm always drunk:)
@@LyricalSteeler I think most people from that town say "Övik".
@@LapsangTe jupp true, all of norrland usually does
Excellent video Mark!
Thanks -- I appreciate your feedback!
Good to see you again my friend!
Glad to be seen ... I appreciate hearing for you!
Once again - thank you for an excellent video! Also The Hockey News……totally agree! For me it was Monday’s it would show up at my house and I’d absorb it. So many great memories 👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Ya we had Monday delivery … God forbid it wasn’t there 😂 … HN was my window to the Hockey world I read them cover to cover. Thx for the awesome comment ✌️🏒
I were a Swedish fan🇸🇪
Anders was such a class act on & off the ice. Start of the Swedish invasion over to North America. Great content 👍, always love stopping to read the newspaper clippings . God I loved the “ Hockey News” used to get mine every week at the old RI Auditorium going to the Reds games. Cost 35 cents back in the day. Is that a Richie Leduc Cincinnati Stinger jersey behind you ?
Hey Motts … yes that is Richie Leduc - a great guy and excellent player … great to hear from you! 🏒🙏🇸🇪
Pro hockey was awesome back then. NHL, WHA - loved the action of both leagues!
It sure was colorful and the players were incredibly interesting
Ranger fans were quite excited when Ulf and Anders arrived in NYC. I was young, but can remember how fans were inspired by their play and how so many good things were spoken of the duo. There were times when they seemed to be moving so much faster than other players and one could sense that the Rangers were on an up-swing.
They were good play makers and proved to the NHL that European players could in fact endure in the league.
Unfortunately, Ulf Nillson broke his ankle during the 1979 Stanley Cup run for the Rangers. His injury resulted from a hit he received from Dennis Potvin who played for the Islanders. That was a fierce rivalry in those days. The injury pretty much ended Ulfie's career.
Ranger fans were furious and came to despise Potvin. That incident is the reason why Ranger fans still Chant "Potvin Su*ks" 45 years later at every game in Madison Square Garden.
Ranger fans always wonder how things may have gone if that didn't' transpire.
Of course, the Islander dynasty followed and that certainly added fuel the fire against Potvin in MSG
Great history here - thanks for this quality comment … it’s a shame NYR fans only got a glimpse of a healthy Ulfie … he showed his talent in the 1981 playoffs but he absence was surely missed in 79 and 80. Thx great 👍 comment!
@@ProHockeyAlumni Thank you for the great video.
Great work! It's really appreciated. :)
Thanks ❤ appreciated!
Sounds like a precursor to the Russian 5 and puck possession style of play all together. Great stuff 👍
@@larrydanadavid2435 good call ✌️agreed
Another brilliant documentary, thanks so much! Honestly, you could make water evaporating sound interesting!! ;)
OG, you’re the king 👑… thanks so much! 🏒🙏
Those 2 came into league when the NHL was rough n tumble. Overall they gave Rangers scoring spark. I remember these guys well & they tolerated much.
Yes indeed ... the Flyers were brutal to both.
Great episode
Thanks 🙏 I appreciate your feedback!
Great job, as always
Thanks again! Very much appreciated ❤
Wish I would've been a little older to have seen them/him play.
I was 5 in 77, and my neighbors got me #4 Sjoberg kids jersey. Wish I still had it 😂 that's basically my wha memories. But always been searching for stuff from the WHA Jets since the 80's.
My comment about the Bobby Hull strike from a few years ago,finally made it into a video 😂
To this day Hedberg is such a classy guy.
Great comment … your Hull comment must have entered my subconscious!
@@ProHockeyAlumni well you did reply way back in time, maybe I should do a video on it 🤣
@@Actionronniethen you definitely made an impact … thanks! 🙏
Hedberg and Nilsson were awesome to watch. That team was full of personality. Almost had enough to go all the way in 79 but JD was beat up.
Plus imagine having Kent Nilsson in this lineup. Glen Sather said he molded his team, the early Oilers, on the Winnipeg Jets. Those Swedes made a crucual impact on the game and were class acts.
Yes indeed. They really saved the WHA and gave the league a shot of class it desperately needed.
Small detail to Jets 74-75 story, which iqnited this Swedish duo to top level of North American hockey. At the same season, The Jets also signed 2 Finns, Veli-Pekka Ketola and Heikki Riihiranta, which are considered as the first Finns in North American Pro hockey. Few were already been on training camps, but they were the first in the playing roster. To highlight their level of talent, Ketola himself is considered as the best player of Finnish hockey on the 70's. So the 74-75 Jets truly were a forerunner on adapting the european hockey to North America.
On biography written in 1979, Ketola mentioned that the Hull-Nilsson-Hedberg did not seem to have a bad night during their mutual Jets-era. And that the line was suprisingly good also on own end, despite that their game was about attacking and ice time was huge. He also mentioned that both Hedberg and Hull develop themselves during the process, which intensified their scoring ability. Both forexample changed their style of play and shoot the puck.
Yes, and great contribution to the discussion! Thanks!
You need to do an Esa Tikkanen vid
good idea ... interesting career.
Love that New England Whalers jersey!
I always preferred the WHA Whalers jerseys - even though I worked for the Hartford Whalers. Thanks for noticing!
@@ProHockeyAlumnimy high school teammate was drafted by Hartford in 1983 David Jenson.
I renember also meeting his wufe Gunna Marie and she was a very nice and attractive woman . I love your videos a Rick Middleton video would be great, he overcame Alcohol addiction with the Rangers was traded to Bruins for over the hill Ken Hodge and is a border line Hall of famer.
Interesting to hear from Ted Greene who had a plate in his head from being clubbed by Wayne Mackey. He knew a thing or two about facing brutality!
Yup - he sure did … amazing that he played again
Great video
Test
Thanks 🙏 appreciated!
These are great videos! I have a question for the hockey nuts out there. Can someone tell me if the Hockey News had a draft preview edition for 1985?
I expected more goals as a ranger fan but he had a tremendous all around game. At that time Phil Esposito was still scoring but was slow and couldn't backcheck, Hedberg played in all situations killed penalties score 30 + goals . I wish Ulf Nilsson would have been healthier and Hedberg and him would have been lethal pp players . I Met Anders at Charlie Os bar on the same block as MSG, he and the other rangers were great with the fans. I pray that his health is good he was a great player and a good guy .
This is a super comment and is appreciated!
Unfortunately Nilsson and Anders didn’t get to play together enough in New York and with out a 60-70 goal scorer on the wing obviously the numbers would drop, Hull tried a comeback with the Rangers in 82 but Ulf got hurt anyway so it ended after some exhibition games .
Agreed 👍 I also think Bobby Hull is underrated in history … he was still a force in the mid 70s
@@ProHockeyAlumni he was a major force he led team Canada in goals in 76 at age 37 .. with Lafleur Perrault Dionne Esposito etc on the team
Taking the summer off and quietly doubling the sub count ?? - good on you ! I got the right name from the thumbnail. Yes Salming got the same treatment , maybe worse. His book was an interesting read also. Wow, salary bump that started it all in the NHL, that and making salaries public. And the impressive jersey collection - Philly Blazers or Vancouver Blazers?
Great contribution from a real hockey guy … just privileged to see you take the time to post content with great depth! Thanks as always!👍✌️🇨🇦
@@ProHockeyAlumni I hate seeing under subbed accounts. You need to get in Gino Reda (TSN) orbit. He has the contacts and history but NO SUBS. Long form interviews. But he's losing the algorithm push. Great content like you. Maybe you can trade info. Look forward to more stories from the lessor lights you find. Better to get when they are still around and can add colour. Thanks for the kind words back.
Nice episod, i which to hear about Ulf "pröjsan" Nilsson också.
Ulfie is a legend -- He'll get his won video fro sure.
Could have called that line 2 kids and an old goat! That's what Brett called his line with Pavel Datsyuk at the end of his career
😂✌️
Many trailblazers came together from all over the World to make NHL a World Hockey Association
Yes indeed ... the WHA would have been horrid without them
12/13 yr old me made it into the newspaper way back in the day . I lived in Brandon Mb.
Ulf Nilsson , Anders Hedberg and Bobby Hull were at the Brandon's Shoppers Mall giving out autographs and taking pix .
There was a large picture of me headlining the sports section on that day .
Weirdly , I was never a fan of the Jets . Somehow , I tied my wagon to les Nordiques . Not french at all . I actually came to dislike the Jest 😉 .
Great story -- thanks for sharing!
Go Wheat Kings!!
Such a great channel keep up the good work
I won’t let you down. Thanks for the inspiring words!
Hedberg is a classy guy. It may have been him that inspired others from the same small town of Örnsköldsvik to be equally classy. Best examples would be #19 Markus Näslund, Peter Forsberg, Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Niklas Sundström
What a list! These guys are a special breed.
Anders Hedberg is a MODO player. To see him in Djurgården shirt was a horrifieing experiance 😮
I can't imagine!
51 goals in 49 games was a record. First player to score more than 50 in less than 50.
Beat “The Rocket” 🚀
As a Kendrick fan, the nervousness when you hear "Certified P...." :P
To tell the truth I have never had a discussion with my hockey friends about those two like I was the only one to notice how great they were. When I saw Anders and Nilsson playing with Bobby Hull I was hoping the Leafs would grab them since Ballard was big on Swedes. I thought "oh look out" when I saw New York grabbed one. Don't remember how busy I was then but to me the two of them just seemed to fade away. I thought Nilsson was better than Anders when I saw them with Bobby.
great thoughts ... thanks for sharing!
I was a avid hockey fan growing up in Chicago and its weird that i didnt know the talent of Hedberg, it was always Lefleur or Trottier or Orr, maybe because he was in the WHA i guess
Right … the WHA was a “mystery” league for those in NHL markets. Thx 🙏
That K-mart rug that Hull wore couldn't have looked more fake if it had a chin strap.
It might be time for a “Top Toupees” of the 70s video😂
Pelle lindbergh is still the biggest star after salming in NHL
Pelle is worth a video for sure.
Hedberg....SCORE !!!!
I know it's corny to mention, but yes to the face reveal.
Thanks! I appreciate your feedback.
Hedberg&Nilsson were like pro players in a beer league game...D's of the NHL could hardly skate backwards and goalies pretty much sucked in the 70's.
They stood out for sure. Thx 🇸🇪
The Wha isn’t the same thing. Certainly had top end talent although the bottom end was weak. Lots of drop off when entering the nhl. Just how it was
Probably gonna hear it tho.
Good points … I’m the. Biggest WHA booster out there but the league was not as deep as the NHL. It was much better than the critics thought it was but - as you noted - the depth was not there.
Ulf was more talented, and IF he had been able to stay healthy for more than a few games (basically..), we can only imagine. Potvin SUCKS
Ulf had horrible fortune and NHL fans rarely saw him at full speed. But the St. Louis series in 81 provided a glimpse of what could have been
Primitive players going after the foreign stars...I am Swedish. No way we would behave like that in the 70ies...
I am a Swede and I never heard of this guy... There are so many famous hockeyplayers. He was a bit before my time it appears...
Didn't you watch the TV series "Hockeyns historia"? You can still watch it on SVT Play, if you're in Sweden.
These guys paved the way for the rest of the Swedes in the years to come. Fantastic players!
Bobby Hull