March 22 birthday

Warren Skorodenski

Here’s what he had to say about his first skull mask.


“Skull design was mine and Norm Guziak’s idea, after a night of drinking home brew after ball practice. Norm airbrushed it in the 70’s.”

Today’s edition features former Blackhawk and Oiler Warren Skorodenski.  His only licensed cards were his rookie card (OPC 85/86 #255 and OPC 85/86 #264 save percentage leader). His NHL totals  GP 35  W 12 L 11 T 4  SO 2  GAA  3.47  MIN 1731

He was suspended for twenty games for shoving referee Dave Lynch while playing for the Sherbrooke Jets of the American Hockey League, November 29, 1983. The incident occurred in a game November 20 against the New Haven Nighthawks. According to AHL vice-president Gordon Anziano: “The incident occurred after an overtime goal against Skorodenski that came during a power play resulting from a tripping penalty against the goalie. After the goal, Skorodenski threw his stick into the stands, went from his net toward Lynch at center ice, and skated into him. Skorodenski then grabbed Lynch by the sweater and threw him into the glass, which he happened to be next to.” 

Compare this to the Matt Cooke suspension which could be from 14-17 games. I guess refs need more protection than your fellow players.

Blue sharpie auto received through the mail in the late 80’s.



Happy Vernal Equinox Birthday (March 21st)

Another segment in my birthday posting. Previous post was for my middle daughters birthday on St Patricks Day. Now the youngest on this day. In your birth year, it was the first day of spring but not this year. Not really spring equinox but close.
So a couple of years ago, the company where she was working had a function at the HHOF. Afterwards, she informed me that she had her picture taken with a Leaf oldtimer. Someone told her it was Ron Ellis. Since he works for the HHOF, it seemed feasible that it was him. So she shows me the picture and I think Ron Ellis doesn’t look the same. He looks a lot like Bobby Baun.

Yep, that’s him. The man who scored an overtime game winning goal in game six of the 63/64 Stanley Cup final.

Now this is Ron Ellis. Played his entire 1034 regular seaon games and 70 playoff games all with the Leafs. Took a photo of him signing at an event and brought it with me the next year to get signed.

Since she didn’t get me any autographs, it’s a good thing I already had both of them in my collection. As you can tell, these cards are not in the best of shape. I bought a lot of off condition cards to get signed so my good cards were still unblemished.

Again, condition was not important but the experience was. A future post will detail the event I attended to get these signed.

Oh yes, Happy Birthday.