Sept 29–Mike Pelyk

Mike Pelyk

Selected by Toronto Maple Leafs round 3 #17 overall 1964 NHL Amateur Draft.

To watch Mike Pelyk skate as a junior for the Toronto Marlies in 1967 was to assume that he would be a prize on any NHL blueline. He moved with ease from point A to anywhere on a set of wheels worthy of a Corvette. And when he got where he wanted to be, he could dish out tough defense and chip in with timely offense.

His transition to the majors with the Toronto Maple Leafs was less auspicious, however. His flashes of brilliance were usually followed by defensive lapses that could only be cured through the acquisition of maturity and experience. Pelyk spent six-and-a-half seasons pursuing those qualities while delighting and frustrating Leaf fans and management along the way. His skating style was not unlike that of Frank Mahovlich. He could cover so much ice with so few strides that from the stands he appeared to be a floater with insufficient perspiration on his face. As such, he often became the object of the Garden’s boo birds.
But as the Leafs turned the corner into the 1970s, Pelyk’s maturing process appeared a little more like a feast than a famine. By 1973-74, he was finally looking like a blueliner worthy of acclaim. But no sooner than kids were no longer embarrassed to assume his name in a road-hockey game, the real Pelyk jumped to the WHA.

CAREER NHL STATISTICS Years Teams GP G A TP PIM 1967-1978 Toronto 441 26 88 114 566

CAREER NHL PLAYOFF STATISTICS Years Teams GP G A TP PIM 1969-1978 Toronto 40 0 3 3 41

Received these blue ink signed cards TTM.

Return envelope dated 1987. Now how many of these do you think there are in existence. Coupons for a free quarter pound single hamburger from Wendy’s authorised (signed) by Mike Pelyk. I think they might be three 1/1’s.

Sept 29–Mike Pelyk

Mike Pelyk

Selected by Toronto Maple Leafs round 3 #17 overall 1964 NHL Amateur Draft.

To watch Mike Pelyk skate as a junior for the Toronto Marlies in 1967 was to assume that he would be a prize on any NHL blueline. He moved with ease from point A to anywhere on a set of wheels worthy of a Corvette. And when he got where he wanted to be, he could dish out tough defense and chip in with timely offense.

His transition to the majors with the Toronto Maple Leafs was less auspicious, however. His flashes of brilliance were usually followed by defensive lapses that could only be cured through the acquisition of maturity and experience. Pelyk spent six-and-a-half seasons pursuing those qualities while delighting and frustrating Leaf fans and management along the way. His skating style was not unlike that of Frank Mahovlich. He could cover so much ice with so few strides that from the stands he appeared to be a floater with insufficient perspiration on his face. As such, he often became the object of the Garden’s boo birds.
But as the Leafs turned the corner into the 1970s, Pelyk’s maturing process appeared a little more like a feast than a famine. By 1973-74, he was finally looking like a blueliner worthy of acclaim. But no sooner than kids were no longer embarrassed to assume his name in a road-hockey game, the real Pelyk jumped to the WHA.

CAREER NHL STATISTICS Years Teams GP G A TP PIM 1967-1978 Toronto 441 26 88 114 566

CAREER NHL PLAYOFF STATISTICS Years Teams GP G A TP PIM 1969-1978 Toronto 40 0 3 3 41

Received these blue ink signed cards TTM.

Return envelope dated 1987. Now how many of these do you think there are in existence. Coupons for a free quarter pound single hamburger from Wendy’s authorised (signed) by Mike Pelyk. I think they might be three 1/1’s.

Sept 28–Don Edwards

Don Edwards

Selected by Buffalo Sabres round 5 #89 overall 1975 NHL Amateur Draft
Selected by San Diego Mariners round 10 #135 overall 1975 WHA Amateur Draft.

To say he was a steal would be a huge understatement. Edwards had a highly successful eleven-year NHL career that included stops in Buffalo, Calgary, and Toronto. Many felt his size–or lack of it–would be a major problem in the NHL.

What many find to be incredible about Don Edwards is that he did not start playing goal in hockey until he was 13, when he was able to prove to his father that he first knew how to skate properly. At 12, he was an all-star forward for his team in Binbrook, Ontario and by the following season he was their all-star goalie.

His late uncle Roy was also an NHL goalie with Detroit and Pittsburgh.

CAREER NHL STATISTICS Years Teams GP W-L-T GAA SO SV% 1977-1986 BUF, CGY, TOR 459 208-155-74 3.32 16 n/a

CAREER NHL PLAYOFF STATISTICS Years Teams GP W-L GAA SO SV% 1977-1984 Buffalo, Calgary 42 16-21 3.44 1 n/a

Received this blue sharpie signed card IP.

Sept 28–Don Edwards

Don Edwards

Selected by Buffalo Sabres round 5 #89 overall 1975 NHL Amateur Draft
Selected by San Diego Mariners round 10 #135 overall 1975 WHA Amateur Draft.

To say he was a steal would be a huge understatement. Edwards had a highly successful eleven-year NHL career that included stops in Buffalo, Calgary, and Toronto. Many felt his size–or lack of it–would be a major problem in the NHL.

What many find to be incredible about Don Edwards is that he did not start playing goal in hockey until he was 13, when he was able to prove to his father that he first knew how to skate properly. At 12, he was an all-star forward for his team in Binbrook, Ontario and by the following season he was their all-star goalie.

His late uncle Roy was also an NHL goalie with Detroit and Pittsburgh.

CAREER NHL STATISTICS Years Teams GP W-L-T GAA SO SV% 1977-1986 BUF, CGY, TOR 459 208-155-74 3.32 16 n/a

CAREER NHL PLAYOFF STATISTICS Years Teams GP W-L GAA SO SV% 1977-1984 Buffalo, Calgary 42 16-21 3.44 1 n/a

Received this blue sharpie signed card IP.

Sept 27–Jay Bouwmeester

Jay Bouwmeester

Selected by Florida Panthers round 1 #3 overall 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

 He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2003 and played seven seasons in the Panthers organization before being traded to Calgary in 2009. He holds the longest active “iron man” streak in the NHL, having appeared in 424 consecutive regular season games, and has played in two All-Star Games.

He played for the Panthers later that year. Bouwmeester played for Team Canada in the 2003 Men’s World Hockey Championship in Finland and helped the team go on to win the gold medal. He was also named to the 2004 World Championship team that won the gold medal again. In September of 2004 Bouwmeester played for Team Canada at the World Cup of Hockey. Canada won the tournament. On February 8, 2006, Hockey Canada announced Bouwmeester would be added to the 2006 Olympic lineup in place of injured defenceman Scott Niedermayer. Bouwmeester is a young up-and-comer with tremendous offensive upside. He is a skilled and speedy player with good defensive sensibilities, allowing his teammates the time and space to get up ice.

Received this blue sharpie signed magazine IP at the NHL Draft in Toronto.

Sept 27–Jay Bouwmeester

Jay Bouwmeester

Selected by Florida Panthers round 1 #3 overall 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

 He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2003 and played seven seasons in the Panthers organization before being traded to Calgary in 2009. He holds the longest active “iron man” streak in the NHL, having appeared in 424 consecutive regular season games, and has played in two All-Star Games.

He played for the Panthers later that year. Bouwmeester played for Team Canada in the 2003 Men’s World Hockey Championship in Finland and helped the team go on to win the gold medal. He was also named to the 2004 World Championship team that won the gold medal again. In September of 2004 Bouwmeester played for Team Canada at the World Cup of Hockey. Canada won the tournament. On February 8, 2006, Hockey Canada announced Bouwmeester would be added to the 2006 Olympic lineup in place of injured defenceman Scott Niedermayer. Bouwmeester is a young up-and-comer with tremendous offensive upside. He is a skilled and speedy player with good defensive sensibilities, allowing his teammates the time and space to get up ice.

Received this blue sharpie signed magazine IP at the NHL Draft in Toronto.

Sept 26–19 Players

So, what should we post today. I have nothing for any of the NINETEEN players with today as their birthdate. Should I pontificate on the upcoming provincial election. No, my wife already did that. You can check it out here if you are interested. At least I’m mentioned in an article not sports related.

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2930773&auth=PAT%20KAWAMOTO&archive=true


The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Sunday that the hockey club has reduced its’ training camp roster by 14 players. Toronto’s current training camp roster now stands at 29 players (17 forwards, nine defencemen, and three goaltenders).
Getting down to crunch time. Three more pre-season games to go before the real games begin. Bandwagon jumpers, on your mark, get set….

The 2011 Mastercard Memorial Cup Tournament has been over for over 3 months now.  Received an e-mail from them thanking the volunteers once again. They also mentioned Now it’s time for our 2011-12 Ontario Hockey League home opener and we’d like to say thanks to you all one more time by inviting you and a guest to see the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors open the season against the Owen Sound Attack on Friday, Sept. 30 at 7:35 p.m. at the Hershey Centre. We’ll give you the details of how we’d like to acknowledge you all then.They want a reply if you are going and they will acknowledge us somehow. I’m going, first off, I love hockey, it’s free and maybe some swag. On a related note

 The Paul Henderson Jersey Homecoming Tour will be coming to Mississauga on Friday, September 30th, 2011 at Tomken Arena located at 4495 Tomken Road. 
Join the MHL as we celebrate the career and leadership of Paul Henderson with the naming of Tomken Rink #1 in his honour.  There will be a memorabilia trailer open to the public from 4pm until 9pm. Paul Henderson himself will be in attendance from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.  MHL games will start at 6:00pm and the Paul Henderson Rink Dedication Ceremony will take place at 7:00pm.

Maybe theres some connection here. One never knows.

Sept 26–19 Players

So, what should we post today. I have nothing for any of the NINETEEN players with today as their birthdate. Should I pontificate on the upcoming provincial election. No, my wife already did that. You can check it out here if you are interested. At least I’m mentioned in an article not sports related.

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2930773&auth=PAT%20KAWAMOTO&archive=true


The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Sunday that the hockey club has reduced its’ training camp roster by 14 players. Toronto’s current training camp roster now stands at 29 players (17 forwards, nine defencemen, and three goaltenders).
Getting down to crunch time. Three more pre-season games to go before the real games begin. Bandwagon jumpers, on your mark, get set….

The 2011 Mastercard Memorial Cup Tournament has been over for over 3 months now.  Received an e-mail from them thanking the volunteers once again. They also mentioned Now it’s time for our 2011-12 Ontario Hockey League home opener and we’d like to say thanks to you all one more time by inviting you and a guest to see the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors open the season against the Owen Sound Attack on Friday, Sept. 30 at 7:35 p.m. at the Hershey Centre. We’ll give you the details of how we’d like to acknowledge you all then.They want a reply if you are going and they will acknowledge us somehow. I’m going, first off, I love hockey, it’s free and maybe some swag. On a related note

 The Paul Henderson Jersey Homecoming Tour will be coming to Mississauga on Friday, September 30th, 2011 at Tomken Arena located at 4495 Tomken Road. 
Join the MHL as we celebrate the career and leadership of Paul Henderson with the naming of Tomken Rink #1 in his honour.  There will be a memorabilia trailer open to the public from 4pm until 9pm. Paul Henderson himself will be in attendance from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.  MHL games will start at 6:00pm and the Paul Henderson Rink Dedication Ceremony will take place at 7:00pm.

Maybe theres some connection here. One never knows.

Sept 25–16 Players

Since I have nothing for any of the 16 players who have today as their birthday, this from Aug 27, when I was on holidays and didn’t post, here is

Robin Burns

Left-winger Robin Burns played nearly 200 NHL games in the 1970s. He was a decent goal scorer whose career statistics would have been better if his time was spent with better teams.

The Montreal native played a year with Notre Dame de Grace before joining the Montreal Junior Canadiens in 1964-65. He was a solid grinder for three years in junior then played two seasons in the CHL with the Houston Apollos. After spending a year with the Montreal Voyageurs of the AHL, Burns was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins by the Montreal Canadiens.

Burns played sparingly for the Pens during his three years with their organization. Much of his time was spent with the Hershey Bears of the AHL where he led all playoff scorers with ten goals in 14 games while helping the club win the Calder Cup in 1974. Burns received his best shot to play in the NHL after he was claimed by the expansion Kansas City Scouts in June 1974. He scored 31 goals in two seasons and was a major boost to the club’s power play. He also provided grit and leadership but the young team struggled and only looked good when compared to their expansion cousins, the Washington Capitals. Burns retired after being phased out when the club retooled prior to its move to Colorado in 1976.

He founded the ITECH hockey brand in 1984 with the launch of his innovative fully clear facial visor, a first in the hockey protective industry. He was the cousin of former NHL coach Pat Burns.

Blue ink signed card TTM.

Return envelope

Letter from Lisa apologizing for the delay, dated Jan 1986.

Sept 25–16 Players

Since I have nothing for any of the 16 players who have today as their birthday, this from Aug 27, when I was on holidays and didn’t post, here is

Robin Burns

Left-winger Robin Burns played nearly 200 NHL games in the 1970s. He was a decent goal scorer whose career statistics would have been better if his time was spent with better teams.

The Montreal native played a year with Notre Dame de Grace before joining the Montreal Junior Canadiens in 1964-65. He was a solid grinder for three years in junior then played two seasons in the CHL with the Houston Apollos. After spending a year with the Montreal Voyageurs of the AHL, Burns was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins by the Montreal Canadiens.

Burns played sparingly for the Pens during his three years with their organization. Much of his time was spent with the Hershey Bears of the AHL where he led all playoff scorers with ten goals in 14 games while helping the club win the Calder Cup in 1974. Burns received his best shot to play in the NHL after he was claimed by the expansion Kansas City Scouts in June 1974. He scored 31 goals in two seasons and was a major boost to the club’s power play. He also provided grit and leadership but the young team struggled and only looked good when compared to their expansion cousins, the Washington Capitals. Burns retired after being phased out when the club retooled prior to its move to Colorado in 1976.

He founded the ITECH hockey brand in 1984 with the launch of his innovative fully clear facial visor, a first in the hockey protective industry. He was the cousin of former NHL coach Pat Burns.

Blue ink signed card TTM.

Return envelope

Letter from Lisa apologizing for the delay, dated Jan 1986.