The busy week that was

From the '67 Leafs to The Hanson Brothers, from a goalie from Willowdale to the first Norwegian ever in the NHL, and from Maple Leaf Gardens to a Loblaw's grocery store, it's been a hectic week here at Legends. We even threw in Guy Lafleur's disco album, just for kicks.

Readership levels are growing incredibly. Since so many of my readers continue to be first timers, I wanted to give them a chance to catch up today. Here's a run-down on the week that was.

The week started with a tribute to the 1967 Toronto Maple Leafs. I profiled every player from that '67 team, including Johnny Bower, Dave Keon, Frank Mahovlich, and Tim Horton. I then posted a post-celebration piece wondering where was the Stanley Cup, and answering why Eddie Shack was not on hand.

Shortly after the celebrations, Loblaws made the long speculation official - they'll be turning the Maple Leaf Gardens in a grocery store.

A second feature story was presented this week. It is Black History Month, and I took a detailed look at the history of black hockey. More specifically, I looked at some of the greatest black hockey players, including Herbie Carnegie, Willie O'Ree, Mike Marson, Tony McKegney, and Grant Fuhr.

In addition to the new biographies featured in the '67 Leafs and Black Hockey History features, I got new profiles up on Canucks standout goaltender Kirk McLean, Norwegian pioneer Bjorn Skaare, and of course The Hanson Brothers, though I try to offer a glimpse of the 4, yes 4 men behind the coke bottle glasses and high sticks. I also highlighted a little-told story about how former Canucks goalie Gary Bromley saved a life while on vacation in Hawaii.

Growing tired of the internet trade rumours, I ripped into rumour sites and took a look at the history of the trade deadline. Quick synopsis: acquiring the big name player at the deadline rarely works. You're better off to tinker.

And over at Hockey's Tough Guys I posted YouTube video of Ron Hextall and Chris Chelios' feud in the 1989 playoffs, and of a rare Rangers/Leafs brawl in 1971 featuring Vic Hadfield and Jim Harrison in the main bout. Keep watching the old video and you'll see one of the Rangers players throw Bernie Parent's mask into the crowd, drawing the ire of King Clancy and umpteen police.

And lastly, I referred to the recently discovered YouTube footage of the little known Guy Lafleur Disco Album from 1979. Yes, Guy Lafleur - CBC describes him as "the Baryshnikov of the hockey rink" and "a man who really knows something about Saturday Night Fever" - released a hockey instructional album set to disco music.



Enjoy your weekend everybody. I'm going to be busy posting, so be sure to come back often!