This week I went to the magical shoebox of random hockey cards and pulled out card #104 from the 1982-83 OPC set, Lee Fogolin.While I have written a brand new Lee Fogolin biography for this occasion, I also wanted to point out a neat story about Lee Fogolin from veteran writer Red Fisher.
It turns out Fisher, the veteran Montreal reporter, was the man who convinced Edmonton Oilers GM Glen Sather to select Fogolin in the special player draft when the Oilers and 3 other WHA teams joined the NHL in 1979.
Sather asked Fisher of his opinion on the available talent and Fisher replied:
"From what I can see, I'd have to say the best of the bunch is this one. I'm surprised Buffalo made him available."
"Lee Fogolin?" Sather asked, sounding quite surprised.
"He's a good, steady defenceman. Comes to play every night. A tough kid. If I were you, he'd be the first one I'd take."
Sather took Fogolin second, a wise choice. He would captain the team before giving the C to Wayne Gretzky, and was an important veteran presence on the young team that would quickly develop into a Stanley Cup dynasty.
Sather was so appreciative of Fisher's recommendation that he promised Fisher a Stanley Cup ring when they won the Stanley Cup.
Fisher got his Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup ring in 1984.
Click here for the full Red Fisher article.
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