New York Rangers legends Andy Bathgate and Harry Howell will be honored Sunday night at Madison Square Garden as the Rangers host the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Both stars first joined the Rangers in 1952. Tonight they, 57 years later, they will have their Nos. 9 and 3 retired.
Bathgate, now 76, played for the Rangers from 1952 through 64, captaining the team the last three seasons. He still ranks fourth all-time in club history with 272 goals.
The Hall of Famer was one of hockey's most devastating shooters, injuring many goalies, including Jacques Plante the night hockey was introduced to the goalie mask.
He was also the first Ranger to score 40 goals in a season in 1958 and was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1964 and helped them win the Stanley Cup. He retired in 1971.
Howell, also 76, played in a Rangers record 1,160 games, and despite playing in a lower scoring era still ranks fifth among defensemen in team history with 263 assists and 345 points.
Here are some interesting articles from around the internet:
No masking the pleasure for Bathgate and Howell - Newsday
Two Rangers Sweaters Will Rise Where a Cup Banner Didn’t - NY Times
Hats off to Harry - Hamilton Spectator
The New York Rangers website also has some great content.
John Halligan: Harry Howell Was 'Mr. Reliable'
John Halligan: Bathgate Gets His Due
Stan Fischler: Staal Stirs Memories of Howell
Stan Fischler: Bathgate a Remarkable Star
Stan Fischler: Bathgate Should Have Win Ross in '62
And some vintage articles too:
1957: Stars Make Room for Bathgate
1958: Andy Has a Touch of Greatness
1963: Howell Unsung Ranger Hero
1968: Howell 'Too Good a Man to Lose'
No comments:
Post a Comment