It didn't work. Rosie scored just 10 goals in 69 games. The year before Paiement had no trouble scoring goals. He finished the 1970-71 season with 34 goals, including a remarkable 16 goals in a 15-game stretch, including a four-goal night. Life was indeed rosy for the man known as Rosie.
"I've always had trouble scoring goals," said the forward. "I try to make up for it in other ways, such as taking care of a lot of the tough situations - acting as sort of a policeman."
Paiement was certainly no heavyweight, but he did answer the bell when needed. He certainly had a good upbringing when it came to fighting for attention. He was one of 16 children born a Canadian arm-wrestling champion!
Still, past performances proved that Paiement was a capable contributor on offence. As a junior he helped the Niagara Falls Flyers to win the Memorial Cup. He had an impressive 61-goal season with the New Jersey Devils of the EHL in 1966. He also netted 18 markers as a member of the Quebec Aces of the AHL in 1967-68.
Andn his very first post-season match at the NHL level in 1968, Paiement enjoyed perhaps his greatest career moment by notching a hat trick against Glenn Hall of the St. Louis Blues.
Maintaining consistency on offence, though, proved to be a difficult challenge for the robust forward. Written off by many, Paiement regained his scoring touch in the World Hockey Association, recording 33 markers with the Chicago Cougars in his first year in the league. He went on to play 455 games over six seasons in the WHA.
Paiement`s career came to an abrupt end in a fight with Dave Semenko. Paiement`s eye was injured so badly that he had to stop playing the game.
Here`s a video of Paiement in a fight against another player you may have heard of - Bobby Orr
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