Bob Fitchner

When you think of the all time greats who once played for the old Quebec Nordiques you think of Peter Stastny, Michel Goulet, Dale Hunter or Joe Sakic. And old WHA fans will be quick to point out the likes of Buddy Cloutier, Serge Bernier, Marc Tardif, J.C. Tremblay and Richard Brodeur.

But not too many fans ever bring up the name Bob Fitchner.

Fitchner was a mainstay on the Nords during the WHA years in the 1970s. He played over 400 games in the WHA, also appearing with Edmonton and Indianapolis before moving to La Belle Province. He made the jump with the franchise to the NHL for one season before disappearing from the NHL.

With all that fire power on those WHA Nordiques teams, Fitchner found a role as an underrated defensive forward. He was a crucial faceoff specialist and an excellent penalty killer. He only scored 51 goals over 6 seasons in Quebec, but his coaches and teammates will tell you he was very much - and very quietly - a valuable member of a strong Nordiques squad that captured the 1977 WHA championship.