Bob Attwell

Bob Attwell had a year to remember in 1979.

Attwell capped a three year junior career with the storied Peterborough Petes by scoring the Memorial Cup winning goal. At 2:38 of overtime Attwell potted a Larry Murphy rebound to upset the Brandon Wheat Kings. It was the first Memorial Cup championship for the Petes.

“I remember pretty clearly it was Larry Murphy who shot from the point,” said Attwell. “I was in the slot and the goalie was out of position after making the save and I put it in. After that, I remember a lot of guys jumping on my back and a lot of cheering.”

A few weeks later Attwell was drafted 106th overall in the very deep 1979 NHL Entry Draft. The Colorado Rockies took the 6'0" 190lb right winger ahead of future NHLers like Doug Crossman and Mike Krushelnyski.

Attwell turned pro that fall and had a solid 1979-80 season with Fort Worth of the Central Hockey League. He even earned his first NHL call up, scoring his first goal and assist in a seven game showing.

Attwell had an extended look the following season, getting into 15 games. He failed to register a goal but did get four helpers.

After another season in the Rockies system he signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 1982, but never played with the NHL team. By 1984 he moved to Germany to extend his career by several season.

The second generation star was born in Spokane, Washington where his father, former NHLer Ron Atwell, briefly stopped in his lengthy professional career. Interestingly, both father and son played exactly 22 NHL games in their long career, and each scored one goal.

Attwell's NHL family connections extend to Bill McCreary Sr. and Keith McCreary (uncles) and Bill McCreary Jr. (cousin)