Del Hall

Smooth skating Del Hall was a goal scorer everywhere he went.

Hall did not play major junior hockey and as such he was off most NHL team's radar. He only played Tier 2 hockey out of Chatham, Ontario. But the California Golden Seals offered him a contract in 1971.

"One of the reasons I was scouted while playing for Chatham was that an NHL scout lived in the immediate area," Hall said. "It wasn't much trouble for him to watch us on occasion, and he thought enough of me to invite me to the Seals 1972 training camp for a tryout."

The Seals were impressed enough to keep him and send him to their farm team to apprentice.

"I really didn't know what to expect when I first reported to camp. Most of the other players there were better known than I was. I wondered if I could keep up with them. After a few workouts, however, I realized I could."

Over the next three seasons Hall would develop into a good goal scorer at the minor league level, most notably with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles.

"Aside from being a good shooter, he is a very good checker for his somewhat small size," said coach Al Rollins. "His strongest asset, however, is his speed. When he gets in a race for the puck he can shift into a speed few players anywhere can match."

He would be called up to the NHL in each of those three seasons, totalling nine games played. He would score in each of his last two games, the only two goals in his NHL career.

By 1975 Hall jumped to the World Hockey Association and became a star with the Phoenix Roadrunners. His first season he erupted to lead the entire team with 47 goals and earn All Star status. The next year he proved it was no fluke, adding 38 more.

Hall would play one more season in the WHA, but injuries decimated his what would prove to be his final season on the ice.

Del Hall returned to Salt Lake City once he hung up his skates.