Herb Raglan

Herb Raglan was a strong though not quick skater, patrolling his wing relentlessly. That, and an underrated sense for the game, allowed Raglan to be a good player without the puck. He was a tenacious checker blessed with good size, and a conscientious defensive forward.

Raglan lacked the creativity and finesse skills to do a lot with the puck. He neither passed or shot exceptionally well. Any offense he generated tended to be from causing commotion in front of the net. He would occasionally bang in a loose puck here and there, but more often than not it was a teammate who would benefit while Raglan collected the bruises.

Raglan, best known as a St. Louis Blues forward, did not mind. He was a good teammate and good at what he did do. He hit punishingly and eagerly. Such physical play meant Raglan had to learn to handle himself after the whistles, too.

If it seemed like Raglan was a throwback to a different era, it was because of his upbringing. Herb is the son of Clarence "Rags" Raglan. His father played 100 games as a NHL defenseman back in the 1950s.

Unfortunately for Herb his body betrayed him too often. He was not always able to handle the physical play he embraced as it led to numerous injuries. Only once - 1987-88 - was he able to play a full NHL schedule. At his lowest point he broke his hand so badly he could only play in eleven games in 1989-90 season.

Raglan played 343 career NHL games, scoring 33 goals, 56 assists and 89 points. He extended his career by playing in the minor leagues until 1998.

Herb retired to Peterborough where he established a meat and fish market.