Rob Walton

Rob Walton is perhaps most famous for being the brother of Mike "Shakey" Walton, a talented though eccentric long time NHLer/WHAer. While Shakey won numerous trophies (including 2 Stanley Cups), Rob was a well travelled minor leaguer who also saw time in the WHA.

Rob was a graduate of the Niagara Falls Flyers of the OHA, and was drafted 61st overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1969 NHL Entry Draft. However Rob struggled at the CHL and AHL levels, after turning pro in 1969.

It wasn't until Rob moved to Seattle of the WHL that he really found his game. Granted, the WHL wasn't the same quality as the AHL, but Rob became a star, leading the league in scoring in his first and only season in the WHL. Rob scored 40 goals and 101 points that season.

The upstart World Hockey Association took notice if the NHL did not. Rob signed with the Minnesota Fighting saints for the 1973-74 season. The Saints also went after Rob's bigger brother Shakey, who was a star with the Boston Bruins.

That 1973-74 season was one to remember for the Waltons, as it was a dream come true for the brothers to play together. And they shared some good success as well, especially Shakey who led the entire WHA in scoring!

But the dream season was short even if it was sweet. After 45 games in which Rob scored 8 goals and 31 points, Rob was traded to the Vancouver Blazers, splitting up the brothers.

Shakey continued on in Minnesota for 2 more years before he too found his way to Vancouver, although he joined the NHL Canucks. By that time Rob had moved on to the Calgary Cowboys (WHA) organization, but he spent most of his final seasons buried in the NAHL - a minor league for the WHA.

Rob retired for good after a 9 game stint in the IHL in 1979-80. He scored 40 goals and 111 points in the WHA. Although he never made it to the NHL, Rob has few regrets in hockey.