Jordy Douglas

Veteran superstar Dave Keon may have been 40 years old by the 1979-80 seasons, but the man could still play.

Just ask Jordy Douglas.

Douglas was a NHL rookie that season, though he got his feet wet with a season in the World Hockey Association the season before, playing with Gordie Howe at times. Douglas had the great fortune to play along side the legendary Keon for much of that first season and Douglas responded with a strong 33 goal, 57 point season.

The Whalers lost more games than they had won, but young Douglas must have been cloud nine. He ranked third on the team in goals scored behind Blaine Stoughton and Mike Rogers, but some of his other teammates including Gordie Howe, Mark Howe and Bobby Hull.

Douglas' season ended prematurely, however. He suffered a broken collarbone in the 77th game of the season, causing him to miss the playoffs.

Though Douglas would play on in the National Hockey League into the 1984-85 season, he never was able to produce at the same rate again. He would score only 43 more times in those five seasons.

Injuries definitely played a role in that. In 1980-81 he suffered a hairline fracture in his foot. The next year he missed most of the campaign with separated shoulder that required surgery.

The former Flin Flon Bombers junior scoring star also played in the NHL with the Minnesota North Stars and Winnipeg Jets.

He finished his career in Finland before returning to Manitoba where he worked in the financial services industry. He also coached youth hockey and worked Manitoba Moose radio broadcasts.

Jordy Douglas played in 268 NHL games, scoring 76 goals and 138 points.