This Day in MN Hockey History: Dec. 16

1939:  Former NHL right winger Wayne Connelly born in Rouyn, Que.  Connelly played in the NHL 1960-61 through 1971-72 with Montreal, Boston, the Minnesota North Stars, Detroit, St. Louis and Vancouver.

1941:  Frank Brimsek recorded his 23rd career shutout, and Bill Cowley picked up three assists as the Bruins won 4-0 over the Montreal Canadiens.  Montreal’s rookie goalie Paul Bibeault made 52 saves in defeat.

1944:  Former NHL left winger Leo Thiffault born in Drummondville, Que.  Thiffault played in the NHL 1967-68 with the Minnesota North Stars.

1967:  Cesare Maniago recorded his 3rd straight shutout (in 4 days) as the Minnesota North Stars won 1-0 in Oakland.  The Stars became the first NHL expansion team to get three straight shutouts and the first to win 5 straight games on the road.

1972:  Minnesota North Stars extended their team-record home undefeated streak to 12 straight games (11-0-1) with a 5-1 win over the New York Rangers.

1975:  Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Stan Gilbertson from the Washington Capitals in exchange for Harvey Bennett.

1977:  Former Minnesota Wild center Eric Belanger born in Sherbrooke, Que.  Belanger has played in the NHL since 2000-01.

1980:  Hartford Whalers Gordie Roberts was traded to the Minnesota North Stars for Mike Fidler.

1981:  Colorado Rockies’ Aaron Broten tied a team record for most assists in a game by a rookie, when he scored 3 in a 7-4 loss to the visiting Edmonton Oilers.

1983:  Former Legendary Univeristy of Minnesota Duluth Head Coach, and school Athletic Director Ralph A. Romano passed away.

1984:  Mark Napier and Brian Bellows each scored a goal and three assists to lead the Minnesota North Stars to a 5-3 win over the Black Hawks at Chicago.

1989:  Mike Ramsey played in his 700th career NHL game as the Sabres won 3-1 at Boston.

1993:  The International Hockey League (IHL) grants approval for Kevin MacLean and Roger Sturgeon rights to an expansion franchise in the Twin Cities for play beginning in the 1994-95 season.  Minnesota becomes the 15th team to join the league and is named the ‘Minnesota Moose’ in a fan contest on May 20, 1994.

2011:  New Jersey Devils retired Scott Niedermayer’s #27 jersey in a pre-game ceremony before a 6-3 win over the visiting Dallas Stars.  Zach Parise led the scoring with a goal and three assists.

Courtesy of Vintage Minnesota Hockey.com,
your No. 1 source for Vintage Minnesota Hockey History and Hockey Apparel!