This Day in MN Hockey History: Feb. 8

1942:  Frank Brimsek became just the second goaltender to record 25 shutouts as a member of the Boston Bruins, in a 3-0 win against Detroit, at Boston Garden.

1954:  Former NHL defenseman Gary Sargent born in Red Lake, MN.  Sargent played in the NHL 1975-76 through 1982-83 with Los Angeles and the Minnesota North Stars.

1960:  Hall of Fame right winger Dino Ciccarelli born in Sarnia, Ont.  Ciccarelli played in the NHL 1980-81 thru 1998-99 with the Minnesota North Stars, Washington, Detroit, Tampa Bay and Florida.

1975:  Minnesota North Stars’ rookie Peter LoPresti recorded his first career shutout, in a 5-0 win over the Flyers in Minnesota.  LoPresti became part of the first father/son combo to record a shutout in the NHL — his father Sam had four in the 1940’s.

1981:  Hartford ‘s Warren Miller scored his first career hat trick in the Whalers’ 6-6 tie against the Flyers, at Philadelphia.

1984:  Dave Christian scored a goal and added two assists to lead the Capitals to a 6-1 win over the Calgary Flames in Washington.

1985:  Williams Arena was dedicated and renamed to Mariucci Arena the “Godfather of Minnesota Hockey” on this date.

1986:  Brian Bellows scored two goals and added an assist as the Minnesota North Stars tied 3-3 with the Flyers at Philadelphia.

1988:  Philadelphia Flyers acquired Gordie Roberts from the Minnesota North Stars for a 4th round draft pick in 1989.

1994:  Final drawing of the Minnesota Artic Blast of the Roller Hockey International League was presented to the ownership group, Cities Hockey Inc. by Valentine Designs and Marketing.

2004:  The 54th National Hockey League All-Star Game took place during the 2003-2004 NHL season and was held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN, official arena of the Minnesota Wild.  The Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference 6-4.  The city of Saint Paul in honor of the All Star Game being held built an Ice Castle for the first time in over 20 years at the St. Paul Winter Carnival right across the street from the Xcel Energy Center.  Dwayne Roloson and Filip Kuba of the Minnesota Wild suited up in the game for the West All-Stars.

2007:  Minnesota rookie Niklas Backstrom made 41 saves, and Branko Radivojevic had three assists as the Wild won 4-2 over the visiting Florida Panthers.

2008:  Rookie Ryan Carter, from White Bear Lake, MN scored his first two NHL goals in the first period as the Ducks got a three-game sweep of the New York area teams (NYI, NYR, NJD).

2009:  Nick Schultz became the first player in franchise history to play 500 games in a Minnesota Wild uniform and Niklas Backstrom improved his record to 9-0-0 in home games against the Oilers after the Wild’s 3-2 shootout win over Edmonton.

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