This Day in MN Hockey History: Oct. 17

1972:  The Minnesota Fighting Saints 1st team “fight” came on this date between Saint – Dick Paradise, and Peter Slater of the Los Angeles Sharks of the WHA.

1979:  Hartford Whalers signed Mike Antonovich as a free agent.

1980:  Al MacAdam scored a goal and added two assists to lead the Minnesota North Stars to a 5-5 tie with the Rockies, at Colorado.

1981:  The US Hockey Hall of Fame enshrined it’s ninth-year members since opening in 1973 on this date in Eveleth, MN.  Inducted were:  Administrator: William Jennings Players: Robert Cleary & Tommy Williams.

1982  Buffalo’s Phil Housley set a team record for rookie defensemen with four first period points (on a goal and 3 assists) in a 6-4 win over Edmonton, at the Aud.  Three teenage Sabres’ rookies scored in the game – Housley, Dave Andreychuk and Paul Cyr.

1985:  Minnesota North Stars beat the Red Wings 10-1, in one of the highest scoring games in team history.  Neal Broten, Brian Bellows, Tony McKegney, Brian Lawton and Dirk Graham each had a goal and two assists.

1989:  Minnesota’s Larry Murphy picked up five assists to set a club record for defenseman as the North Stars won 6-3 over the Islanders, at New York.

1991:  Minnesota’s Jon Casey became the first goalie in team history to start a season with four straight wins and Bobby Smith picked up four assists as the North Stars won 8-2 at San Jose.

2002:  Marian Gaborik, the Wild’s first-ever draft pick, scored twice to give him 50 NHL goals, as Minnesota won 3-1 against the visiting Dallas Stars.

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