Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Blow Out the Candles

Rogie Vachon turns 64 today. He played for 16 seasons in the NHL and finished with a goals against average of 2.99. His #30 jersey was the first retired by the LA Kings.

1973-74 Topps #64 Rogatien Vachon

Rogie has a bit of a Wally Pip story. For the first 71 games of the 1970-71 season Rogie was the Montreal Canadiens primary netminder. Right before the playoffs, in order to give him a bit of a rest, Montreal called up a young goalie. He was so impressive that they played him in all the remaining 6 games of the season. He gave up only 9 goals in those 6 games. Playing a hunch Head Coach Al MacNeil decided to start the rookie in game 1 of the playoffs. They lost but the rookie went on to play in all 20 games en route to a finals win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Rogie was traded at the beginning of the next season to the L.A. Kings.

BTW the young goalie led the Canadiens to 5 more Stanley Cups. He is HOF'er Ken Dryden.

1972-73 Topps #160 Ken Dryden

Today is also singer/songwriter Aimee Mann's birthday. She is turning 49 today. I've loved her since 'Til Tuesday's Voices Carry.




3 comments:

  1. I loved that Rogie Vachon card and that whole set actually. Maybe it is because it was my first taste of hockey cards, but I have always loved that look.

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  2. sweet cards of two of my favourites...

    ReplyDelete