Absurd Goalie Monday: Jim Pettie

This installment includes a goalie who has his own attachment to a certain Bruins/Blackhawks match-up, though it was in the beginning of the season rather than the end. For a man they called "Seaweed" due to his hair, he had a small shelf-life, but he'll live on thanks to that and being a main part in a well-known novel. This week, the profile of Jim Pettie.

Starting in the 1972-73 season, Pettie played in the OHA for the St. Catherines Black Hawks for 31 games and registering a 5.04 GAA in that span. It wouldn't deter the Boston Bruins from picking Pettie in the 9th Round of the Draft in 1973.

Pettie made the jump to the pros during the 1973-74 season, playing in the IHL with the Dayton Gems, playing in 118 games between the 1973-74 season and the 1975-76 season (no record provided). During the 1975-76 season, Pettie went 12-3 in the Turner Cup playoffs to help the Gems win the Turner Cup. During that run, Pettie played in the North American League for the Binghamton Whalers for five games.

The Bruins gave Pettie a boost in the 1976-77 season, placing him in the AHL with the Rochester Americans, where he would play 43 games and have a record of 26-15-1, then go 6-5 in the playoffs. Pettie was called up to the Bruins and won his only game; which was the first time a Bruins goalie would play against Bobby Orr-- who was with the Blackhawks at the time.

At the start of 1977 training camp, Pettie was roomed with author George Plimpton as the latter was doing research for his upcoming book, "Open Net." Because of that, Pettie was referenced in the book plenty of times. Pettie returned to Rochester for the 1977-78 season, posting a 16-12-4 record in 32 games, while losing his only game when he was called up to the Bruins. During the 1978-79 season, Pettie was up with the Bruins for most of the season, going 8-6-2 in 19 games as the back-up. Also that season, Pettie went 0-7-1 in nine games with Rochester.

Before the 1979-80 season, Pettie was signed by the New York Rangers, but was placed in the AHL with the New Haven Nighthawks, going 16-13-3 in 33 games; then 1-1 in the playoffs. For the 1980-81 season, Pettie played with the Central League's Birmingham Bulls, playing in 21 games with a GAA of 5.50, while also playing one game for the Eastern League's Richmond Rifles, which was a loss. After that season, Pettie would retire.

Not for long in the NHL or hockey in general, Pettie does live on in a well-known book and has the distinguished honor for being the first Bruin to play against Bruins legend Bobby Orr, so despite not much of a stat-line, he'll always have those things to hang his hat on.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Roberto Romano

This week's AGM is a guy who almost gave up before his career was able to take off. With the pressures of a young starting goalie in a certain market, it was almost too much for this week's goalie-- but he was able to level himself off a bit and made a decent career for himself. This week, the profile of Roberto Romano.

Romano started off in the QMJHL playing for the Quebec Remparts in the 1979-80 season, going 20-14-3 in 52 appearances, then 1-2 in the post-season. During the 1980-81 season, Romano would play in 59 games for Quebec and post an even 24-24-2 record (1-2 again in the post-season), while playing only one game for Quebec in 1981-82, which was a loss. Romano was traded during that season to the Hull Olympiques and played in 56 games and finished with a 34-17-2 record and then 6-7 in the playoffs.

As an undrafted goalie, Romano finished his junior career as a free agent. The Pittsburgh Penguins signed Romano before the 1982-83 season, playing most of that time in the AHL with the Baltimore Skipjacks. With Baltimore, Romano went 19-14-3 in 38 games, then finishing with an 0-3-0 record with the Penguins that season. For the 1983-84 season, Romano went an impressive 23-6-1 with Baltimore before being called up to the Penguins and going 6-11-0 in 18 games. It wasn't a stellar 1984-85 season, as with Baltimore, Romano posted a 2-8-2 record; but in Pittsburgh-- the record of 9-17-2 was enough to make Romano think about retiring after that season.

Trying to earn his teammates and his organizations trust back, Romano fought back in training camp and was somewhat better in the 1985-86 season, finishing with a 21-20-3 record. It was a hectic split season in the 1986-87 season for Romano, spending five games in Baltimore (0-3-0) while also spending 25 games in Pittsburgh (9-11-2) before adding some other destinations to his resume.

On February 6th, 1987, Romano was traded to the Boston Bruins for Pat Riggin. Romano played one game in Boston that season (a loss) and appeared in relief for one game with the team's AHL affiliate, the Moncton Golden Flames, but didn't figure in the decision. The 1987-88 season saw Romano play for the Maine Mariners for 16 games and ended up with a 5-8-1 record.

After that season, Romano went international and went to Italy to play. From the 1988-89 season until the 1992-93 season; Romano played with HC Merano, HC Bolzano, HC Milano Saima, HC Milano, and Romano gained his Italian citizenship; which allowed him to play for Italy in the 1992 World Championships.

Returning to North America in the 1993-94 season, Romano signed again with the Penguins and knew that the IHL's Cleveland Lumberjacks would be the destination of choice. With Cleveland, Romano went 2-7-2 in 11 games; but due to injuries, Romano was called up to Pittsburgh for two games and went 1-0-1 in that times. After that season, Romano hung up the pads.

For a player who was on a subpar team and almost quit because he wasn't playing up to snuff-- Romano was able to actually rebound (all things considered) and make a steady career for himself. It also allowed him to actually get outside of North America and experience his Italian heritage side and representing that nation.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Rob Holland

As greatness retires, it's always big shoes to fill. This week's AGM is one guy who didn't get the chance to make his mark after a legendary goalie because he didn't develop fast enough in the minors. While he did make a name in the minors, his short time in the NHL is something he would probably want to actually make up for. This week, the profile of Rob Holland.

In the 1974-75 season, Holland started playing in Junior A with the Longueuil Lions; where he would play for 36 games. Moving up to the QMJHL's Montreal Juniors, Holland played 37 games in the 1975-76 season, finishing with a 17-16-2 record, then 2-4 in the playoffs. For the 1976-77 season, Holland stayed with the Juniors and went 17-21-3 in 45 games before going 4-7 in 13 playoff appearances.

The Montreal Canadiens selected Holland in the 4th Round of the 1977 Draft and for the 1977-78 season, placed him in the AHL with the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, where Holland would finish with a 13-14-11 record, as well as finishing with a 2-3 playoff record. Back in Nova Scotia for the 1978-79 season, Holland played in 43 games and posted a 18-19-2 record, while losing his only playoff appearance. Holland and Maurice Barrett would share the Hap Holmes Award for fewest goals against in the AHL.

With Ken Dryden retiring, and Holland not progressing as the Canadiens had thought; the Habs sent Holland and Pat Hughes to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Denis Herron and a pick. For the 1979-80 season with the Penguins, Holland played in 34 games and finished with a 10-17-6 record. In the 1980-81 season, Holland bounced around-- playing for the Penguins for 10 games (1-5-3), then moved to the AHL with the Binghamton Whalers for seven games (1-4-0), and landed finally in the Central League with the Indianapolis Checkers for 15 games (6-6-2).

In the summer of 1981, the Penguins traded Holland's right to the New York Islanders, but Holland spent the 1981-82 season with the Indianapolis Checkers, playing in 30 games and compiling a 15-11-1 record, being a part of the Adams Cup winners with the Checkers, and sharing the Terry Sawchuk Trophy for fewest goals-against with Kelly Hrudey. Also in 1981-82, Holland spent seven games with the IHL's Toledo Goaldiggers. During the 1982-83 season, Holland returned to Indianapolis and played in 38 games; finishing with a 24-11-1, then 2-1 in the playoffs on his way to a second straight Adams Cup championship, as well as a second straight Terry Sawchuk Trophy with Hrudey.

Holland returned to Indianapolis in the 1983-84 season, but the record didn't go with him through history. However, as the Checkers moved to the IHL, Holland did too-- playing in 57 games during the 1984-85 season and sporting a 23-29-3 record. In the 1985-86 campaign, Holland played in 39 games for Indianapolis (conflicting records provided), as well as moving to the AHL's Springfield Indians for eight games and finished there with a 6-2-0 record.

Finally in the 1986-87 season, Holland moved to the Milwaukee Admirals of the IHL and played in 66 games in the regular season and six in the post-season. After that season, Holland would retire from hockey.

While he had the chance to follow in the footsteps of the legend, his team didn't believe in Holland's abilities to take over the workload. When he did get his chance, Holland wasn't on the right team with the support he could need. While he did gang-busters in the minors, he was never able to get back to the pinnacle of the NHL after his cup-of-coffee.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Fred Brathwaite

While this goalie is a fresh retiree, he does have quite a resume to show. From winning a Memorial Cup to scoring a goal in the IHL, to being in a hip-hop video, this week's AGM savvy nature has made him a great personality in the game and has moved him along to a life in hockey by coaching and technology, as well. This week, the profile of Fred Brathwaite.

Brathwaite's start was in Junior "A" in the 1988-89 season with the Smiths Falls Bears, where he would play in 38 games and have a record of 16-18-1, while in the 1989-90 season-- Brathwaite played in Junior "B" for the Orilla Terriers for 15 games before getting a call-up.

The call-up for Brathwaite was to the Oshawa Generals of the OHL, where he would finish that campaign with a 11-2-1 record in 20 games, then went 4-2 in 10 playoff games, as the Generals won the OHL title. In the Memorial Cup that year, Brathwaite played one game (a win) en route to the Generals winning the Memorial Cup. In the 1990-91 season, Brathwaite appeared in 39 games for Oshawa and compile a 25-6-3 record, then post a 9-2 record in 13 playoff games. The 1991-92 season put Brathwaite in Oshawa again, but only for 24 games (12-7-2), then he was dealt to the London Knights where he would go 15-6-2 in 23 games, then 5-5 in the playoffs. Brathwaite was on the move once again before the 1992-93 season, where he would play for the Detroit Jr. Red Wings, putting up a 23-10-4 record in 37 games while going 9-6 in the playoffs.

Going undrafted, Brathwaite was signed by the Edmonton Oilers before the 1993-94 season, where he would go 3-10-3 in 19 appearances, while being sent down to the AHL's Cape Breton Oilers for two games going 1-1-0. The lockout shortened 1994-95 season had Brathwaite in Edmonton the entire season, posting a 2-5-1 record in 14 games. Brathwaite struggled with Edmonton in the 1995-96 season, going 0-2-0 in seven games before having a stint in the AHL with Cape Breton, where he would have a 12-16-0 record in his 31 games there.

With no NHL contract, Brathwaite signed with the IHL's Manitoba Moose for the 1996-97 season, where he would put up a 22-22-5 record in 58 games, but he would record a goal in November of 1996. Returning to Manitoba in the 1997-98 season, Brathwaite had a 23-18-4 record in 51 games, then went 0-1 in two playoff games.

Brathwaite moved onto the Canadian National Team at the beginning of the 1998-99 season, playing 24 exhibitions and going 6-8-3 in those games before he would get a solid break.

In January of 1999, Brathwaite was signed by the Calgary Flames and would play 28 games the rest of that season, posting an 11-9-7 record along the way. The 1999-2000 season allowed Brathwaite to get starting goalie time, playing in 61 games and finishing with a 25-25-7 record for the Flames, as well as going to the AHL for two games (both wins) with the Saint John Flames; in addition to that-- Brathwaite played a game in the World Championships for Canada, a loss. In the 2000-01 season, Brathwaite played in 49 games for Calgary and went 15-17-10, while on the Canadian team in the World Championship-- Brathwaite played in four games with a 3-1-0 record.

During the summer of 2001, Brathwaite along with Daniel Tkaczuk, Sergei Varlamov, and a pick went to the St. Louis Blues for Roman Turek and a draft pick. With the Blues in the 2001-02 season, Brathwaite was a back-up to Brent Johnson and would play in 25 games and finishing with a 9-11-4 record and playing in six seconds of a playoff game. In the 2002-03 season, Brathwaite was a part of a seven goalie system in St. Louis-- playing in 30 games and finished with a 12-9-4 record.

Brathwaite signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets before the 2003-04 season and would go to 4-11-1 in 21 games, while playing in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch for three games and finishing with a 0-2-1 record.

Brathwaite went overseas for the 2004-05 season to play with Ak Bars Kazan in the Russian Super League, playing for two years there in 66 games with 14 shutouts in that time. Brathwaite came back to North America for the 2006-07 season, signing with the Atlanta Thrashers, but being assigned to the AHL's Chicago Wolves, playing in 40 games with a 22-13-5 record to show. In the 2007-08 season with the Wolves, Brathwaite only appeared in 13 games (10-2-0) before leaving the team and going back over to Russia to play with Avangard Omsk for 18 games to end out the season.

Staying in Europe, but moving to Germany, Brathwaite started out with Adler Mannheim in the 2008-09 season, playing in 49 contests and posting a 27-22-0 with six shutouts, then 5-4 in the playoffs, a performance good enough for Brathwaite to get the German League MVP. During the 2009-10 season, Brathwaite put up a 21-25-0 record for Mannheim in 47 games, then 0-2 in the playoffs; while in the 2010-11 season, Brathwaite went 25-24-0 for a 49 game season, then 3-3 in the playoffs.

Brathwaite attempted to get another NHL role, but has been unable to find a spot-- settling for an assistant goalie coach for Adler Mannheim. As well, Brathwaite is the Public Relations director for a new stadium smartphone app called SweetSeat, where fans can order food, drink, or merchandise from their seat and have it delivered to them.

With brief promises, the cards seemed to be stacked against Brathwaite-- being shuffled around a logjam of goalies from organization to organization. While he did start out to be a solid prospect, it never turned out-- but he chalked up many miles to keep his dream alive and well, regardless of cost.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Jim McLeod

It's getting harder and harder to find unique stories, but this week's could be one for the archives. This week's AGM was bounced around at the beginning and ending of his career, but when he found stability-- he shined. With a lot of team and personal awards at the end-- it's a shame he doesn't get more recongition. This week, the profile of Jim McLeod.

McLeod started in the 1955-56 season with the semi-pro Port Arthur Bearcats, then moved onto the Vernon Canadians from the 1956-57 season until the 1959-60 season totalling up 56 games in the span (no records given), then was loaned out to the Kelowna Packers for the 1960 Allan Cup playdown rounds, where he would go 0-3 in those games.

Turning pro in the 1960-61 season, McLeod played for the IHL's Muskegon Zephyrs for 62 games (no record), then would go 5-8 in 13 playoff games. McLeod got called up by the WHL's Seattle Totems for seven games with a 5-2-0 record. Returning to Muskegon for the 1961-62 season, McLeod would play 47 games, then go 8-1 in the playoffs-- helping Muskegon to the Turner Cup. McLeod again went to play for the Totems, going 6-6-0 in 12 games.

McLeod would roam around the WHL for the next two season, playing in the 1962-63 season with the San Francisco Seals and finished with a 43-23-1 record, then he would go 10-7 in 17 playoff games, helping them win the Lester Patrick Cup. The 1963-64 season had McLeod go down the coast to play for the Los Angeles Blades in the 1963-64 season, finishing 18-15-6 in 38 games, then going 2-2 in five playoff games.

Getting some stability for the time, McLeod would play for the Seattle Totems again in the 1964-65 season, where he would go 35-27-3 in 65 games, then 3-4 in the playoffs. McLeod would win the Leading Goaltender Award in the WHL. With the Totems in the 1965-66 season, McLeod would play in 46 games and post a 20-23-2 record, while going 26-11-4 in 42 games for the 1966-67 season, then 6-2 in the playoffs, leading the Totems to the Patrick Cup. McLeod would win another Leading Goaltender Award after the season.

The Totems traded McLeod before the 1967-68 season, to the Portland Buckaroos, where McLeod would go 18-10-4 in 33 games, then 4-3 in the playoffs on his way to another Leading Goaltender Award, splitting with Marv Edwards. McLeod got back into it with Portland in the 1968-69 season, playing in 42 games and registering a 23-9-8 record, then 4-3 in the playoffs. Another split Leading Goaltender Award, this time with Dave Kelly was to be had. Playing only 33 games in 1969-70, McLeod went 21-9-0 before going 5-4 in the playoffs; while during the 1970-71 season, McLeod had a 32-10-3 record in 47 contests, then 8-3 in the playoffs helping Portland to win the Patrick Cup. McLeod and Kelly would split the Leading Goaltender Award that year.

During the 1971 Intraleague Draft, the St. Louis Blues picked up McLeod to go with the rest of their goalie in their system. McLeod did get into 16 games for the Blues in the 1971-72 season and put up a 6-6-4 record. McLeod would return to Portland later in the season and play 13 games with a 9-3-0 record, before going 5-6 in the playoffs.

With the WHA coming around, McLeod got swiped up by the Chicago Cougars in their Draft and would go 22-25-2 in the 1972-73 season. The Cougars would trade McLeod to the New York/New Jersey Raiders for the 1973-74 season, where McLeod posted a 3-7-0 record in 10 games before being traded to the Los Angeles Sharks, in which McLeod posted a 4-13-0 record in 17 games.

The 1974-75 season was a wild one for McLeod-- the Sharks relocated to Michigan and became the Stag, where he would go 3-6-1 in 16 games. Then McLeod moved to the North American Pro League's Syracuse Blazers when the Stags moved to Baltimore and with the Blazers, McLeod played in three games, winning them all. Finally that year, McLeod played two games with the Greensboro Generals of the Southern Hockey League, but no record is provided.

While he was bounced around from team to team at the beginning and end of his career, McLeod did win multiple top goalie awards, won the same championship with three different teams, and still managed to get some professional games in, as short of a time that it was. Not so bad for a guy who will go under the radar for most people out there.

A Look At The Minor League Lifer

In the course of a week, there has been two different articles talking about players being the "Crash Davis" of minor league hockey. NHL.com talked about Darren Haydar's time in the AHL, while Adrian Dater was all about Brad Smyth's cross-continent approach when playing.

Haydar has played 23 NHL games over four seasons over an 11-year career and Smyth has 88 over eight seasons over an 18-year career; so I would give an edge to Haydar when it comes to the Crash Davis tag since he has much more of a "cup of coffee" status rather than Smyth.

The idea of having two Crash Davis's confuses me because, much like the Highlander, there must only be one. Aside from the 1980s movie references, it got me thinking who could be the most minor league of minor league players. There has been many lifers in the lower leagues without getting the most notoriety when all is said and done.

You have to go to the record books, obviously, to see who has the most games played and how they go about the minor league approach. The AHL has the types like Willie Marshall, who played in the 50's and 60's where the AHL itself was a very competitive league and had talent almost like the NHL, but were hooped because of the limited amount of teams in the NHL. Marshall did play 33 games with the Maple Leafs over four seasons, his last game during the 1958-59 season and didn't retire until 1971-72, finishing with a record 1,205 games in the AHL.

Harry Pidhirny could be the biggest proponent of the Crash Davis tag, playing only two games in the NHL and 1,071 in the AHL. Fred Glover was in the older era as well, but played 93 games in the NHL and 1,201 in the AHL; as well Mike Nykoluk who played in 1,069 in the AHL and 32 in the NHL. More recently, Jody Gage and Bryan Helmer are over the 1,000-game plateau in the AHL, though Helmer did see 145 NHL games to Gage's 68.

The ECHL has a lot of older soldiers of the minor league lifers, Cam Brown playing 789 ECHL, one NHL game, two IHL seasons, and 15 in the AHL; almost making him very much the lifer of all lifers. That is, until you see Louis Dumont's stat line, having him play 771 in the ECHL and only 10 games above the "AA" league system (5 AHL, 5 IHL) and 318 in the CHL, plus 14 in the British Leagues. Wes Goldie only played 697 games in the ECHL and only two AHL games to show for his career, as well as a stint in the Quebec Semi-Pro League.

On the horizon, Boyd Kane is at 891 games (as of 12.17.12); but probably won't catch the 1,205 of Marshall, but could top the 1,000-game mark. You have Sam Ftorek chasing Brown's ECHL record and only 36 games away from surpassing Goldie's games played, while Randy Rowe would be on the list if he didn't have extended stints in the AHL a couple of times. Tyler Fleck is chasing Travis Clayton's CHL record of 880 games, but Fleck is at 733 and has Scott Wray (646) and Sebastien Thinel (591) on his tail-- though Thinel could be a little more set-up to overtake Clayton as he is a bit younger-- but injuries can halt many things.

There's plenty of lifers in the minors that people don't know about, but all it takes is a lockout and need for news that makes these names come to light and makes people take notice to guys who have led a vibrant career in the minors, but may never get the chance to take NHL ice for a long time, if at all.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Frank Caprice

The success in this week's AGM was only hampered by fate and injuries. One injury begot another and made him lose his spot in the NHL due to others in the pipeline that were bypassing him. Even with that, he did find his way overseas and still chugged along into the new millennium. This week, the profile of Frank Caprice.

Caprice started in Junior B with the Hamilton Kitty B's in the 1978-79 season before making the jump to the OHL's London Knights in the 1979-80 season where he would go 3-7-3 in 18 appearances; then going 1-1 in three playoff games. During the 1980-81 season, Caprice appeared in 42 games for the Knights, but only go 11-26-0. However, the Canucks would draft Caprice in the 1981 Draft in the ninth-round, which would lead to a bounce-back for Caprice in the 1981-82 season would compile a 24-17-2 in 45 games, then 1-3 in four playoff games, while also going 3-0-0 in three WJC games for Canada-- helping the Canadians take their first WJC titles.

Also during the 1981-82 season, Caprice would move to the Central League for the Dallas Black Hawks and go 0-3-0 in his three games.

Caprice would join the Canucks organization for the the 1982-83 season, but spend most of his time in the AHL with the Fredericton Express, playing in 14 games with a 5-8-1 record, then appearing in one Canucks game in relief, but didn't figure in the decision. For the 1983-84 season, Caprice would split his time between Fredericton for 18 games (11-5-2) and then appearing in 19 games for the Canucks (8-8-2).

Incumbent goalie Richard Brodeur would be sent to the minors for the 1984-85 season, which gave Caprice the chance to take over the top spot. Yet, Caprice struggled at the start, then tore his hamstring-- making him miss three months-- and in 28 games, Caprice would finish up with a 8-14-3 on the year.

The 1985-86 season had Caprice once again split time between Vancouver (0-3-2) and Fredericton (12-11-2), with a knee injury in between. For the 1986-87 season, Caprice would spend more time in Vancouver, posting a 8-11-2 record in 25 games, while turning over a 5-5-0 record in 12 games with Fredericton. Caprice would back up a young Kirk McLean for the 1987-88 season, playing in 22 games and post a 7-10-2 record for this troubles.

Caprice was sent to the IHL for the 1988-89 season, playing for the Milwaukee Admirals while going 24-12-0 in 39 games. The 1989-90 season saw Caprice traded to the Boston Bruins and placed in Milwaukee for 20 games (8-6-3) and then being moved to the Maine Mariners of the AHL for 10 games and finishing with a 2-6-1 record, a bounce back from a broken hand he suffered in training camp.

After taking a few years off, Caprice would resurface in Europe, playing from the 1992-93 season until the 1995-96 season with the Italian League's HC Gardena where he would play 77 times in that span. During that time, Caprice would return to Vancouver....but with the Voodoo of Roller Hockey International for two games, going 0-0-1. For the 1996-97 and 1997-98 seasons, Caprice would head to Britain and play for the Cardiff Devils, helping them to the 1997 British championship and a third place finish in 1998.

The 1998-99 season, Caprice would come back to North American to play in the Central League's Corpus Christi Ice Rays for 15 games and post a 9-5-1 record, but would relocate back to the British League with the Ayr Scottish Eagles, going 2-5-0 in seven games, then 0-3-1 in four playoff games. After that, aside from  an appearance in the 2001 Allan Cup to help out the Dundas Real McCoys, Caprice retired from hockey.

Thanks to one major injury, it changed the career of Caprice and may have changed his career and the history of the Canucks if he was able to grasp the chance at taking over the #1 goalie spot. However, his loss was Kirk McLean's gain and helped the Canucks build themselves up to a contender-- who knows what could have been if Caprice was in that spot.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Doug Keans

They say it's hard to pull yourself away from you passion. Most times, people try it out and then can move on easily. Other times, people just can't break themselves away-- even from the playing aspect of things. This week's AGM left and came back and left and came back and still was decent enough at the end of it all. This week, the profile of Doug Keans.

Keans started his career with the minor midget Oshawa Legionnaires in the 1975-76 season, then moving the OHL's Oshawa Generals for a single game. Keans stayed with Oshawa, playing in 90 games between the 1976-77 season and the 1977-78 season, though the records for those years are not readily available.

The Los Angeles Kings selected Keans in the 1978 Draft in the 6th Round and they played him in the IHL with the Saginaw Gears for the 1978-79 season, playing in 59 games, then spent 22 games with Saginaw in the 1979-80, but would be called up to the AHL's Binghamton Dusters for eight games (3-3-2), as well as going to the Kings for 10 games and finished up there with a 3-3-3 record, plus 0-1 in the playoffs. Keans primarily spent the 1980-81 season in the Central League, playing for the Houston Apollos (3-4-4) and Oklahoma City Stars (3-5-0), while getting in nine appearances for the Kings (2-3-1).

The 1981-82 season had Keans spend most the time as a back-up in Los Angeles, getting into 31 games and posting a record of 8-10-7 on the year (0-1 in two playoff games), while playing in 13 games with the AHL's New Haven Nighthawks and finishing there with a 5-5-1 record. More of the same with the split situation in the 1982-83 season, seeing Keans spend 30 games in New Haven with a 13-13-2 record while playing in only six games in Los Angeles, going 0-2-2 for his troubles.

The Kings put Keans on waivers in the summer of 1983, in which the Boston Bruins would pick him up and have him back-up Pete Peeters for the 1983-84 season, posting a 19-8-3 record in 33 appearances, despite having knee surgery in the middle of the season. Keans got into 25 games in the 1984-85 season with a record of 16-6-3 (2-2 in four playoff games), while in the 1985-86 he went 14-13-3 in 30 games. During the 1986-87 season, Keans saw a record number of games in the NHL, appearing in 36 while finishing with a 18-8-4 record, but going 0-2 in two playoff appearances.

During the 1987-88 season, Keans played in 30 games with Boston (16-11-0), only to be sent down to the AHL's Maine Mariners when the Bruins acquired Andy Moog. With the Mariners, Keans went 8-2-0 in 10 games and 5-5 in 10 playoff games.

The 1988-89 season saw Keans in the AHL again, playing in 32 games with the Springfield Indians, posting a 11-16-2 record, while also spending four games with the Baltimore Skipjacks, compiling a 1-2-0 record. After that season, Keans would retire.

Yet, retirement only lasted a few years, as Keans would suit up for the Minnesota Iron Rangers of the amateur ranksin 1992-93, going 2-6-0 in eight games, while also playing for the Jacksonville Bullets of the Sunshine League, going 8-5-0, then 2-2 in the playoffs. He was listed for the Bullets in the 1993-94 season, but didn't play. After a year off, Keans returned during the 1995-96 season for the Bullets, going 5-3-0 in nine games and rostered for the ECHL's Jacksonville Lizard Kings in the 1996-97 season, but never saw action. This time, his retirement was for good.

That's when you know you have the bug and passion to play. The ability to not really get too far away from the game and still be able to play at a decent level when returning, albeit in a lower minor league.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Carl Wetzel

While many of these AGMs would move around towards the end of their career, this week's installment was on the go from the start. Over his 15 season career, he played in 14 different cities for 16 different teams. He was well-travelled, but not well recognized. So, that's what will happen now-- this week, the profile of Carl Wetzel.

Wetzel started his trek, literally, with the only team he had stability with-- the Hamilton Tiger Cubs of the OHA Junior "A" league starting in the 1956-57 season, playing in 48 games and finishing with a 24-22-2 record; the 1-3 in four playoff games. The 1957-58 season had Wetzel play in 50 games compiling a 26-17-7 record, then going 8-6-1 in 15 playoff appearances, losing in the finals to the Toronto Marlboros. He would also play 25 games in the 1958-59 season with Hamilton, but no record is indicated. Wetzel would also play one game that season with the WHL's Edmonton Flyers, which was a loss.

The nomadic side of Wetzel started with the 1959-60 season playing 62 games with the Omaha Knights of the IHL, but no record is given; then in the 1960-61 season-- Wetzel played 52 games for the IHL's Indianapolis Chiefs (no record), then played in the WHL with the Spokane Comets for five games (0-5-0), then was loaned out to the IHL's Fort Wayne Koments for eight playoff games (3-3). In the 1961-62 season, Wetzel played in the EPHL with the Sudbury Wolves, going 25-26-10 in 61 games and 1-4 in five playoff contests.

After that season, Wetzel would put his career on hold due to military services (likely due to the US Draft) and would only suit up once in the 1963-64 season as an emergency back-up to the WHL's San Francisco Seals.

Upon his return in the 1964-65 season, his hometown team, the Detroit Red Wings, picked him up-- but he would only play two games for them (0-1-0), while also spending four games with the AHL's Pittsburgh Hornets (1-3-0).

The Montreal Canadiens claimed Wetzel in the Reverse Draft before the 1965-66 season and would place him in the CPHL with the Houston Apollos; where he would play 51 games with a 21-24-6 record. Wetzel would also play one game for the AHL's Quebec Aces-- a loss.

Wetzel left the Canadiens organization to play for the USA National Team in the 1966-67 season. He would play 12 games throughout the season, as well as seven games in the World Hockey Championships. In the World Championships, Wetzel went 3-3-1 in seven games and be named Best Goaltender in the tournament and named to the All-Star Team.

In the summer of the 1967, the Canadiens traded Wetzel to the expansion Minnesota North Stars for cash. Wetzel, along with Bill Masterton, were the first two signed to the North Stars. Wetzel would play five games in the 1967-68 campaign with the North Stars finishing with a 1-3-1 record; but would spend most of the season with the CPHL's Memphis South Stars for 20 games, finishing with a 8-9-2 record. A more masterful memory for Wetzel was bring loaned to the AHL's Rochester Americans for ten games (3-3-1) and then 2-1 in the playoffs, helping them win the Calder Cup championship. The 1968-69 season had Wetzel back with the Memphis South Stars for 39 games, while also playing two games for the AHL's Cleveland Barons, winning the game he was in on the decision for.

The 1969-70 season had Wetzel play four games for the USHL's Rochester Mustangs, but would go back to play with the US National Team for 17 games. In the 1970-71 season, Wetzel stayed with the US National Team, playing in the World Championship again-- but wouldn't fair as he did in 1967-- finishing with a 1-6-0 record in eight games of the tournament.

Wetzel would cross over the Europe for the 1971-72 season with KAC Kitzbuhel in Austria, playing in 44 games before returning to North America and the WHA in the 1972-73 season with the Minnesota Fighting Saints, losing the only game he played. He would retire after that last season.

After taking time off, Wetzel did return to be an assistant coach for the North Stars in the 1987-88 season, but would drop off the map after that until he came back for the Minnesota Wild hosting the "Back on Home Ice" reunion for the North Stars March 29-31, 2012.

He went everywhere and Wetzel tried to make the most out of it. He saw a lot of North America and some parts of Europe when playing with the National Team. He served his country in military duties and in hockey duties. He was a hustler in order to sell himself off as an option to teams and he would do what he could to get some playing time.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Mario Lessard

This goalie was in one of the best comebacks in NHL history, but only screwed the pooch when trying to make a desperation play. While he came in like a house of fire, that play soon fizzled and he faded away from the game quietly, though he is a legend in his hometown. This week, the profile of Mario Lessard.

Lessard got his start with the QMJHL's Sherbrooke Castors in the 1969-70 season, playing in 15 games and finishing with a 3-5-0 record. Though he didn't play a lick in the 1970-71 season, Lessard came back with Sherbrooke for the 1971-72 season, going 7-8-1 in 21 contests; then losing all three playoff games he was in. For the 1972-73 season Lessard was playing in 40 games and finish with a 14-16-2 record, then went 4-2 in six playoff contests; while the 1973-74 season had Lessard in 44 games and compile a 19-17-0 record, but went 1-3 in four playoff games.

The Los Angeles Kings were the ones to pick Lessard in the 9th round of the 1974 NHL Draft and he would be placed in the IHL with the Saginaw Gears for the 1974-75 and 1975-76 season, playing 121 games over two years (sadly, no regular season records given) with seven shutouts and a 3.30 GAA. His playoff record over the two seasons was 10-7 in the 1975 playoffs and 7-5 in the 1976 playoffs. The 1976-77 season had Lessard play 44 games in Saginaw in the regular season, helping the Gears win the Turner Cup with a 12-6 record in 18 games. Lessard also played four games in the Central League with the Fort Worth Texans going 1-3-0.

Lessard would move up to the AHL with the Springfield Indians in the 1977-78 season, putting up a 30-17-6 record in 57 games, but would go 1-3 in the four playoff games he appeared in.

In the 1978-79 season, Lessard would be the start for the Kings after they lost Rogie Vachon to free agency and would go 23-15-10 in 49 games with four shutouts; but he would go 0-2 in the playoff games he appeared in. The 1979-80 season would be a little less successful, as Lessard would go 18-22-7 in 50 games, then 1-2 in four playoff games. Lessard rebounded in the 1980-81 season compiling a 35-18-11 record in 62 games, which allowed him to play in the NHL All-Star Game and be on the season-ending Second Team All-Star squad. Lessard also went 1-3 in the playoffs that season.

For the 1981-82 season, Lessard had a rough regular season with an 13-28-8 record in 52 games; but would go 4-5 in 10 playoff contests and was a part of one of the most famous games in Kings history, almost make it not happen at all. Lessard was in net for the Miracle in Manchester and almost lost the game for the Kings. During overtime, the puck was coming towards the Kings end with Glenn Anderson bearing down on it. Lessard made a move to go after the puck and cut him off-- but collided with Anderson, leaving an open-net for Mark Messier, but luckily Mark Hardy was there to distract Messier enough so that he would shoot it over the net. The Kings would win two minutes later, Lessard getting the win.

Lessard didn't have the year he wanted in the 1982-83 season, as he would finish with a 3-10-2 record in 19 games for Los Angeles before being loaned to Central League's Birmingham South Stars and putting together a 4-2-0 record in eight games, then posting a 6-3 record in 11 playoff matches. During the 1983-84 season, Lessard would only play six games with the Kings (0-4-1), before being sent down to the AHL's New Haven Nighthawks for five games (1-3-1) before finally deciding to retire after the season.

While his whereabouts have been unknown since then, he has gotten an arena named after him in East Broughton, Quebec. Lessard was able to come out of nowhere to come up big in his rookie year-- but inconsistency and pressure from all around the Kings organization to perform was something that was his demise in the NHL.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Nick Ricci

While this week's AGM's heart was in his hometown of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada-- he took a lot of things on the road with him to remind him of home-- even if it was indirectly. Through it all, he struggled to keep his spot in the organization; he knew he had something to go home to and take more pride in his home, trying to show it off to the world of hockey somehow. This week-- the profile of Nick Ricci

Ricci started his trek during the 1976-77 season with the Junior "B" Toronto Red Wings, while also spending seven games with the OHL's Niagara Falls Flyers-- Ricci's hometown team. The 1977-78 season, Ricci spent all of it with the Junior "B" Red Wings, while playing 52 games with Niagara Falls in the 1978-79 season, then taking them to the OHL Finals, but losing on points to the Peterborough Petes. Ricci would win the 1979 Dave Pinkney Award with Glen Ernst for lowest team GAA, as well as the F.W. Dinty Moore Award for lowest rookie GAA.

One of the interesting things about Ricci is that he would always carry around a gallon of Niagara Falls distilled water jugs. While he used it to soak his contacts in, many of his teammates thought it was because he couldn't be too far away from his hometown at any time.

The Pittsburgh Penguins would draft Ricci in the 5th round of the 1979 Draft and would play four games with the parent club, going 2-2-0; using his acrobatics to earn himself playing time behind a bad defensive team . Most of the 1979-80 season would be spent in the IHL with the Grand Rapids Owls for 29 games and a 4.28 GAA.The 1980-81 season saw Ricci with the Penguins for nine games and post a 4-5-0 record, while he would move to the AHL's Binghamton Whalers for eight games and finishing with a 2-4-0 record.

The bulk of the 1981-82 season, Ricci found his footing with the AHL's Erie Blades, playing for 40 games that season and compiling a 16-19-4 record; getting called up to Pittsburgh for three games-- all losses. For the 1982-83 season, Ricci went to the AHL's Baltimore Skipjacks for nine games and put up a 3-3-2 record, while getting a call-up to Pittsburgh to have a 1-2-0 record in his three games.

In August 1983, Ricci and Pat Graham were traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Vincent Tremblay and Rocky Saganiuk. The 1983-84 season had Ricci split between the AHL's Newmarket Saints for 15 games, mostly in relief with a 3-4-1 record; then spending the other half of the season with the IHL's Muskegon Mohawks where he would go 1-11-1 in 13 games.

The 1984-85 season would be Ricci's last, as he played for the IHL's Peoria Rivermen and post a 4-3-0 record in seven appearances; then he would hang-up the pads after that season.

Post-playing career, Ricci would help out with the family business-- taking ownership over the Hotel Fallsview in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Ricci sold the hotel in 2000. In June 2002, Ricci purchased the Mississiauga Ice Dogs from Don Cherry, selling the team to Chris Pronger and Mario Forgione in February 2003; less than a year after buying it. Ricci then was the head of trying to bring an OHL team back to Niagara Falls, with no results thus far. Currently, Ricci has his own goaltending consulting firm, Goalies Only Consulting.

Ricci had very little time to show off what he could truly do and bounced around a lot-- but he at least remembered where his home was and seemed to take pride in that fact and take part of it with him-- even if it was just for his eyes. Though his NHL career was only 19 games long, he left an impression as being indirectly part of getting the Pens Mario Lemieux by getting the Tremblay.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Mike Bales

This week's AGM isn't one you would think of because....well it was a career marred in downside rather than upside. It wasn't until he was on another continent for him to reach a top potential. While his North American career started bad and had a few bright spots-- after he left the strain of the NHL hopes, he was able to actually show his true worth. This week, the profile of Mike Bales.

Bales started off his career with the Saskatchewan Junior League's Estevan Bruins, playing in 44 games with a 4.90 GAA; but it was good enough to get him onto The Ohio State University Buckeyes starting in the 1989-90 season where he would go 6-13-2 in 21 games. The Boston Bruins selected Bales in the fifth round, but Bales stayed with the Buckeyes for the 1990-91 season, posting an 11-24-3 record, then in the 1991-92 season; Bales put up an 11-20-5 record for the Buckeyes, leaving school after that season.

In the 1992-93 season, Bales went pro and would play mostly for the AHL's Providence Bruins as he would put together a 22-17-0 record; then going 0-2 in the playoffs, while also playing in a game for the Bruins in relief of John Blue, but did not factor in the decision. Bales stayed in Providence for the 1993-94 season, but have a dismal season with a 9-15-4 record.

Bales signed on with the Ottawa Senators in the summer of 1994 and he would be placed with the PEI Senators for most of the 1994-95 season, posting a 25-16-3 record, as well as a 6-3 playoff record, though they would lose in the division semi-finals. Bales also appeared in a relief appearance for Ottawa that season-- not a factor for the win or loss. The 1995-96 season had Bales in the carousel for the Ottawa Senators goaltending, playing 20 games while going 2-14-1 while facing a barrage of shots-against. In PEI that season, Bales lost both games he appeared in. For the 1996-97 season, Bales was in the AHL, but for the Baltimore Bandits finishing the year with a 13-21-8 record in 47 games, while losing the only game he appeared in with Ottawa.

The Buffalo Sabres signed Bales for the 1997-98 season, but would put him in the AHL for the Rochester Americans where Bales would play in 39 games and go 13-19-5 record.

Bales then moved to the Dallas Stars organization, playing for their IHL affiliate of the Michigan K-Wings starting in the 1998-99 season; posting an 11-17-3 record that season and then a 9-9-5 record in 25 games during the 1999-2000 season. The Stars moved their affiliate to the Utah Grizzlies, as Bales would play 50 games in the 2000-01 season and compile a 22-19-3 record.

With no chances in North America, Bales moved to Great Britain for the 2001-02 season with the Belfast Giants in the British Elite League, playing in 34 games, posting a 2.31 GAA, and winning Best Goaltender Award, as well as making the First Team All-Stars.

Bales would move over to Germany for the 2002-03 season for ERC Ingolstadt, playing in 23 games there, while moving to Sweden in the 2003-04 season to play with Leksands IF for another 23 games.

With the 2004-05 season, Bales went back to Germany and went to the second division Straubing Tigers where he would help them get a promotion into the Germae Elite League for the 2006-07 as Straubing won the promotion in the 2006 playoffs. Bales would leave Straubing in 2010 after playing in 250 games over six seasons. While Bales was signed by the Iserlohn Roosters for the 2010-11 season, it was only on an emergency basis and he never went over, thus ending his career.

The Pittsburgh Penguins would sign Bales to be the goaltender development coach for their AHL, ECHL, and other prospects down their pipeline. The 2012-13 season will be his second with the team.

It wasn't the most glamorous career and had many more potholes in the road rather than smooth sailing. It wasn't until he went overseas did he get his most success when he had matured more and didn't have the pressure of worrying of the shuttling back and forth from the minors to the top teams. Yet, he helped one franchise in Germany get promoted and make a name for himself enough to be a developmental coach.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Bill McKenzie

Getting to the NHL was touch back in the day. It was even tougher to stay in the NHL during the first expansion era due to how bad the teams were when they get expanded. However-- this AGM did the most out of bad situations, coming off of a stellar college career and then rolling with the punches to see if he could make it stick. This week, the profile of Bill McKenzie.

McKenzie started off in the US College route, playing for the Ohio State University starting in the 1969-70 season and ending his tenure three years later in the 1971-72 season. No records were given for those years, but McKenzie played 71 games in that time span; winning the 1972 CCHA Tournament MVP and the 1972 All-Tournament Team as the Ohio State won the CCHA. McKenzie would graduate in 1972 from the Ohio State.

Before the start of the 1972-73 season, McKenzie signed with the Detroit Red Wings. That season, McKenzie would play for the Port Huron Wings of the IHL for 45 games with two shutouts, then going 3-2 in the five playoff appearances. The 1973-74 season, McKenzie would play 13 games with Detroit-- finishing there with a 4-4-4 record, while going 8-13-2 in 29 games with the Virginia Wings of the AHL; as well as playing two games over in Britain with the London Lions. The 1974-75 season, McKenzie would again play 13 games with Detroit, but would put together a 1-9-2 record, while in Virginia; he would compile a 8-6-0 record in 14 games.

During the summer of 1975, McKenzie and Gary Bergman would be traded to the Kansas City Scouts for Peter McDuffe and Glen Burdon. McKenzie would spend the entire 1975-76 season with the Scouts, but put a disappointing 1-16-1 record together in 22 appearances.

The Scouts would move to Colorado to become the Rockies before the 1976-77 season and McKenzie would play in five games for them-- finishing with a 0-2-1 record. Also the season, McKenzie would play in the AHL with the Providence Reds for two games (0-1-1), as well as in the Central League with the Oklahoma City Blazers for six games (2-3-1) and then finishing strong with the Kansas City Blues for 10 games (7-2-1), then going 8-2 in the 10 playoff games to help the Blues win the Adams Cup, taking home the Max McNab Trophy for Playoff MVP.

McKenzie bounced around again in the 1977-78 season, playing in Colorado for 12 games (3-6-2), then to the AHL for the Hampton Gulls for 12 games (7-4-0) and then the Philadelphia Firebirds for five games (1-4-0). The 1978-79 season would have McKenzie playing in the Central League for the Tulsa Oilers, posting a 6-25-1 record in 35 games.

The 1979-80 season would have McKenzie having one last hurrah in the NHL with the Rockies, playing in 26 games and putting together a 9-12-3 record, while also being in the Central League for the Fort Worth Texans for nine games and putting up a 2-5-1 record. After that season, McKenzie would retire, tied for the most career and single-season shutout record for the Rockies, as well as the lowest GAA for a season and career.

Post-playing career, McKenzie went back to his Alma Mater at the Ohio State to be a volunteer assistant coach for the the men's and women's team until the 2009-10 season.

With many bumps in the roads in dealing with a lot of expansion team issues, the drive was still there for McKenzie, which showed when he helped the KC Blues to win the title after struggling with the three other teams. He persevered and showed his true colors when it came to loving the game and succeed at some levels, even if it wasn't the top level.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Jake Forbes

While we're at a time with contracts being negotiated for free agency and a collective agreement being discussed in the boardrooms-- this week's AGM was able to experience both in his career when it comes to contract disputes and dealing with a work stoppage. This week, it's the profile of Jake Forbes.

Forbes started off in the 1916-17 season with the Toronto Aura Lee in Junior "A" going 6-0-0 in six games, while then going 3-1-0 in four games with the Aura Lees in the 1917-18 season, splitting that year with the Toronto Goodyears. The 1919-20 season, Forbes again split between the Aura Lee for six games (2-4-0) and some time with the Goodyears.

After those seasons were done, Forbes signed with the Toronto St. Pats and play in five games with a 2-3-0 record. In the 1920-21 season, Forbes appeared in 20 games for the St. Pats, going 13-7-0 and then 0-2 in the playoffs.

Yet, off the ice in the summer of 1921 is what made Forbes notable. Due to a disagreement with the St. Pats' management, one of which Forbes was looking for a $2,500 contract and the St. Pats were looking to give him far less-- Forbes became the first player in the NHL to hold-out for a contract and sit-out the entire season due to that hold-out. After the 1921-22 season, Toronto traded Forbes' rights to the Hamilton Tigers for cash.

In Forbes' first season with the Tigers in 1922-23, Forbes went 6-18-0 in his 24 appearances, while in the 1923-24 season, Forbes would improved to 9-16-0 in 24 games. Forbes would play in 30 games for the Tigers in the 1924-25 season, compiling a 19-10-1 record with six shutouts during the season. The Tigers would finish at the top of the NHL, but before the playoffs, the players-- including Forbes-- went on strike, refusing to play if they weren't compensated better. The league suspended all the players, fined them $200 a piece, and the Tigers were sold to a New York businessman and would be moved to New York.

Forbes would hold the all-time records for the Tigers in every category except most goals-allowed in a season and most losses, both are held by Howie Lockhart.

The 1925-26 season would be the start of Forbes with the New York Americans, where he would go 12-20-4 in 36 games. The 1926-27 season saw Forbes play 44 games and finish with a 17-25-2 record, while he would spend half of the 1927-28 season with the Americans going 3-11-2 in 16 games; but his contract would be loaned out to the Can-Am Pro League's Providence Reds, where he would play 13 games and the Niagara Falls Cataracts for eight games.

The 1928-29 season, Forbes would spend his time in the Can-Am League playing for the New Haven Eagles for 26 games with nine shutouts and posting a 1.06 GAA; then winning his only game he played for the Americans. The 1929-30 season, Forbes played 40 games with the Eagles and then tied the only game he played for the Americans, while in the 1930-31 season; Forbes played in 40 games for the Eagles and would be loaned out to the Philadelphia Quakers, but would lose both games he played in.

For the 1931-32 season, Forbes would split his Can-Am League season with seven games for the Bronx Tigers and three for the Springfield Indians, all the while he would play six games with the Americans and posting a 3-3-0 record. In the 1932-33 season, Forbes played only five games for the New Haven Eagles, while appearing in one game for the Americans, which was a tie.

Starting in the 1933-34 season, Forbes would start roaming around the International League, first by playing with the Windsor Bulldogs for 36 games, which included six shutouts. In the 1934-35 season, he played eight games for the Syracuse Stars, ending in a 5-3-0 record, then he would move onto the London Tecumsehs for eight games and posted a 4-3-1 record and a 2-3-0 record in five playoff games. The 1935-36 season had Forbes playing with the Rochester Cardinals to start with, going 2-3-0 in five games, then moving to the Syracuse Stars again for five games and finishing up with a 2-3-0 record before he would retire. 


After his playing career, Forbes would go onto be a wholesaler of fine china dinnerware in Hamilton before he would pass away on December 30th, 1985. 


While his career did have a lot of controversy around his career with a lot of stops and starts, Forbes was able to jump back into the fold as well as he could. Though, in one situation he got into on his own accord, but the second one was a group effort. His passion bounced him around from town to town, but he always kept some sort of motivation to keep going until he couldn't take it anymore.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Danny Lorenz

This week's AGM set records in junior and was the face of a franchise who wasn't all that good, but made a decent name for himself. However, he was drafted to a team with a wealth of goaltending prospects, which stifled his movement upward, hitting a glass ceiling in the minors. However, he did make the most of the situation and travelled the world a bit to boot. This week, the profile of Danny Lorenz.

Lorenz started his trek with the Burnaby Hawks of the BCHL in the 1985-86 season for 25 games, but would move to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL for the 1986-87 season; posting a 12-21-2 record in 38 appearances. Lorenz got the starting role in Seattle for the 1987-88 season, playing in 62 games and compiling a 20-37-2 record. Lorenz was drafted in the third round by the New York Islanders in the 1988 Draft, but would play in Seattle for the 1988-89 season, going 31-33-4 record in 68 games, which was enough to give him Goaltender of the Year honors in the WHL. Also in 1988-89, Lorenz played in four games for the AHL's Springfield Indians, going 2-1-0. The 1989-90 season saw Lorenz finish out his time in Seattle with a 37-15-2 record in 56 games and then going 6-7 in 13 playoff games.

Upon leaving the WHL, Lorenz held the all-time saves record during their WHL career with 6,958 (since broken by Seattle's Calvin Pickard in the 2011-12 season). Sadly, he also holds the record for most career goals given up with 974. With Seattle, Lorenz still holds most games played by a goalie, but behind Pickard in not only saves, but also minutes played.

In the 1990-91 season, Lorenz joined the Islanders organization splitting time between the AHL's Capital District Islanders (5-9-2) and the ECHL's Richmond Renegades (6-9-2), while spending two games with the New York Islanders, finishing with a 0-1-0 record. The 1991-92 season had Lorenz spend most of the time with Capital District, playing in 53 games and putting up a 22-22-7 record and 3-4 in the playoffs; while also going 0-2-0 in two games with New York. The 1992-93 season, Lorenz posted a 16-17-5 record in 44 games with Capital District (0-3 in four playoff games), while going 1-2-0 in four games on Long Island; while in the 1993-94 season, Lorenz split his season between the AHL's Springfield Indians (5-7-1) and the IHL's Salt Lake Golden Eagles (4-12-0).

In the summer of 1994, Lorenz signed with the Florida Panthers--who placed him in the IHL with the Cincinnati Cyclones for the 1994-95 season, where he would go 24-10-3 in his first season and 2-3 in five playoff games. In the 1995-96 season, Lorenz went 28-12-2 in 46 games, while going 1-2 in five playoff games.

Lorenz would move to the Milwaukee Admirals for the 1996-97 season, posting a 33-27-6 record in his first season, while going 0-3 in the playoffs. During the 1997-98 season, Lorenz compiled a 28-18-4 record in 54 appearances while going 5-5 in the playoffs.

For the first part of the 1998-99 season, Lorenz went to Germany to play in 22 games for Alder Mannheim, but would return late in the season to the IHL's Houston Aeros for seven games going 3-2-2 and then appearing in one playoff game, but no decision.

It was a globe-trotting season in the 1999-2000 campaign for Lorenz, who played the majority of his season playing in the ECHL with the Tallahassee Tiger Cats, going 15-12-2 in 33 games; as well as playing in the AHL for the Rochester Americans (0-2-1) and the West Coast League's Tacoma Sabercats (2-0-0). Lorenz would stay with the Tacoma Sabercats for the 2000-01 season, posting a 23-25-6 record , then 1-2 in the playoffs.

Starting in the 2001-02 season, Lorenz went across the pond to play in the British Leagues, starting in the Elite League with the Nottingham Panthers for 46 games, then moving to second-tier league with the Guildford Flames and Newcastle Vipers in the 2002-03 season. 


Lorenz moved back to North America for the 2003-04 season to play with the Central League's New Mexico Scorpions, playing in 32 games with a 17-10-3 record. After that season, he would hang up the pads for good. 


After his playing career, Lorenz went back to where his junior career began and is now the Director of Hockey in the Kent Valley Hockey Association in Kent, Washington; which is where the Seattle Thunderbirds actually play.


While he had a late charge in juniors, the fact he was in an organization where there was a surplus of young goalies made him expendable and lost in the shuffle. While he tried to get his game back in the minors, he could never reach the brass ring that was set out for him. However, he returned to his roots and his helping out the next wave of players coming out of the Pacific Northwest. 

Absurd Goalie Monday: Mike Fountain

This draft weekend has passed and there's many who wonder what will happen to most of these prospects. As we've seen from this segment, sometimes it doesn't pan out as planned. However, this story is equally as tragic. This week's AGM was passed over in the draft, only to gain his spot in the World Juniors over two drafted and future Stanley Cup winners, only to not live up to expectation as many had thought. This week, the profile of Mike Fountain. 

The 1988-89 season is where Fountain would start with in the Junior "C" ranks with the Huntsville Blair McCanns in Ontarion, going 18-3-2 in 23 games. The 1989-90 season would have Fountain in Junior "B" with the Chatham Micmacs for 21 games (no record given), but would take home the Western Jr. "B" Championship. 

Moving to the Major Junior ranks, Fountain would start in the 1990-91 season with the Sault St. Marie Greyhounds for seven games (5-2-0) before being traded to the Oshawa Generals to round out the last 30 games of his season, going 17-5-1. Fountain would stay with the Generals in the 1991-92 season, he would go 18-13-6 in 40 games. Fountain would also beat out the likes of Martin Brodeur and Chris Osgood to be the back-up of Trevor Kidd for the Canadian World Junior team, but not getting into a game.

That summer, Fountain was drafted 45th overall by the Vancouver Canucks after being passed over in his last two drafts. Fountain would start the 1992-93 season with the Canadian National team, going 7-5-1 in 13 games; as well as winning the Spengler Cup with Canada. After the Spengler Cup, Fountain moved to the AHL and the Hamilton Canucks, playing in 12 games to end the season and posting a 2-8-0 record. Fountain would spend the entire 1993-94 season with Hamilton, finishing with a 34-28-6 record in 70 games, then going 0-2 in three playoff appearances. 

The Canucks moved their affiliation to Syracuse and became the Crunch, which is where Fountain would be for the 1994-95 season, posting a 25-29-6 record in 61 appearances. For the 1995-96 season would be a struggle for Fountain in the regular season (21-27-3 in 51 games), but had a decent playoff outing with a 8-7 record in 15 games. It was a turnaround for Fountain, of sorts, in the 1996-97 season; going only 8-14-2 in 25 games with the Crunch (plus 0-2 in two playoff games); but Fountain finally got his NHL chance with the Canucks-- posting a 2-2-0 record in six games, including becoming the 19th goalie to start his career with a shutout win, as well as missing an empty net goal in his 3-0 win versus the Devils. 

Fountain was shuffled in the Canucks depth chart and moved onto the Carolina Hurricanes in the summer of 1997. Fountain would stick in the AHL with the Beast of New Haven for the bulk of the 1997-98 season; going 25-19-5 in 50 appearances, while spending three games with the Hurricanes-- losing all three.The 1998-99 season saw Fountain back with the Beast of New Haven, going 23-24-3 in 51 appearances. 

Signing with the Ottawa Senators organization in 1999, Fountain went to the IHL's Grand Rapids Griffins for the season-- playing in 36 games and compiling a 21-7-4 record, while geting a no-decision in his one appearance in Ottawa that season. The 2000-01 season had Fountain playing solidly in Grand Rapids finishing with a 34-10-6 record in 52 game and then going 5-3 in eight playoff games. Fountain would play in one game in Ottawa that season, which was a loss. 

After that season, Fountain went on a European vacation starting in the 2001-02 season, first to Russia with Lada Togliatti for two seasons, playing in 64 games total and posting 19 shutouts in two seasons-- including 14 in 2001-02; which was a Russian League record. Fountain then to Germany in the 2003-04 season with the Iserlohn Roosters for 34 games before moving back to North American to sign with the UHL's Motor City Mechanics for the 2004-05 season-- playing in three games (all losses). After that short stint, Fountain completed his 2004-05 season with the Russian 2nd League for Mechel Chelyabinsk for 17 games and posting five shutouts. 

After a year off, Fountain returned to Russia and Lada Togliatti for the 2006-07 season until the 2008-09 season, playing in a total of 84 games over those three years-- posting six shutouts in that span and averaging a 2.43 GAA. Fountain would retire after that. 

Since then, Fountain has kept going on the teaching route. During his playing days-- Fountain would be an instructor for various schools-- including Roger Neilson's hockey school. Fountain has also worked as goalie coach for the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks. Currently, he is working as the hockey director for the Walker Ice and Fitness Center in Walker, Michigan where he oversees the Learn to Play, Learn to Skate, and Hockey Association of West Kent. 

While he did beat out two potential Hall of Famers younger in his career, the shuffle and mismanagement of some teams are what stunted his development and gave him a glass ceiling he never could seem to break through. However, Fountain made his time enjoyable, having some solid seasons and dealing with the hardships of others. Now, he's passing onto others the wisdom of his travels. 

Absurd Goalie Monday: Steve Guenette

As the Memorial Cup is going on in Shawinigan, Quebec; this week's AGM was able to capture the Memorial Cup after an unlikely road to the junior championship after a rocky first couple of seasons, However, he was able to get into the NHL for a short time, then build his way to a career after hockey. This week-- the profile of Steve Guenette.

Guenette started off his career with the Gloucester Rangers for 31 games in the 1981-82 and 1982-83 season. In the 1983-84 season, Guenette would move onto the OHL's Guelph Platers, going 9-20-1 in 38 appearances. The 1984-85 season saw Guenette play in 41 games and compile a 16-22-4 record. The breakout year for Guenette was the 1985-86 season, where he would finish with a 26-20-1 record in 50 games, then going 15-3 in the playoffs-- helping Guelph win the J. Ross Robertson Trophy for league champion. Moving onto the Memorial Cup, Guenette went 3-1 in four games, taking home the Hap Emms Trophy for top goalie in the Memorial Cup and All-Tournament team.

After that last season, Guenette was signed by the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the 1986-87 season, Guenette spent most of the season playing in the AHL for the Baltimore Skipjacks, going 21-23-0 in 50 games, while getting called up to Pittsburgh and lose both his appearances. The Pens moved their primary affiliation to the IHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks, playing in 33 games with an impressive 23-4-5 record, then getting called up to Pittsburgh for 19 games and putting up a 12-7-0 record. That season, Guenette captured the James Norris Trophy for fewest goals against in the IHL. Guenette spent the first part 1988-89 season as a back-up in Pittsburgh, getting into only 11 games (5-6-0), while spending 10 games with Muskegon (6-4-0).

The second half of the season would be after Guenette was traded to the Calgary Flames for a draft pick. Guenette stayed in the IHL, but with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and go 24-5-0 in 30 games to round out the season. The 1989-90 season had Guenette stay in Salt Lake, playing 47 games and finishing with a 22-21-4 record, while spending two games in Calgary-- going 1-1-0. Guenette would be back in Salt Lake again for the 1990-91 season, finishing with a 26-13-4 record in 43 appearances, as well as winning the only game he played in Calgary that year.

During the summer of 1991, Guenette was traded to the Minnesota North Stars for a draft pick, but he would be put back in the IHL with the Kalamazoo Wings. He would play 21 games and finish with a 7-9-3 record before finally hanging up his pads for good.

Currently, Guenette has dipped his hand into home improvement, working as a partner for Roofers World, which manufactuers and distributes roofing products across North America. Guenette is also a part of the Ottawa Senators Alumni team, as he lives in the Ottawa region and is accepted into the team's alumni group.

After a slow start, then a quick rise to the top in the juniors-- the struggles on the pro teams and the logjam that happened made Guenette bounce around from team to team, mostly getting stuck in the minors. However, he's still active with the Sens alum and made a great career choice outside of the game.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Scott Gordon

From humble begins to a decent college career and a scrambled pro career, this week's AGM could be more notable for his coaching career than his playing career. In fact, many may forget his playing time-- which I wouldn't blame many for as he may not be the most recognized former player turned coach. This week, the profile of Scott Gordon.

Gordon started his career in Boston high schools with the Oliver Ames Tigers and then moving onto New Hampshire prep academy Kimball Union Academy.

After his prep career was done, Gordon moved on to the Boston College Golden Eagles for his college days, starting in the 1982-83 season, going 3-3-0 in nine games. The 1983-84 season saw Gordon get plenty of time in next, playing 35 games and finishing with 21-13-0 record. Gordon was again the starter for BC in the 1984-85 season, going 23-11-2 in 36 appearances. During the Frozen Four of 1985, Gordon and former AGM Chris Terreri were the first pair of goalies to put water bottles on the top of their net during the triple-overtime game, seeing Providence beat BC 4-3. Gordon's senior year in 1985-86 had a 17-8-1 record in 32 games, to which Gordon got named to the Hockey East First All-Star Team.

Before the 1986-87 season, Gordon was signed by the Quebec Nordiques, but spent that season toiling in the AHL for 32 games with the Fredericton Express finishing with a 9-12-2 record. In the 1987-88 season, Gordon stayed in the AHL, but with the Baltimore Skipjacks, going 7-17-3 in 34 games. However, the 1988-89 season had Gordon play the majority of the season with the ECHL's Johnstown Chiefs, going 18-9-3 in 31 games, then 7-4 in 11 playoffs games; which helped Gordon get named to the ECHL First All-Star Team. Gordon also spend two games back in the AHL with the Halifax Citadels that season, both losses.

The 1989-90 season is where Gordon got some better footing in Halifax and putting up a 28-16-3 record, then 2-4 in the playoffs. Also, Gordon would get called up to Quebec in mid-season for 10 games, going only 2-8-0 in those games. The 1990-91 season was a bit dismal, as Gordon would play only 24 games in Halifax with a 12-10-2 record and appear in 13 games with Quebec, sporting a 0-8-0 record. Gordon would play for the US in the World Championships, losing his only appearance.

For the 1991-92 season, Gordon spent the start of it with the United States National Team in hopes of playing in the 1992 Olympics. He played 28 games with the touring team, putting up a 13-12-3 record, while playing on one games in the Olympics, but did not factor in the decision. Once he returned, Gordon played seven games for Halifax (3-3-1) and four games for the New Haven Nighthawks of the AHL (3-1-0).

Gordon was a free-agent by the 1992-93 season, opting to play in the ECHL with the Nashville Knights, putting together 13-9-1 record in 23 games, then going 5-4 in nine playoff games. Gordon would move to the Knoxville Cherokees for the 1993-94 season, finishing with a 15-10-1 record in 26 games, while also getting a call to the IHL's Atlanta Knights to play in five games, finishing with a 0-1-3 record.

In 1994, Gordon retired and began coaching with the Atlanta Knights as an assistant and would be with the team from 1994 until 1998, when the team was then the Quebec Rafales. Starting in 1998, Gordon got a head coaching job in the ECHL with the Roanoke Express, a post he would hold for two seasons. From the 2000-01 season until the 2007-08 season, Gordon would coach the AHL's Providence Bruins, winning the Louis A. R. Pieri Memorial Award for Coach of the Year in his last season. In the 2008-09 season, Gordon became the head coach of the New York Islanders, but after a couple dismal seasons-- he would be dismissed as the head coach in the middle of the 2010-11 season. Currently, Gordon is an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Gordon has also helped USA Hockey as an assistant in the 2009 World Championships and 2010 Olympics and the 2011 Worlds as the head coach.

While he didn't do much for some lackluster teams, the knowledge picked up and the international experience that Gordon was able to pick up was something that is invaluable. With the amount of situations he's been in, it has helped Gordon adapt to whatever is thrown his way.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Darren Jensen

With the NCAA Tournament going on, it's time to take a look at one goalie who was able to win two of them in his four years playing-- for a team who's name cannot be named. He came in like a flash, got the NHL, and then went out in the blink of an eye. This week-- the profile of Darren Jensen

Jensen started his career in the 1977-78 season with the Penticton Vees of the BC Junior League, playing in 29 games and finishing 22-7-0, while going 16-21-1 in 42 games with the Vees in the 1978-79 season.

After two seasons in Junior A, Jensen decided to move to the NCAA ranks with the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux, going 13-0-1 in the 1979-80 season-- helping North Dakota win the NCAA National Championship. After playing 25 games in the 1980-81 season (no record around), Jensen again went 13-0-1 in 16 appearance, helping the Sioux win another National Championship and being named to the All-Tournament Team that year. Jensen would spend his senior year, playing in 16 games (again, no record) to close out his collegiate career.

When he moved into a pro career, Jensen signed with the IHL's Fort Wayne Komets for the 1983-84 season-- playing 56 games and compiling a 40-12-3 record with four shutouts, then going 2-4 in the playoffs. It was a big year for Jensen, winning the James Norris Memorial Trophy for fewest goals-against, Garry F. Longman Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year, James Gatschene Memorial Trophy for IHL MVP, and was named to the First Team All-Star team.

After his impressive season, Jensen signed with the Philadelphia Flyers after the Hartford Whalers didn't retain his rights. The 1984-85 season, Jensen spent it with the AHL's Hershey Bears, finishing with a 12-20-6 record in 39 games. Jensen would also play in one game with the Flyers, a loss. In the 1985-86 season, Jensen would be starting and ending his season with the Bears-- cumulating with 14 games and an 11-1-1 record and a 5-1 record in the playoffs.

Jensen would be called up under bleak circumstances for the 1985-86 season, as he would replace the late Pelle Lindbergh, playing in the first Flyers' game since his death; as starter Bob Froese pulled his groin in the warm-ups. Jensen would win 5-3 over the Edmonton Oilers and would finish with a 15-9-1 record in 29 games, helping himself and Froese win the William M. Jennings Trophy for fewest goals against. However, Jensen would be pushed out of the Flyers fold when the Flyers traded for Chico Resch late in the '85-'86 season.

In the 1986-87 season, Jensen would be back in the AHL with the Hershey Bears as Ron Hextall came up as a rookie and took over for Jensen. With the Bears, Jensen went 26-26-0 in 60 appearances for the Bears.

In August of 1987, Jensen and Daryl Stanley were traded to the Vancouver Canucks for Wendell Young and a Draft Pick. Jensen would be sent to the AHL's Fredericton Express, going 18-19-4 in 42 games and then 7-5 in 12 playoff games, losing to the Hershey Bears in the Calder Cup Finals.

Jensen would signed with the IHL's Milwaukee Admirals for the 1988-89 season, playing in only 11 games with a 7-2 record before retiring from playing.

After hockey, Jensen was bouncing around the minor hockey coaching ranks before landing with the Kelowna Rockets as a goalie coach and assistant coach from 2002 to 2004. At last check, Jensen was the goalie coach for the BC Interior Select 1996-birth year team.

Jensen started out with a bang-- coming onto the college scene and winning a National Title and then again two years later. He got into the NHL under some bad circumstances, but played to the best of his abilities when he was up there, but would ultimately be pushed out because of too many goalies in the system. Even so, he has a lot to be proud of and pass along to the next generation.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Rick Heinz

This week's AGM is more renowned for what he has done off the ice rather than his time on it. From what he learned on the ice, he has created one of the more successful schools and camps when it comes to excelling the future of goaltenders in North America. Even so, the time he spent playing afforded him the chance to push forward with his mentoring. This week, the profile of Rick Heinz.

Heinz's started his trek playing in Junior "B" with the Windsor Royals and Junior "A" with the Chatham Maroons before taking the NCAA route, playing for the University of Minnesota-Duluth starting in the 1974-75 season, going 6-11-2 in 20 appearances. In his sophomore season in 1975-76, Heinz went 14-20-0 in 34 games on what many described as a terrible team, attributing Heinz's play to the success the school had on the ice. Heinz saw 23 games of action in 1976-77, finishing with a 6-15-2 record; while he finished his collegiate career in the 1977-78 season with a 13-18-1 record in 33 games.

After college, Heinz went to the IHL to play for the Port Huron Flags in the 1978-79 season, playing 54 regular season games and six playoff games before getting signed by the St. Louis Blues in April of 1979. Also in that season, Heinz played for the Blues' Central League's affiliate, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, losing his only appearance.

Heinz got a full season with Salt Lake in the 1979-80 season, compiling a 22-11-5 record in 39 games, then 1-3 in five playoff games, while Salt Lake won the Central League title. Back in Salt Lake for the 1980-81 season; Heinz went 19-14-3 in 36 games, then going 10-4 in the playoffs; helping Salt Lake win back-to-back titles. Also in '80-'81, Heinz played four games with the Blues, going 2-1-1 in his tenure there. Heinz would against split most of the 1981-82 season between Salt Lake for 19 games (14-3-2) and the Blues for nine (2-5-0) before being on the move.

In March of 1982, Heinz, Tony Currie, and Jim Nill were traded to the Vancouver Canucks for Glen Hanlon. Heinz played only three games with the Canucks, going 2-1-0 in that span.

Crazily enough, in June 1982, Heinz was traded back to the Blues for cash. In the 1982-83 season, Heinz split again between Salt Lake and St. Louis; going 9-8-0 in Salt Lake, while going 1-5-1 while in St. Louis. As the permanent back-up for the 1983-84 season, Heinz played in 22 games for the Blues and finished with a 7-7-3 record. However in the 1984-85 season, Heinz would play the majority of the season with the IHL's Peoria Rivermen, going 24-12-4 in 43 games; then going 6-4 in 10 playoff games. Heinz was able to get the James Norris Memorial Trophy for fewest goals against in the IHL. Also, Heinz played in two games for the Blues, but only in relief appearances and no record recorded.

As a free agent, Heinz would play the 1985-86 in Salt Lake, but in the IHL this time around. In his 52 games, Heinz finished with a 22-20-0 record, then 1-4 in five playoff games, while also playing one game in the AHL with the Binghamton Whalers, which was a loss. The 1986-87 season would have Heinz go 29-20-0 in 51 games with Salt Lake, then going 12-4 in the playoffs, helping the Golden Eagles win the Turner Cup the season. Heinz would go out on top and retire after the championship.

After his career, Heinz went on to start his own goalie school, which manifest itself into an all around hockey school that has taught many college and minor pro goaltenders and NHL skaters. His schools have helped the likes of Marc Savard, Doug Gilmour, and Sean Avery. It is a school that is known all around the world despite having only eight camps in North America throughout the summer.

Though his hardships of not being able to get a solid spot in the NHL, Heinz forged his path in the minors-- taking home many individual awards and three league championships with Salt Lake. He even wrote a book about the hardships of pro hockey. Plus, his knowledge and journey has helped him make a big name for himself for younger players and guys who want to advance their hockey skills.