ScottM

That's pretty cool about your getting to meet Tretiak. I'd love to have that chance one day. It's always good to hear about guys who are genuine when you actually meet them.

As I understand it, the Miracle on Ice game was the only time in Tretiak's career that he was pulled. He was furious about it and to this day thinks his team would have won if he had remained in net. He may very well be right. I say this with no malice toward Tretiak, but I'm still glad things played out the way they did, considering that's my favorite sports moment. That said, Tretiak himself pinpointed the top reason the Soviet team lost that game when he said they didn't respect the American team.

@thenewestlights The Habs' history at goalie is insane. The thought of adding Tretiak to that is unbelievable. I didn't mention it in the article, but I once read that when Tretiak was hired as the goaltenders coach for the Blackhawks, it was the impression of the rest of the coaching staff and the players that he was still very capable of playing in the NHL at age 38. In some ways, it feels like we got robbed in not getting to see him strap on the pads over here.

@JagerMeister Don't be surprised if you see some of those things coming up. I want to do a variety of things on the blog. I do hope to feature some little known but interesting stories. There will be player biographies, team features, and general stories.

Thank you very much!

Thanks for the kind words. Hockey has such a rich history, and it deserves to be explored. I learn a lot myself while researching these posts.

Yes, Nedomansky was here a few years earlier. I think he came over in 1974. He was one of the "very few" that I referred to at the end of the third paragraph. I chose the Stastny family story just for the fact that, as you said, it is a wonderful story. The separation and reunion of the brothers to play together once again is a very touching story.

But you're right about the contributions of Nedomansky. It would be nearly 20 years before he could return to his native country.