Hockey Historian Gifts Old Films to Former Islanders & Their Families

Hockey historian and collector Len Gould, 54, owns a treasure trove of New York Islanders memorabilia. What's more, he's ready to give it away -- free of charge to individuals featured in them.

Calling Ed Westfall!

Calling Chico Resch!

Calling all New York Islanders who were in the club's 1980 Talent Show!

Hockey historian and collector Len Gould, 54, owns a treasure trove of New York Islanders memorabilia. What's more, he's ready to give it away -- free of charge to individuals featured in them.

Now, he's trying to reach the heroes of the 1975 playoff team. Goalie Resch and Captain Eighteen (Westfall) are the chief protagonists being sought by Gould, who's based in Boca Raton, Florida.

"I have an incredible, early 1970's video profile of Resch -- as a brand new Islander," said Gould, "and Glenn's wife, Diane, is with him in this one."

As for Westfall, who captained the Original 1972-1979 Islanders, there's something for him, too.

Gould: "It's a great locker room interview with Westfall from 1975; the first year that the Isles made the playoffs. Plus, I have one of Eddie and Rod Gilbert of the Rangers duking it out at Boston Garden."

What's amazing -- call it the beauty part -- is that Gould has been giving away thousands of dollars worth of rare hockey film and video to retired players and their families at no cost at all -- not even postage.

"I would love for Eddie and Chico and their families to have these," Len enthused. "Frankly, I have a mother lode of Islanders material, including a seriously bizarre piece of footage. It's an Islanders talent show, circa 1980.

"This is straight out of the classic, iconic move, 'Slapshot.' It's shot from the crowd and, unfortunately, I can't exactly name the participants. Perhaps, Eddie or Chico can."

Mind you, this is all a labor of love for Gould. For a quarter of a century Len has been collecting and archiving hockey video and film. Then, his search begins -- finding the players involved in the footage.

In this case, it happens to be linking up with Westfall and Resch, and I'm hoping that this article speeds up their coupling. Once it does, Len will send them the valuable historic material -- for free.

Gould: "I get pleasure out of knowing that the players -- and their families -- appreciate the historic material. For the younger members of their families, there are many generations who may never have seen them play."

In the past, recipients have included the grandsons of Detroit Red Wings Hall of Famer Syd Howe -- a three-time Cup-winner -- scoring goals. Not to mention Jerry Rollins, the son of Hart, Vezina, and Stanley Cup-winning goalie Al Rollins.

Also, Alex Shibicky, Jr., the son of 1940 Rangers Cup-winner Alex Shibicky Sr., has greatly appreciated Gould's findings.

"People get very emotional when they receive this historical material," Gould concluded, "especially the relatives who never saw them play."

Hopefully, this story will reach Westfall and Resch, who will eventually receive personal Islanders samples of Len Gould's astonishing collection.