The new generation of hockey fans may find this hard to believe, but there was a time when one -- and only one -- player in the National Hockey League wore a helmet.
The new generation of hockey fans may find this hard to believe, but there was a time when one -- and only one -- player in the National Hockey League wore a helmet.
The new generation of hockey fans may find this hard to believe, but there was a time when one -- and only one -- player in the National Hockey League wore a helmet.
In the late 1940's Boston Bruins defenseman, Jack Crawford donned a leather headpiece but, ironically, not for protective purposes. Crawford was bald and figured that his helmet made him look more handsome than if he skated out with his cranium resembling a bowling ball.
Before NHL the mandatory helmet rule came into being, several of the early Nassaumen preferred playing bareheaded and loved every minute of it. Each, in his own way, was a quite handsome fellow at that.
Here are my New York Islanders old-time hockey helmetless favorites:
1. ED WESTFALL: The original (1972-73) captain. Easy Eddie was one of the all-time best defensive forwards and the one who eased the early Islanders toward a playoff berth. Off the ice, he was renowned as a championship golfer as well as a certified airplane pilot who kept his own aircraft handy. A permanent Long Islander, "Eighteen" is as well known for his jersey number as well as his conviviality. He often told me that the game could be played helmetless if players only learned to keep their sticks down.
2. BOB NYSTROM: With his hell-for-leather style of play, Ny would have been a good candidate for a helmet. On the other hand -- with his flowing blond locks flying with his speed-induced breeze -- we liked him bareheaded. This was especially evident in photos of Bobby immediately after he scored the 1980 Cup-winning goal against the Philadelphia Flyers. The irony of all this is that Nystrom's career ended at a team scrimmage when defenseman Gerald Diduck accidentally poked Ny in the eye with his stick. A helmet wouldn't have mattered.
3. BOB BOURNE: Arguably the fastest skater in Islanders history, Saskatchewan-born Bourne played the same devil-may-care kind of game as his buddy Nystrom. Bourne also loved a rough game and an occasional bit of pugilism here and there. But at no time did he consider a helmet mandatory nor necessary. For proof positive, check out the video of Bobby's rink-length dash against the Rangers, resulting in a playoff goal at Nassau Veterans' Memorial Coliseum. It truly was one of a kind, as was Mister Bourne.
4. BILLY HARRIS: When general manager Bill Torrey emerged from the 1972 Original Expansion Draft with his prize catch, right-wing Harris, the pair did a "photo opportunity." Those of us who were there couldn't help but be impressed with Billy's flowing locks and his natural camera appeal. Harris carried those assets to the ice, where he not only was one of the baby franchise's best offensive players but also the face of the new franchise. One look at this guy and the reaction could have been "Who needs a helmet?"
5. GERRY HART: Many hockey players who came out of the "Old West," carried with them a "wild" persona. Hart, who previously had starred for the Junior Flin Flon (Manitoba) Bombers, simply could be called an "Old School" defender. Although -- size-wise-- he resembled a skating fireplug, Gerry played a big man's game and quite a fighting one at that. Hart's steely eyes told you he meant business, and his lionine shock of hair told you, "No helmets, please
5 CURRENT HELMETED COUNTERPARTS
1. ANDERS LEE (new Westfall): Our very likable and very determined captain boasts some of the same qualities that made "Eighteen" so successful. Like Easy Ed, Admirable Anders is a natural leader.
2. MATT MARTIN (spirit of NY): The unit of Matt Martin, Cal Clutterbuck, and Casey Cizikas has been called "The Best Fourth Line in Hockey." You also can label them the Isles' Three Skating Musketeers. Slugging Matty symbolizes the spirit of Ny.
3. MATHEW BARZAL (speed of Bourne): From his very first game to the present, Mat's Three V's -- Vim, Vigor, and Vitality -- are reminiscent of Bob Bourne's. And if any current Islander is capable of duplicating Bourne's end-to-end classic, it's Kid Lightning Barzal.
4. KYLE PALMIERI (goal guy like Harris): Some players have an instinctive nose for the net. This Long Island native can be said to have that "knack." Whether it comes naturally or not matters little to the coach as long as the puck goes in. Kyle can, as Billy did.
5. ALEXANDER ROMANOV (rough and tumble a la Hart): Some players require a bit of time to win the hearts of local fans while -- with others -- it's a matter of instant admiration. In his first season wearing the Orange and Blue, this reliable Russian became a hit, as did Hart of yesteryear.