Peter "Foppa" Forsberg: A Biography & Red Wings 'Magic Man' Pavel Datsyuk
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", Mike Bossy's life story, the Hurricanes' Andrew Ladd trade tree, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
Today in Hockey History: July 22
This date in National Hockey League history has not been the most eventful by any means, but it has still provided some interesting tidbits. One veteran player got traded twice on the same day, Matthew Tkachuk got dealt to the Florida Panthers, and the birth of a Hall of Fame defenseman are three of the biggest July 22 memories.
Peter “Foppa” Forsberg: A Biography
The year is 1994. The location is Lillehammer, Norway. It’s a sudden-death shootout in the Olympic hockey finals. With the crowd screaming, Peter Forsberg is at the opposite blue line staring at Canada’s goalie, Corey Hirsch. Forsberg skates in and makes a move towards Hirsch’s right. All of a sudden with one hand he moves the puck to Hirsch’s left and slides the puck just under his glove hand and scores! When Paul Kariya could not answer on Sweden’s goalie Tommy Salo, the gold medal was awarded to Sweden for the first time.
Detroit Red Wings ‘Magic Man’ – Pavel Datsyuk
Pull up Siri or whatever AI assistant you have on your phone and then ask it “who is the Magic Man?” Seriously, do it, I’ll wait. Pavel “The Magic Man” Datsyuk’s reputation transcends the game of hockey. For sports fans across the state of Michigan, he’s a symbol of greatness, representing an era where the Detroit Red Wings dominated the NHL, and the Tigers and Pistons both were championship threats in their respective leagues. That Siri knows him by his nickname should tell you all you need to know about how special No. 13 was.
Today in Hockey History: July 21
July 21 saw the greatest player in National Hockey League history sign on to play for one of its most historic teams. Plus, a franchise-altering player signed his first-ever professional contract, new head coaches were hired and the Seattle Kraken got its inaugural roster via the expansion draft. So, let’s begin our daily trip through the decades to relive all the great memories from this date.
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The Boss of Long Island: Mike Bossy’s Life Story
Today, we turn back time to appreciate the life and career of New York Islanders’ great, Mike Bossy. He was a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the most prolific scorers in NHL history. Here is a look at the Hall of Fame right winger’s journey to the NHL and his life afterward.
![Mike Bossy 50 Goals Mike Bossy 50 Goals](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F89405bba-0f86-4a1e-bcd5-5455243aaeed_575x384.jpeg)
Hurricanes’ Andrew Ladd Trade Tree
When people think of veteran forward Andrew Ladd, he is typically remembered as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks or the Winnipeg Jets. Very few people remember that he was a Carolina Hurricane or that he was a member of the 2006 Stanley Cup championship roster, or that they drafted him. Even fewer people remember the trade the organization made to move up and pick the Maple Ridge, British Columbia native. Perhaps the most niche of the facts about him is that the Hurricanes drafted him in Raleigh.
Today in Hockey History: July 20
July 20 has been an eventful date in National Hockey League history despite no games being played. A Hall of Fame goaltender finally landed in a spot where he can get a crack at the NHL. A two-time Stanley Cup winner retired. There was a historic hire among the scouting ranks, and a very talented group of players were born. So, let’s begin our daily trip back in time to relive all the best memories this date has to offer.