DAVID BRAGNALO: Played junior locally for the Fort William Canadiens. … Went on to attend and play collegiate hockey at the University of North Dakota … Was a member of the Thunder Bay Twins for seven seasons, winning three USHL titles. … Was also part of the Twins’ 1975 Allan Cup-winning side. … Coached locally for many years. Went on to guide the Thunder Bay Kings to an Air Canada Cup National Midget Championship in 1995, as well as a silver medal prior to that in 1992.
FAVOURITE PLAYER: It’s interesting when you consider our hockey history. So many great players. So many great guys.
Sometimes when you are in the moment you do not realize the importance of what is going on and who you are with.
However, years later when you look back it’s great memories and lasting impact of those moments that shape our lives.
The lasting memories of people who influenced each of us, even in a small way. Guys we watched or played with.
As a young kid, we always looked at Alex Delvecchio as a hero.
Not only a hometown boy, but we knew his family, played ball with some of his nephews so there was that connection.
A quick story. I think we were in Grade 7 or 8 and Alex was opening a sporting goods store on Simpson St., not far from our place.
His grand-opening featured an autograph session with himself, Gordie Howe, Marcel Pronovost and Bill Gadsby.
They all sat at a table, on the city sidewalk, signing autographs, which is nothing you would see today. That certainly that sticks out in my mind.
But one player who really affected me as a youngster was Joe Szura.
He lived in our neighbourhood; played in the American Hockey League; was in the Montreal chain, but understandably could not crack their line-up in the 1960s.
At that time Joe was playing in Cleveland and was one of their leading scorers.
He would come back in the summer; coached our baseball team; worked for the city parks and rec, so we saw him on almost a daily basis.
A great guy. A real mentor and role model who was always friendly and gave back to the community.
As we got older, playing bantam/midget hockey in the Canadiens’ chain we looked at the players with the Junior Canadiens and admired them and wanted to follow in their footsteps. Guys like Ralph Stewart, Bob Munro and certainly others.
BEST PLAYER: As for the best player from Thunder Bay, it’s definitely a thought-provoking question.
But I guess the top two you have to end up with are Delvecchio and Eric Staal, with my vote going to Eric Staal.
When you consider his career. Winning a World Championship; an Olympic Gold Medal and a Stanley Cup.
That and his contribution to the local community. i.e. family, church and school. The Staal Foundation. A real gentleman; great role model and an inspiration for young players.
I have not checked his career stats, but I am sure they are pretty impressive.
When you consider the complete picture, I think he is the right choice.