Toronto Toros vs Winnipeg Jets, Rare WHA Photos


Steve Cuddie, Norm Beaudin, Carl Brewer, Gilles Gratton
Time for a few more rare photos from the collection of photo journalist Doug Petepiece. These ones show another exhibition match at the Ottawa Civic Centre prior to the 1973/74 WHA campaign. The first shot is a great one of legendary goaltender Gilles Gratton. Yes, the guy who believed he was a re-incarnated Spanish Conquistador. 

Norm Beaudin had a few cups of coffee in the NHL, 13 games with St. Louis in 67/68 and 12 with Minnesota in 70/71 all toll collecting 3 points in the 25 games. He jumped to the WHA in 72/73 and exploded for 103 points, then was even better in the playoffs. Beaudin had one of the greatest playoffs in professional hockey history as the Jets lost the inaugural WHA championship in five games to the New England Whalers. Beaudin collected an amazing 13 goals and 28 points in teh 14 playoff games. This upcoming season of 73/74 however, he plummeted to 55 points. 
Brit Selby, Ab McDonald, Carl Brewer
The above shot has in the foreground, former NHL rookie of the year Brit Selby. He won the award for the Maple Leafs in 1965/66 and is the last Leaf to win the Calder Trophy (thanks to Gary Suter beating Wendel Clark in 85/86). Standing over the fallen Carl Brewer is Ab McDonald. A veteran of 762 NHL games, this would be his last professional season.

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