Two Minutes in the Box

Two Minutes in the Box

Sit down with ex-NHL players to discuss life after hockey, living in Niagara and what they think of the game today.

WITH EX-NHL GOALTENDER

DOUG FAVELL

By: Gabrielle Tieman-Lee

Which teams did you play for in the NHL?

I played six years with the Philadelphia Flyers, three years with the Toronto Maple Leafs and three years with the Colorado Rockies.

Back then there were only six teams in the NHL. They sponsored junior teams all over Canada and because I was born and raised in St. Catharines, I automatically belonged to the Chicago Blackhawks. During that time, I ended up playing Junior B in St. Catharines, and when it came time to try out for the juniors, I was in competition with four other goaltenders… there was another team in Niagara Falls at the time, the Niagara Falls Flyers, which was Boston’s team. I spent three years in Niagara Falls with the Flyers and in 1965, we won the Memorial Cup. Then I turned pro and belonged to Boston and ended up in Oklahoma City with Boston’s farm team. Played two years with Boston’s farm team and then in 1967, they had the first expansion draft - where they went from six to twelve teams. And I was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers - along with Bernie Parent. Then I was traded in 1973 to the Leafs.

What was it like playing in the NHL and with the Toronto Maple Leafs?

It was great – I lived in great cities and met great people. It was disappointing to leave Philadelphia because we were right on the verge of winning the cup. But if I had to go anywhere, it was great to come back close to home and play for the Leafs. I grew up watching the Leafs so it was great to play with them for three years. They traded me to Colorado and I spent three years there with the Rockies.

After retirement, did you leave hockey?

Not at first. I ended up staying in Colorado for nine years after the Rockies; I ended up coaching at Denver University for two years. In 1986, we decided to move back home [to Niagara]. I started coaching and managing the Thorold Junior B team. At the same time I was coaching the Brock University team ... I coached two years. In 1987 when I came back, I was offered the goaltending coaching position in Buffalo with the Sabres. So I ended up four years with the Sabres. Then in 1991, I left hockey.

Why retire in Niagara?

I am an only child, so to my parents, my two children were their only grandchildren. So we decided to move back. My wife’s family

was also here. I was happy to be back - we were all back where we belonged. It was time to play old-timers hockey and have fun.

The NHL has changed so much over the years; are you still interested in hockey?

I watch a little bit ... I am interested, but I’m not a diehard. The game has changed a lot. But I enjoy it with my grandkids and my son.

What do you think of goaltending today?

It’s an entirely different game. It’s faster... It’s the speed of the game. I’m not a fan of it. The equipment is all too big and you’re just filling the net. These goaltenders, they are a lot more skilled than we were, because they are playing a different style. Their flexibility – the working out – that has all changed. And not only the big equipment, but the size of the guys. Back in the sixties and seventies, when we finished playing, we had to come home and work, because we didn’t make enough money playing. You didn’t spend your time working out, you actually had to work. I was a bigger than average guy and I’m 5’ 11” and was 170 lbs. These guys, now they’re 6’ 5”.

What was your biggest accomplishment during your time in the NHL?

Team-wise, probably winning the first series for the Flyers in 1972-1973. We beat Minnesota in the first round of the first series; the Flyers beat everyone in the playoffs. But there were a lot of personal highlights as well: my first game with the Leafs, winning games with the expansion teams. I didn’t quite get to the end, but I made a lot of friends and met a lot of great people along the way.

I also ended up playing professional lacrosse as well as playing in the NHL — I was a forward. One of my highlights is I am the only man to ever win the Memorial Cup and the Minto Cup [Canadian Junior Lacrosse] in the same year in 1965. I am very proud of that fact. I also hold the record for the fastest three goals in the Minto Cup – three goals in 11 seconds. It’s never been broken.

What is one of your favourite memories of your time in the NHL?

I was the first goalie to paint my mask. Other goalies had painted details, like stitches, on theirs before, but I was the first to fully paint it. Today everybody does it.

WITH EX-NHL FORWARD

STEVE LUDZIK

By: Martine Mackenzie

Which teams did you play for in the NHL?

I played in Chicago for 8 years and then Buffalo for a bit, but I consider myself a Blackhawk.

What was it like playing in the NHL?

There were a lot better players than me, but I don’t think anyone enjoyed playing the game as much as I did or felt as privileged as I did. [...] Some nights, I got caught with two left skates on my feet, but I gave it everything I had.

What was your most memorable moment?

My first game and my first goal which happened in my first game. We were playing against the Quebec Nordiques and we were losing 8-0. It was the 3rd period and I was put in and I scored on a slap shot from the blue line against Danny Bouchard. (Laughing) I must have caught him sleeping.

The NHL has changed so much over the years. What do you think of the game today?

It’s better! But when I played, we played against the best. Those were the best guys then. Today’s players are bigger and stronger. They train better. Skates are better, sticks are better, conditioning is better. Goalies are better because they can’t get hurt. The equipment makes them immune to pain.

Do you still watch hockey today?

Rarely. When I retired from coaching, because of the Parkinson’s, I did a TV show called “The Score,” and I got my fill there. I watch it once in a while but I don’t really follow as closely as I should. I do have great admiration for the players.

After your retirement from the NHL, you turned to coaching, eventually spending two years as Head Coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning. What was it like to be on the other side of the bench?

I always wanted to coach. I was 39 years old and I was put in the position to rebuild. It was a young team and a young organization. But to answer your question, it wasn’t good, and I don’t know if I handled it well. It’s not that I like to win – it’s that I hate to lose. There’s a big difference between the two. I hated the taste of losing and I just couldn’t stomach it.

You’re also a published author with your book, “Been There Done That”. What inspired you to write it?

I love when people tell me they loved my book. […] My life in hockey inspired me to write it. It was a tribute to the game I loved so much.

Now, you went public with your Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2012, but as you said, you kept it quiet for such a long time. What made you come out with it?

You probably won’t believe this, but I had a dream about my Dad. My Dad died very young. He was only 50. I had just made the NHL. I was raised by my Dad to not back down. Push back. When push comes to shove, shove back harder. You’ve got no option. You can’t be bullied. In my dream, my Dad came to me and told me to stop hiding and to go after this thing, this Parkinson’s. And that’s what I did. I went after it like the bully it is. It’s about bashing the bully.

You established the Steve Ludzik Parkinson’s Rehab Centre at the Hotel Dieu/Shaver in St. Catharines. Can you tell me about it?

It’s the #1 rated clinic in Canada. No one is even close to us. Because nobody else does this. It’s funded completely by donations. We have events that raise money – the Ball Drop done at Eagle Valley Golf Course and we have our annual NHL celebrity golf tournament. This year we are roasting Derek Sanderson in our celebrity roast. It’s sold out! I’m really excited about that.

You’re a hero, Steve, yet you’re so humble.

I used to say I was going to be the best hockey player. I was a good player but I wasn’t the best. I had my shot. Then when I was a coach, I said I was going to be the greatest coach that ever lived. Then I got Parkinson’s. When I went into broadcasting, I wanted to be the most colourful guy, behind Don Cherry of course. (laughs) I’ve helped a lot of people with Parkinson’s. I didn’t shy away from the cause. I stood up and was counted and have made a lot of money for Parkinson’s research and that’s good enough for me.

How do you remain so positive in the face of adversity?

I have no option. I refuse to back down and from this I’ve become a pretty solid role-model. I’m a go-getter and when push comes to shove, I shove back harder.

WITH EX-NHL GOALTENDER

FRANK PIETRANGELO

By: Martine Mackenzie

Which teams did you play for in the NHL?

I was drafted in 1983 by the Pittsburgh Penguins and played for them for most of my career and then I finished up with the Hartford Whalers.

What was it like playing in the NHL?

Playing in the NHL was the ultimate! I was playing with the best players in the world, being treated first-class all the way. It was a great experience.

The NHL has changed so much over the years. What do you think of the game today?

I like the game today. They’ve taken away the obstruction. It’s a speedy and skillful game. It used to be tough for the little guy but now, as long as you can skate, you can play.

What do you think of goaltending today?

Goaltending has really evolved. Everyone is bigger! The average size of a goaltender these days is well over six feet. The equipment has really changed too. Back when I played, we were using the old leather stuff.

Do you still watch hockey? I watch hockey every night. I’m a big Pittsburgh Penguins fan.

You own the Niagara Falls Canucks Junior B Team. Tell me what that’s like.

I’m at the rink every day. Hockey is my passion. I’ve never done anything but hockey-related stuff. Playing is the ultimate thrill but now I have the opportunity to give back to Niagara Falls. I’m born and raised here. I played for the Niagara Falls Canucks myself. I get to stay involved with the game and by coaching, you can get the same feel as when you play, like the camaraderie in the dressing room or the butterflies before the game. It’s the closest thing to playing.

It’s obvious that you have very close ties to Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls is home! Always has been, always will be. My wife Kim and I always said there was no question that we would settle down here. Our families are here.

Your most famous moment came in Game 6, opening round against the New Jersey Devils…”The Save”…You made a glove save against Peter Stastny, who was coming at you at point blank range. Can you describe that moment?

(Laughingly) I can’t really say anything about that split moment because it was just reactionary. I made the first save. It was a deflection and I just reached back and tried to stop the next puck. That’s what goaltenders do. Looking back on it now, it’s pretty incredible! In Pittsburgh in particular, “The Save” has taken on a life of its own. It was part of the first Stanley Cup win. The chips were down. We were down 3 games to 2 going into New Jersey having lost Game 5 at home. Most people had written us off. Tom Barrasso was our #1 goalie and he didn’t play, which gave me the opportunity. For the most part, everyone thought Jersey was going to win the round with that game. With “The Save” came the win, and everything took off from there.

“The Save” helped the Penguins win the game and the series, which led to the Stanley Cup win. What was it like being part of a Stanley Cup championship?

Winning is everything in sports. You’re measured by winning. As kids, we walk around pretending to lift the Stanley Cup in our backyards. For it to become my reality was just fantastic. With Pittsburgh being close to Niagara Falls, my family and friends came to every one of the games during the playoffs. It was great to be able to share in the experience. To actually hold that Stanley Cup above my head; well that was a dream come true.

Would you say that was the greatest moment of your career?

No doubt about it!

What was the best part of playing in the NHL?

It has to be the friendships I made. A lot of people have said that the team was really good and that’s why we were close. I think it’s the other way around. We were all close and that’s why we were good. It’s the chemistry that we had together. Even after all these years, when we see each other again, it’s like seeing family. The memories that we made last a lifetime. The friendships you make along the way to winning a championship are hard to describe.