Hi everyone! Lots to discuss today, so let’s get right to it. I received an interesting email from subscriber Sante Debacco just yesterday, who has done a little Seals research over the years. He discovered that the Seals’ 1971-72 schedule, which happened exactly 50 years ago, falls on exactly the same days as the 2021-22 calendar. In other words, today is Friday, October 15, and way back in 1971, October 15 also fell on a Friday. A little digging will show that October 15, 1971 was not exactly a banner day in Seals history. It was Vic Stasiuk’s first game behind the bench, and while his troops looked great the first 12 minutes of the game, racking up a 4-0 lead over the over-matched Vancouver Canucks, the Seals then completely fell apart losing 9-6. So, to commemorate this interesting night on its true 50th anniversary, I present to you a trio of articles about the game itself, the firing of Fred Glover, and some other off-ice notes. As usual you can find them in the articles section.

This week, I finally received my copy of Gary Webster’s book on the Cleveland Barons, The NHL’s Mistake By The Lake. I’ve only had the time to read the first 30 pages or so, but so far it is a good read. I’m just getting to the part where the Cleveland crew is getting ready for the 1976-77 season, so I imagine things to downhill pretty fast for the team afterwards. Never saw the Barons play, I might add; I just get that feeling things don’t turn out so well, but who knows, books have surprised me in the past. Anyway, when I finish the book I will be sure to post a review, but don’t wait around for me, folks, go get yourself a copy today.

So that’s about it for this week. I look forward to catching a few hockey games on the TV this weekend, although if Montreal’s first two games are any indication, I feel they will be sharing a few negative traits with those aforementioned Barons before long. It’s looking like it’s going to be a long season, but hey, we’re all here because we’re Seals fans, so we’re used to losing, right?

Until next time, stay gold!