Hi everyone! It’s Friday and that means once again that we have the longest possible amount of time between two work days. That is, of course, unless you are one of those poor saps who actually has to work weekends, in which case, my sympathies. On the other hand, you should be grateful that you at least are not plying your trade for one Charles Oscar Finley. Anyone even remotely familiar with the California Golden Seals has heard of the notorious C.O.F., regarded by many as not only the worst franchise owner in NHL history, but in the history of North American professional sports. When he arrived on the NHL scene, his history as a baseball owner was speckled with controversy both on and off the field. Stupid promotions, tacky on-field gimmicks, feuds with members of the media, petty grievances with players, managers and coaches, the list of crazy crap went on and on. When he bought the Oakland Seals in the summer of 1970, it didn’t take long for the insanity to completely envelop his newest plaything. Before the season was even two months old, both his general manager and executive vice president threw up their hands and walked away, and they wouldn’t be the last to leave the organization in a huff.

In this week’s first article from the November 26, 1970 San Mateo Times, we get a look at Bill Torrey’s sudden decision to leave the Seals, a move that cost the team dearly. Torrey is of course known as the brilliant architect of the four-time Stanley Cup champs, the New York Islanders. His success on Long Island is a big reason why he is now in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He is arguably the greatest general manager in the history of hockey, and one of the few who was smart enough to stock pile his numerous high draft picks to the point where his team’s talent was just bursting at the seems. Prying a draft pick out of Torrey was about as impossible as trying to nail two boards together with your hands. Had Torrey stuck around in Oakland long enough, we might be talking about the days when the Seals were winning Stanley Cups. Instead, we just talk nostalgically about the white-skated team that just couldn’t win.

In the second article, the lethargic Seals have just dropped a 3-1 decision to Los Angeles, and coach Fred Glover is trying to figure out what to do to shake his team out of its funk. You can read both articles here.

In closing, I’d like to thank everyone who has already cast their vote for the 2022 class of the Seals Hall of Fame. If you haven’t already done so, you can cast your vote here. As always, thank you for your continued support of this site.

Until next time, stay gold!