Hi everyone! I hope everyone is having a great weekend and is able to enjoy some nice weather. Not sure about where you live, but the weather here in Ottawa has been just beautiful the last week or so. After a blast of winter left us with some 15 centimetres of snow exactly one week ago, it’s been single digits (Celcius) ever since, and while I’m sad the outdoor rinks are pretty much done for the season, I’m happy to see sunshine and brown grass again. I don’t want to jinx things, but it finally feels like spring is here. I also got to celebrate my birthday, which was a nice way to end the work week. Fun fact: no Seals or Barons were born on March 10, and the Seal born closest to my birthday is Gary Kurt (born March 9).

Gary “Cobra” Simmons was born July 19, 1944, and did not make his NHL debut until 30 years later, but once he reached hockey’s highest league, he made the most of it, posting five shutouts and a solid 3.57 goals-against average in 107 career games. He never won the Stanley Cup, but he left a lasting impression on everyone he played with, and his legendary “cobra” mask (rattle mistake and all) are nestled safely in the confines of the Hockey Hall of Fame. The last 18 games of his career were spent with the L.A. Kings, and this week’s article, from a 1977 Goal magazine, comes just a few weeks after Simmons was dealt West. In the article, we learn about Cobra’s tattoos, his allergy to horses, and some of the finer moments of his NHL and WHL years. This short, light, enjoyable article can be found here. Thanks to John Heberling for sending the Goal magazine my way so I can share one of its articles with you.

Until next time, stay gold!