Four Celebratory Events in Seals History (by Chuck Nan) – download here
The Seals never did much celebrating during their history, especially during their NHL years, but that doesn’t mean the franchise was completely devoid of happy moments. There were, of course, the San Francisco Seals two WHL championships, and then, years after the team had moved to Cleveland (and then merged with Minnesota), thanks in large part to Mark Greczmiel’s excellent documentary on the history of the Seals, the team suddenly became a hot item. Fans began reminiscing about the Bay Area’s lovable losers. Their once laughed-at uniforms, suddenly became trendy, and players were requested for interviews. Two books, which (I must admit) covered the Seals’ history pretty damn well, were well-received. This series of four short pieces was contributed to the site by Chuck Nan, and covers these memorable moments in Seals history.
“Turning Points” (by Steve Currier) – download here
This article was originally published in 2015 by the Society for International Hockey Research for their annual Journal. Here, I detail the ten most important moments in franchise history, some good, some bad, some atrocious. It is a good starting point for anyone interested in reading the highlights of the Seals’ 17-year history.
“Bad, Bad Blood: the California Golden Seals-Philadelphia Flyers Rivalry” (by Steve Currier) – download here
In the mid-1970s, the Flyers were the NHL’s premier punchers, while the Seals were the league’s premier punching bags. Why these two teams became bitter rivals is all because one night, a rookie defenseman up for a cup of coffee in the big league’s took a shot at Bobby Clarke. This article, exclusive to this site, examines the most unlikely rivalry of the 1970s.
“The Fickle Finger of Fate” (by Steve Currier) – download here
This article is about the Seals’ unusual 1965-66 playoff run, in which it seemed the hockey gods were just toying with the poor Seals. It was posted on the Society for International Hockey Research blog on March 8, 2015. It can be accessed online at http://sihr.ca/__a/public/column.cfm?cid=3&aid=353. Other blog entries on various topics such as statistics, college hockey, pre-NHL hockey, and biographies of forgotten stars can also be found on the SIHR website. If you enjoy reading articles such as this, or you would like to contribute to the hockey history community, don’t be shy to become a member! If you like hockey at all, there is something for you here.
“Seals / Barons All-Time Team (by Steve Currier) – download here
Ever wonder which combination of Seals and Barons would give the rest of the NHL a run for its money? Wonder no more as you can find one answer (certainly not the definitive one, however) right here. This team would drive most other best-of teams crazy.
“When Garry Met Charlie” (by Steve Currier) – download here
This is the first article I ever wrote for the Society for International Hockey Research, back in 2011. It details the Seals’ 1971-72 season, which proved to be a turning point in the franchise’s history. The team showed real promise for the first time in years, and the future seemed bright, but dark clouds loomed over the horizon, and when the storm eventually hit, the Seals were absolutely destroyed.
“The Wrecking Crew” (by Steve Currier) – Nov. 2, 2019 – download here
The combination of Dave Hrechkosy, Butch Williams, and Ron Huston will never be considered one of the greatest lines of the 1970s, but the trio left a lasting on Seals fans who thought the team was finally turning a corner, and putting the Charlie Finley years behind it.
“Stats Not So Golden For Seals” (by Steve Currier) – download here
Even though the NHL has always done its best to keep an accurate statistical record of all its players, coaches, and teams, many discrepancies exist. In this article, I explain how many Seals statistics have been incorrectly published over the years.
“All-time Best and Worst Trades” (by Steve Currier) – download here
Some deals seem too good to be true and later turn out to be death knells, while other smaller, simpler deals turn out to be jackpots. Here’s a list of the California Seals/Cleveland Barons’ five greatest steals at the trading table and the franchise’s five biggest busts.