TTM Success: John Slaney

  John Slaney had a long professional career, albeit mostly in the AHL.  He played in 1124 games in 20 professional seasons, but he will best be remembered for a single moment before his pro career began; The Slaney Goal.  Before the influx of Eastern Bloc players in the early 1990s, it was only once every 4-5 years when the best players from Canada and Russia would face-off.  In between those years, it was at the World Juniors Hockey Championships where the two countries would battle for hockey supremacy.  January 4th, 1991, Canada versus Russia.  It was only a round robin game, but considering the standings, the winner would get Gold, or in Russia's case, a win or a tie for Gold.  With the score tied 2-2 and a little over 5 minutes remaining in the game, John Slaney picked off a clearing attempt at the blue line in the Russian zone and wired a slapshot past the Russian goalie.  The goal would clinch Canada's first ever back-to-back Gold medals in the tournament.  Slaney would go on to play 268 NHL games over 9 seasons with 7 different franchises.  He did find success in the AHL, setting a record for career points by a defenceman, since broken.  While Slaney never found the NHL success that was expected of him, he did have a very long pro career and will always be remembered for the Slaney Goal of 1991.

TTM: Tomas Jurco

Tomas Jurco was a 2nd round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2011.  While Jurco is best known as a youtube sensation, he has put together a solid year in 2011-12.  He has 45pts in 30 games with the Saint John Seadogs and also had 8pts in 5 games at the WJC with Slovakia.  More impressive than his stats, is his signature.  He added 13 to both cards, which is his current number for the Seadogs.  Mr. Jurco signed 2 of 2 and kept a copy of each picture as offered.

TTM: Jamie McLennan

Jamie McLennan played 254 NHL games over 11 NHL season.  He was a career back-up goalie who had his best season with St. Louis.  In 82 games with the Blues, McLennan was 38-27-8, with a 2.20 GAA.  McLennan is an analyst on TSN, the NHL Network, NHL radio and writes for The Hockey News.  I sent the cards to The Hockey News.  I sent him 2 cards to be signed; he returned 6 signed cards.  Perhaps it was because I forgave him for playing on the NY Rangers.