Jun 17, 2018
A nostalgic look back at our favorite hockey heroes and legends who wore the red ,white and blue for the Rangersduring the 1960's,70's and 80's.
In Episode #16 we look back at one of the greatest left wingers in Rangers history and a member of the historic GAG Line (goal a game) Number 11 Vic Hadfield.
*Originally a member of the Chicago Blackouts prior to being selected by the Rangers during the 1961 inter-league draft.
* Played for the Rangers from 1961-1974.
* Came into the NHL as a physical and imposing left winger and one of the better fighters in the league.
* Led the NHL in penalty minutes with 151 during the 1963-64 season.
* Friend and former teamamate Bobby Hull convinced Hadfield to start useing a curved stick which immediately elevated his goal scoring production.
* During the 1967-68 season, Emile Francis put Hadfield on the left Wing of Center Jean Ratelle and right wing Rod Gilbert in order to protect them from being abused by the other clubs enforcers. This move paved the way for Ratelle and Gilbert to get the time and space they needed to showcase their trendous offensive skills.
* Starting in 1967-68 Hadfield Scored 20 or more goals for nine consecutive seasons.... seven with the Rangers and 2 for the Penguins.
* Named Team Captain in 1971.
* First Ranger ever and only the sixth in league history at the time to score 50 goals in a season in 1971-72.
* Played in 2 NHL ALL-Star teams.
* Drew league wide critiscism during the 1972 Summit Series for leaving the team while representing Team Canada due to a perceived lack of playing time.
* In a contoversial end to his Rangers carer Hadfield was traded to the Penguins after the 1973-74 playoff loss to the Flyers.
* Joining his GAG teamamates Ratelle and Gilbert Hadfield will have his number #11 retired at MSG during the upcoming 2018-2019 season.