I will continue my series about the toughest penguins by repeating another Golden Oldie. Today’s position was originally posted on Penguinpoop on March 16, 2013.
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It can be a surprise for Penguins fans to hear that a hall-of-fame defender skated for the team in the mid-seventies. No, it was not an extraordinar shotblocker Dave Burrows Or even the winner of the Norris Trophy Randy Carlyle. His name was Bob ParadiseAnd he was admitted to the Hockey Hall of Fame of the United States in 1989.
The third eldest of seven brothers, Paradise grew up in the Rough West End section of St. Paul, Minnesota. He quickly learned how to deal.
“Often there was action in the house,” Paradise recalled. “Someone was always in someone’s way. We were not as understanding as they require you are today. If someone stood in the way, you might have to do something to have them move.”
Paradise, a talented multi-portatleet, earned all-state awards in football and hockey at Cretin High School. He was also an accomplished baseball player and attracted a contract offer from the Boston Red Sox in 1965. The Strapping Youngster, however, chose to play collegial hockey in St. Mary’s in Winona, Minnesota, where he appeared as a defender of all conference.
His strong game won him a place in the 1968 Olympic team. Originally signed by Montreal, Paradise appeared in 1971-72 a cameo appearance with the Minnesota North Stars before he continued to the expansion Atlanta Flames. Thanks to his physical playing style, he immediately became a favorite with fans in Dixie.
Looking to add muscles to his talented but timid team, Pens GM Jack Riley Acaded paradise (together with Chuck Arnason) of the Flames on January 4, 1974, for All-Star Al McDonough. He quickly settled in the steel city as a sturdy, permanent defender.
Paradise enjoyed his best professional season in 1974-75 and placed career heights in points (18) and penalty minutes (109). Together with equally impressive wing player Bob “Battleship” KellyThe 6’1 “205 ponder served as one of the pens protectors, protective stars such as such as Syl -apps From people like ‘Broad Street Bullies’ by Philadelphia.
Of course apps was a great admirer.
“He [Paradise] Was just a good guy, “Syl said Jim O’Brien in Penguin profiles. “I broke with him in the pros in Omaha. Bobby was a good leader. He did not tolerate someone’s BS, but he was a good guy and a good teamman.”
Because of his no-nonsense reputation paradise, like Kelly, it was not often challenged. A remarkable exception took place during Game 7 of the fatal Wales Conference Semifinals against the islanders from 1975. Early in the competition paradise clashed with Clark Gillies In a real heavyweight tilt. Although it is not clear from the grainy video clip, According to all accounts, Paradise shook the effects of a separate shoulder to score an impressive decision about the frightening island dweller.
Later, in an interview from 2007 with The sports networkGillies called Paradise his toughest enemy. “He hit me out of me,” known to the tough Isles wing player, considered by many as the NHL Heavyweight Champion during his Prime.
Although firmly established as one of the most popular and respected players of the team, Paradise was treated at Washington on November 26, 1975. The pens, however, missed his toughness and leadership, which led to new GM Baz Bastien To repeat the rough rear on the eve of the ’77 -78 campaign.
Big Bob played his solid, no-frills defense brand and skated that year in 64 games for the Blue and White and 14 more the following season before hanging his skates.
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