Tom Lysiak: His All Star Career, an Ugly Incident, Criminal Betrayal & Sad Death (original PHA doc)
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- čas přidán 25. 10. 2021
- 3-time NHL All Star Tom Lysiak was the greatest player in Atlanta Flames history.
A junior hockey legend, Lysiak was a 2nd overall NHL draft pick and quickly established himself as a superior two-way player and a respected leader who became the captain of the Flames.
A blockbuster trade sent him to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he was a Chicago Stadium fan favorite. Unfortunately, he’s often remembered for an ugly on-ice incident that resulted in one of the longest suspensions ever levied by the NHL.
This is the story of Tom Lysiak -- the kid from High Prairie, ALTA, who became one of the most respected players in the history of the game.
Lysiak had an incredible career with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Junior Hockey League. Tom played on a line with future National Hockey League star Lanny McDonald and that duo terrorized the league. Lysiak led the league in assists and points for two consecutive seasons (1972 and 1973), racking up 143 and 154 points. He also had a WHL record 10-point night.
When Tom entered Atlanta's training camp, it was clear he’d be a bonafide NHL star.
"He plays like a veteran," gushed coach Bernie Geoffrion. "I haven't seen a rookie like him come into the league since Gilbert Perreault."
Assistant GM Johnny Wilson, who had coached a rookie Marcel Dionne in Detroit said "Lysiak’s better than Dionne."
Lysiak got off to a flying start during his NHL rookie season and finished second in the Calder Trophy voting to Potvin. He finished his rookie season with 64 points, including a team record 45 assists.
He was instantly a hit with Atlanta fans and settled into the Atlanta community.
The following season (1974-75) Lysiak continued to produce, increasing his point production to 77 points, including 52 assists. for the third and fourth consecutive seasons in 1976 and 1977 as well, with 82 (31 goals and 51 assists) and 81 (30 goals and 51 assists) points. He played in the NHL All-Star game for three consecutive seasons (1975-77).
While things were going great for Lysiak on and off the ice, he lost a considerable amount of money when his agent, Richard Sorkin -- a man he trusted with his finances -- stole a considerable sum from Tom and squandered it on gambling. Tom wasn’t alone in this betrayal as teammates Ed Kea and Ken Houston and numerous other NHL players
were also fleeced by Sorkin.
Despite this distraction , Lysiak kept producing. He centered a line dubbed the "Downtown Connecters" with wingers Willi Plett and Eric Vail, both of whom were Calder Trophy winners. In 1977-78 Lysiak became team captain and was Atlanta's top scorer for the fifth straight season.
On March 13, 1979, Lysiak was traded to Chicago with Pat Ribble, Greg Fox, Harold Phillipoff and Miles Zaharko in exchange for Ivan Boldirev, Phil Russell and Darcy Rota. The trade angered Flames fans and shocked Lysiak, who had recently signed a 7-year contract to stay in Atlanta.
In 1979-80, a healthy Lysiak earned the affection of Chicago fans as he scored 69 points and added 76 points in 1980-81. In 1981-82 he equaled his career best 82 points and scored a career high 32 goals. At this point Tom played on a line together with Rich Preston and Daryl Sutter, who was referred to Lysiak as “the best player I ever played with.”
In 1982-83 Tom missed 19 games due to a knee injury but still managed to score 61 points in 61 games as the Blackhawks finished with 101 points and again advanced the Campbell Conference finals before losing to the Edmonton Oilers. Lysiak solidified his reputation as a clutch player averaging over a point per post season game for the second consecutive season.
But, The 1983-84 season proved to be a nightmare for Lysiak and the Hawks with Tom’s season unravelling in an uncharacteristic way.
On the night before Halloween, 1983 Lysiak tripped linesman Ron Foyt during a 6-1 win over the Hartford Whalers at Chicago Stadium. Upset at constantly being waved out of the face-off circle on this night. Lysiak took the winger's position right behind Foyt, and once the puck was dropped he upended Foyt with a chop on the back of his leg.
Lysiak was handed a 20-game suspension. The 20-game was an automatic penalty once called by the referee, in this case Dave Newell. The NHL granted referees this power after controversial incidents involving Paul Holmgren and Terry O'Reilly earlier in the decade.
Suffering through numerous injuries, and playing behind Denis Savard and Troy Murray, Lysiak adopted a more defensive role over his next two seasons, retiring after the 1985-86 campaign.
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Tommy was born 4 months before me. We went all through school together. He and his buddy Leif were almost always at the rink in High Prairie, Alberta. What a great guy he was.
great comment -- and thanks for sharing your story!
Had the pleasure of watching Tom and Lanny in Medicine Hat. They were BEASTS! I was on the ice with them for the celebration after they beat the Saskatoon Blades to go to the Memorial Cup. Tom was truly magic!
I don’t really remember Lysiak as a kid growing up as I was just starting to follow hockey at about the time his career was winding down but this was a great segment and he most definitely was a very underrated player when the topic of best players of the 70s and 80s is discussed. This was thoroughly interesting to watch and it’s too bad he never got to hoist the Stanley cup. Sounds like he was a great guy too. May he Rest In Peace.
Love to go back and watch it with you! Thanks for sharing.
great comment ... yes, he was a super guy and family man ... thanks for watching.
Lanny scored the flames game and cup winning goal-in calgary- in gm. six of '89 finals. In his final game. Laffs fans still rue the day crusty old ballard ran lanny and others out of t o. Still the only finals series in which habs were eliminated on home ice. tb nearly did it in july
There was a show, I think it was called Shoot Out on HNC (Hockey Night in Canada) and Lysiak made the cut and was against one of the better NHL goalies. He came in so close to the goalie and stick handled so fast you could not see the goal on replay! The announcers had no idea of how he scored either! I was shocked but ecstatic!
This channel is severely underrated, it has awesome content if you love hockey stories. Thank you. I really appreciate your time and effort to making these.
Thanks, my friend ... they are time-consuming, but it's worth it if fans like you keep watching. I appreciate your feedback and support.
Have you done ,Helmut Balderis's story . What a weird story.Take care.
My sentiments exactly.
Federko was the most underrated
@@mikec886 about that you’re right. I guess Hawerchuck too.
Incredibly underrated. My dad played with him in Chicago. Loved him. A teammate and a friend. I consider myself lucky to be able to hear stories about their time together with the Blackhawks.
gotta love Ludzy, too ... thx for sharing!
HalleluYAH!
Those were great times to be a hawks fan in the old stadium. Season tickets 1st balcony east end Row 4
@@jimcook2715 Man I would give my left pinkie to have seen just one playoff or even exhibition game in the old stadioum.I am from Gatineau Quebec ,kinda far .I have been an admirer since 75 .Tony 0 and Denis Savard were my guys and I loved the way Bobby Orr played ,he was actually my favourite player over all ,he did play with the Hawks briefly and even assisted in coaching for a season.Lysiak was quite a skilled player himself ,I lked Tom ,he really looked like a hockey player .
@@marcdemell5976 Those were great times . The Chicago Stadium was one of a kind. I attended many Hawks games in the 70's and 80's. Lysiak was one of my favorite players.
I grew up a North Stars fan and Lysiak always scared me. Wonderful all-around player. Rest in peace.
I’m from High Prairie Alberta and Tom has gone further in the NHL or sports in general than anyone else from here has. He even has a case with his jersey and a bunch things on the wall in our arena
He turned this California kid into a major hockey fan when I lived in Atlanta in the late 70's. Surely, I loved some of the game's great stars but it wasn't long before he was my favorite and then all-time favorite. He could do it all, whatever was needed. And what a nice guy with an unbelievable wit and personality. Thank you for this story.
Thanks for watching and for your comment .. Tom indeed had a high "cool" factor.
T.Anderson put it perfectly...I'd much rather listin to a well researched clip from someone who delivers what fans want. Keep up the good work for all of our sakes please!
Thanks so much for watching ... I'll keep telling these stories to help preserve the legacy of these often under-appreciated legends
Seeing the flyers in their Cooperalls was priceless to see again
I grew up in Brighton Park on the SW side of Chicago. At the time a HUGE Polish neighborhood. Tom Lysiak was a very popular player.
Chicago loves its Polish / Slavik athletes....Ed Olcyzk , Greg Luzinski , Richie Zisk , and others.
excellent insight ... never thought of that angle ... Thank you!
One of my favorite Tom Lysiak stories was when Ed Olcyzk, as a young player, wrote to Tom asking for an autograph and expressing the hope that he would be able to play in Chicago with him. Tom sent him an autographed picture encouraging him and expressing his hope that it would happen... and it did! Ed Olcyck still has that picture on his mantle.
How Lysiak isn't in the NHL Hall of Fame is beyond me. He was one of the best 2 way players the league had ever seen.
True hockey fans (such as you) understand the full 200x85 value of a player such as Tom ... teammates hold him in very high regard.
Absolutely underrated, Tom Lysiak was the pro's pro.
That is the best way to sum up his career ... THX!
Tom's skill sets and team first attitude are a perfect fit for any era of hockey. He would shine today as he did then. The jersey retirement in Medicne Hat is everything I love about sports and humanity. RIP Tom.
Thanks, my friend ... I 100% agree!
Watched him especially during his years with the Blackhawks. He was such a smooth skater, made everything look easy. The retirement of his number 9 is respect well deserved.
I remember watching Tom Lysiak when he was the Flames and they played the Rangers at MSG. They were interesting games back in the 1970s. Thanks for sharing.
and thanks for watching ... greatly appreciated!
Old Flames fan here. I had season tickets back in the days when he played in Atlanta, and he was great. After they moved to Calgary, I pulled for them and was happy to see them win the cup in '89. I didn't know about the deal with his agent or his leukemia. He will always be remembered by fans of my time in GA.
I have been a Flames fan since day one and loved it when they came to New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and even Boston in the 1970s because I could listen to the radio broadcasts in Nova Scotia. Loved Marv and Al Albert and Sal "Red Light" Messina! Entertaining and professional. Respect and Blessings!
@@carlhuffman454 I was a big fan of Dan Bouchard. If you cheered 4 Atlanta in the 70s you would remember him.
@@Boxingbear I sure do. As my fading memory tells me, he was a pretty good goalie. It's good to take a trip down memory lane with a fellow fan. Now for me, it's "GO CANES"!
Underrated player, underrated content, underrated channel.
Quite the hat trick, PHA. Well done. Keep it up.
legendary comment -- and greatly appreciated! Thank you!
As a Black Hawk season ticket holder I saw Tom play many games at the famous Chicago Stadium
He was also a tremendous fighter, every altercation I saw him get into he lined up his opponent and knock him down with one punch and then skated away
You are right about Tom ... he had one 20 fights in junior and could handle himself when he had to ... THX!
A lot of people don't realize he had 22 fights in junior and only lost one; and he didn't carry much weight then as he did toward the end of his NHL days.
Yes as a kid, I watched the Arena being built and anticipating the Junior hockey we'd soon be watching. The hockey was better than we ever could have guessed. We went to almost every Medicine Hat Tiger game during Tom's 3 seasons. His puck wizardry and ability to deak goalies to the point they looked helpless was a treat to watch every night. It was a great team but Tom was the best and he and Lanny brought you to your feet several times every game. The Tigers were also super tough with bruisers like Bob Gassoff and Jim McCrimmon and Bryan Maxwell, the greatest fighter I ever seen in Jr. Hockey. Gassoff would get a gleam in his eyes when opposing players would attempt to go wide along the boards and he'd close the gap and line them up and throw the most devastating checks often with the opposing player wiped out against the glass and boards and left bloodied laying on the ice.
I remember Tom and the Tigers canoe racing down by the river and admiring his tanned and well defined arm and shoulder muscles and his great smile and friendliness.. Tom usually didn't start fights but man did he know how to finish them. I remember when he was in the NHL being happy when the newspaper showed a picture of Dave (The Hammer) Shultz bloodied, cut up, and with a swollen face and black eye after the broadstreet bully went after Tom and Tom laid a good whupping on him. I tried to find that fight but maybe it wasn't televised. RIP Tom Lysiak, my childhood hockey hero!
Great job on the content . Thank you .
Tom Lysiak had some great years with the Flames and Blackhawks. It's a shame he got traded before the team came to Calgary as Tom was from Alberta, played his junior hockey in Medicine Hat Alberta and has numerous family in Calgary including his first cousin Gary who happens to be the father of Cale Makar. Tom is 2nd cousins with Cale Makar who is from Calgary. Tom has some good chemistry with Denis Savard in Chicago as well. He really liked Atlanta though as he moved there after he retired from Chicago. Willi Plett was another great Atlanta Flames player as well (2nd best Atlanta Flame?) who came to play in Calgary to for the Flames and was a huge fan favorite in Atlanta/Calgary then went on to the North Stars. Willi Plett loved Atlanta too and moved there after retiring from the NHL as well. Willi Plett still lives in Atlanta and he used to run a popular amusement park there. GO ATLANTA FLAMES
What an absolute gem Tom Lysiak was to watch in Chicago. We share birthdays but Tom had a few years on me. A gentleman, a leader, a superstar that just went out and did it. We still miss him
The Flames in that era were such an approachable team. There were not a ton of hockey fans in Atlanta in the 70s, but the players were recognizable in the community. A friend of mine’s dad worked for Coca Cola and had corporate seats at the Omni in the second row behind the goal. There was little demand in his office for the seats and I got to go to games with him often. Tom Lysiak, Eric Vail, Willie Plett, Dan Bouchard, and many others you would see at the store, bowling alley, concerts, etc. I think they liked playing in Atlanta and many stayed or returned after they retired. Great experience as a kid to meet them.
very cool recollections ... I'm really glad you shared them!
I can attest to that too, I'm a young hockey fan from Atlanta and a few older guys I know that used to go to the games got to know players personally. One of my friends even lived across the street from Bobby Macmillan when he played for Atlanta.
Thanks for the video. Was always one of my favorite players, and as a Leaf fan, wish we could have had him. His Hockey IQ was very high, and very unselfish player. Team always came first. Keep up the good work.
Great segment here !! Tom was talented & fortunate; as the beauty of the women in his life will attest....
You got that right ... his wife dominates the 60-plus class. THX!
He was a smooth ⛸ & made the 🔥 must see.
Great story on Tom Lysiak. Truly one of the best hockey players of the 70's and 80's. As an NHL fan, you appreciated Tom's contributions to his team and the league. RIP Tom!
Thanks so much ... Great fans like you appreciate players like Tom.
I enjoyed watching him. I wish that he played a few years more.
RIP #12
Another banger, great stuff!
Thanks again ... appreciate your kind words!
These videos are a great look at past players . Thanks .
Glad you like them! and I appreciate the feedback!
Yes remember him chicago native. He was great player, number 18 was my favorite. Good stuff on here glad I subscribed . thanks Bob
Wow I thoroughly enjoyed this walk down memory lane. I’ll keep watching all the greats that you can highlight.
Thank you for watching ... glad you are with us!
I certainly remember him but I had no idea of the numbers he put up. Great career and by all accounts a great man as well.
Thank you for this video I never of this man and his career in hockey.
The music is absolutely perfect for hockey, and moves like hockey moves.
I'm a Flames fan from day one. Tom Lysiak was a fabulous player. Unfortunately, the Flames had financial issues and his contract was a big one. It was a very sad day when he was traded to Chicago, for both him and his many fans. After the Flames moved to Calgary, they finally succeeded in getting Lanny McDonald, Tom Lysiak's prolific winger in junior hockey from Colorado late in 1981 who scored a team record 66 goals in the 1982-1983 season. Oh what could have been (for both) if they had played together in the NHL for a few years... RIP Tom Lysiak, you made a lot of fans happy! Thanks for posting this!
great comment ... The Maple leafs also tried to obtain Lysiak and pair him with Lanny, as well ... would have loved to have seen them reunite in the NHL.
@@ProHockeyAlumni I think leaving Atlanta (career wise and emotionally) was a big shock and a bitter experience for him. I think when the team was sold to Calgary, it would gave been better for him and the team if he were still there; he was after all, an Alberta hero. Hard to say... Boldirev and Russell added a lot... Oh well..
I remember getting Tom Lysiak's autograph,@The Old Chicago Stadium Gate 3&1/2,after the game, I was a young boy,he was wearing a huge FUR coat,amazing player!!!
great memory ... I remember seeing players with those awesome fur coats!
Thank you for this wonderful clip.
Thanks -- greatly appreciate your support of classic hockey!
This was an amazing story, thank you!
You are welcome -- and thanks for watching!
Great story, Tom was one of the best all around players of his era. I remember him playing with Atlanta and Chicago. Hockey then was exciting and you could feel raw emotion eminating from the ice and stands. The game will never be the same and people who saw Tom Lysiak and that era of hockey will certainly agree. Thank you for the trip down memory lane watching hockey of my youth.
Thank you for this quality comment ... I'm glad you enjoyed this look back at Tom's career ... I appreciate the feedback the the sentiment behind it!
👍 agreed.
Fantastic video. You do great work 👏
Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words
such a great player. this video brings back memories. RIP
Thanks for watching!
What a fantastic docu on this player. Brought back so many memories too
Thanks for watching and for commenting ... This video has gotten. great response and it's good to see people remember a great player like Tom.
Thanks for posting. I thoroughly enjoy your videos.
Thanks ... and You'll always be a "somebody" with us!
This is an awesome tribute to Tom Lysiak- Well done.
Thanks ... enjoyed making it and glad you watched it. THX for your feedback!
You do a great job on all of these videos. It brings back so many memories of my younger days and being a Sabre fan and of course, watching Hockey Night in Canada twice weekly.
Thank you very much! I appreciate your feedback!
I loved watching Tommy when I was growing up in Atlanta in the ‘70’s. Those were exciting times…an NHL team in a Southern city back then was a first. The Flames, at the time, were the only consistent winners in ATL. So much fun to see TL and the Flames, particularly when the Broad Street Bullies came to town…a guaranteed Donnybrook!
Atlanta Flames logo & uniforms were straight fire! Loved them!!!!
This has become a favorite channel of mine. Thank you for the work you put into these videos. It's been awesome to learn about so many players and teams from before my time.
thank you! I appreciate your feedback!
Wow! That was great recap on Lysiak. I had never even heard of him!
Thank you for watching ... It's great to see you young guys show respect to the history of the game . Much appreciated!
He was a great player, to be sure. And this channel is a great find. Thanks for the effort to put together this great piece of history.
Thanks! I greatly appreciate you kind words.
Thank you for sharing this. Tom Lysiak was one of my favourite players when I was younger, and he certainly deserved a better fate.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your feedback!
Love these stories, what a amazing player he was. I have fond memories of those Flyer game broadcasts with Gene Hart and the hockey magazines of the 70s early 80s.
Thanks ... glad you liked the Tom Lysiak story ... gene hart makes it into quite a few of our videos -- a true legend!
I learn so much about this sport from this channel. In fact I'm more interested in this sport because of this channel.
That means a lot, my friend ... Thank you!
Excellent piece! Tom was one of my favorite players, starting from his rookie year. He never quite put up a large number of points like other top centers of that era, but he was a very strong all-around player. His tripping of the linesman was a terrible thing that seemed out of character, and it tarnished his reputation. It always seems like retired too early, but, based on your vid, it appears that his body was breaking down. Thanks for doing.
Thanks for watching ... I think you summed it up perfectly! THX
Tom was an intense competitor and I can understand him becoming upset with an official he thought was being personal and high handed.
Another great video- please keep them coming!
As a North Stars fan, I remember Lysiak mostly from his days with the hated Hawks. I vaguely recall when he got suspended for pitch-forking Ron Foyt. I’d be willing to bet most anyone who has met Foyt would understand why someone would wanna do that to him.
Great insights ... thanks for watching and for providing helpful feedback
Thanks for making this video! Lysiak was my favorite player living here in Chicago as a kid, I still remember that big trade that brought Lysiak to the Hawks and back then Chicago was talentless team of stiffs about as fun a watching paint dry, it was exciting to see a true star wearing a Blackhawks jersey for a change. In the following seasons the Hawks got a lot better with players like Ruskowski and Preston then drafting Savard and trading for Al Secord but Tom Lysiak was so cool and classy, always my favorite player. Hard to believe he didn't go first over-all when he was drafted and wanted to play for Atlanta over Montreal is incredible, I mean that must have been every Canadian kids dream to play for Montreal back then. Died way too young, sorry I never got to meet him in person. RIP #12
Thanks for the excellent comment ... right, the Hawks were dull and lifeless, but Pully made shrewd moves via trade (Secord, Lysiak) and draft (Wilson, Savard, Larmer, Ruskowksi, Preston, Sutter, etc.) ... they just couldn't get to the "next" level but were fun to watch. THX again.
Ruskowski looked like Cheech marin. R.I.P. Tom ,HalleluYAH !
@Lost Vlog. I too have memories of the Blackhawks from back then what you mentioned. The team went through a period of mediocrity from the mid to late 1970's playing in front of a good portion empty seats. However, the team was turning around with a winning record in the 1982-83 season and the old Chicago stadium was drawing fans and filling the seats. Orval Tessier was the name of the first year coach and the team had the line of Denis Savard -Al Secord-Steve Larmer. Larmer was the rookie of the year while Lysiak played on another line. Secord was a fan favorite with his fighting and there was Doug Wilson, all star defenseman. It also was Tony Esposito's second from last season before he retired.
As a fan of the north stars I definitely remember Tom! Great content !
Thanks ... I'm looking at a North Star for an early 2022 doc. THX for watching.
Who could forget the Drop pass from Tom to Darryl Sutter in overtime in the playoffs??? :)
I started watching hockey in 1969-70 and thru until about 1980. Only occasional after that. Lysiac was a name I remembered from then, but had no memory beyond that. So, thank you for filling in with the story that goes with the name.
You're more than welcome, Paul ... Thanks for watching!
Was fortunate enough to grow up in the Hat watching him play for the Tigers with Lanny. Still have one of his autographed sticks. The Tigers of the era were a force. The voice of the Tigers then was Bob Ridley. Miss the good old days!!! RIP Tom!!
THX ... great memories of the HAT!
@@ProHockeyAlumni Indeed..Medicine Hat has produced some NHL GREATS!!
Underrated indeed. I became a huge hockey fan in 1982-83 and I've never heard of this guy until this video.
Thanks for watching ... and for respecting a legend!
Another awesome video! As a youngster I saw Tom play a few times here in Calgary when Medicine Hat went up against the Centennials in the old Stampede Corral. The trade that sent him to Chicago was a shocker late in the 1978-79 season. A few seasons earlier when his old junior line mate Lanny was struggling with the Leafs Harold Ballard tried to orchestrate a trade that would’ve reunited Tom and Lanny. When Tom was suspended in 1983-84 I thought like many did at the time it would be the end of his career. I certainly have no disagreement with Tom being one of the most underrated players in the NHL. I was sorry to have heard of his passing but was glad to have seen his number retired in Medicine Hat.
Thanks for the feedback and great info ... I would have loved to have visited the Corral and see the high boards and short benches. THX!
My late dad’s favourite all time player was Gretzky. Once, I asked who was his favourite player in the 1970s.
His quick answer: Tom Lysiak.
As an 80s kid with my earliest memories of the NHL was the Oilers 1988 playoffs, I really had not much of an idea who Tom Lysiak was. The more I read about him and started to find videos of his play on CZcams, I totally get why he was a fan favourite throughout the league.
Well, you and your Dad both know the game .. THX!
So I was a loyal and dedicated blackhawks fan back in 80s, but I'd have to say good choice by your dad! I use to go to old chicago stadium we were teenagers young , we would get standing room only tickets back then when Gretzky was in town. What I can tell you is no matter how far away you were you always knew where Gretzky and Denis Savard were they skated so different than anybody, so smooth and skillful with the puck , graceful, like they were gliding. So if you could not see number or they were turned around, there shear finess you could far away and you knew it was them . THAT GOOD! Then I remember. When he went to Kings , Please pick up your copy of goal magazine, on tonites cover, Luc Robitaille, still have that anyway, thanks for reminding me I'm old 😀 😊, wanted to share! I'm a florida panthers fan now, still live in chicago but watch tallon build that team, took years he's gone from there now but Barkov Huberdeau Ekblad, just the nucleus. Anyway enjoy Thanks!
Good one.
We had season tix at the barn! I loved Tom and thought that 20 game suspension was outrageous.
I was sad to see Rota go but, loved to have Tom come to Chicago. We had seats in 2nd balcony. It was like watching magic when his line hit the ice. Off the ice he was the nicest, most humble man, I had met. R. I. P.
Memory ete🏒🕯️
wonderful comment and great memories ... great seats in a classic barn, too ... must have been amazing ... Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Tom.
One of the best two way players of all time, loved those early 80's teams
Anyone who saw Lysiak play remember just how special a player he was. If he would have played for a team with better players, Tom would have scored 40 a year very easily.
Definitely underrated. One of my favorites growing up, along w/ Behn Wilson.
I would've had a hard time dealing with Behn Wilson ... Brutal and scary fighter, who seemed to have a screw loose ... even Gillies feared him.
There is clip of him just whaling Terry O'Reilly on CZcams. Brutal indeed.
@@ProHockeyAlumni One of few who would tangle w/ Bob Probert as well.
Beautiful presentation. Never knew of him.
If you get the itch, please give Portland Hockey a look-see. We've been steeped in the culture.... but it's fading fast.
Cigar smoke hanging over the ice.
really, really good player. big time talent.
My brother played with Tom, I had the chance to have my first hockey crush. This brought back so many memories.
Tom was a rockstar for sure!
I was a season ticket holder in the early 80's. Tommy was a huge fan favorite and a great player. BTW - he also had a bit of a reputation on Rush Street.
LOL, I heard one respected veteran challenge any player to beat Tom in beer drinking in his Chicago days; and that is seriously epic praise considering some of the great tipplers of that era!
Love the Johnny Wilson pic with the Tidewater Wings Jacket. He was a great coach!
Good catch ... THX!
When I was a kid, living just outside of Medicine Hat, in Redcliff, Toms sister lived next door. Tom had come to town with his gorgeous wife and I was invited to come and meet Tom and have a dinner with him, wife, parents and sister. He had all the character his daughter describes and truly knew how to cater to a young fan. Gave me his Blackhawks team hat. One downer thing I remember is how much his family would bicker and argue at that dinner. I don’t remember what the fuss was all about, I kept my head down…at my dinner. But I’ll never forget getting to hangout with this superstar for an evening in likely the most personal setting possible. Thanks for the hat Tom.
That's a great story ... and thanks for sharing it ... his wife is pretty amazing in that she's in her 60's but looks like she's in her 30's.
Tommy Lysiak was a great player. One of my favorite Blackhawks of that era.
I've said it before, but this channel is an absolute fucking treasure.
Right back at ya, bro … thx for the feedback - greatly appreciated!
As a teenager in Pittsburgh and big hockey fan, I remember how good Tom was. I also remember Penguins announcer Mike Lange often saying "Lysiak's passing out the checks like it's the first of the month". Mike Lange respected other teams players. Rest in Peace Tom Lysiak.
Awesome comment ... Mike Lange was one of the all-time best ... always prepared and colorful. Thanks!
Good Video Lysiak was one hell of a player great set of hands when the Hawks got him I was like how did that happen I think he could of had more points but he played both ends of the ice
Tom had one regret -- he wished he shot more! ... You are right, his all-around game suppressed his production somewhat, but gained him a lot of respect.
He fought a lot more as his career wound down; his sidekick Willie Plett had the same problem. Too much scar tissue in the hands maybe... lose that soft touch around the net...
he had that sudden explosive acceleration that the supremely talented make look effortless
You are correct. THX
I cant believe Montreal, as powerful as they were in the 70s owned 7 of the first 32 picks, including #2 overall in the 1973 draft, thats crazy. Islanders were blessed having the #1 pick and getting franchise dman Denis Potvin. What a great player to start building the dynasty around, a superstar
That's because the Islanders had a great GM in Bill Torrey, the man could evaluate talent and the type of player(s) his team needed as well as any GM in ANY sport, and brick by brick built the Islanders into the monster they became. You don't win 4 Cups in row by accident.
Montreal GM Sam Pollock was the best trader in the NHL. He had great scouts and a deep talent pool to draw from. Even when they finished near the top of the standings, they still seemed to have top picks three or four years in advance. Their fourth line was so good, they could trade them for top picks to almost any other team. If the players Montreal traded away in the 70's all went to one team, they would have been a top team themselves. We said of Pollock that he could sell ice to Eskimos and convince them it was a good deal for them.
sad that Tom Lysiak never got a chance to win the Stanley Cup, but I'm saw him at the end of his career, great player.
I remember Lysiak..I actually had that copy of Hockey Digest with him on the cover.
Great vid man, 1:48 look at that cool guy see he knew the photographer was going to be there to take his picture but he just can't stop wheelin and dealin on the phone he just has so much going on You can tell he's very important person - looks like the kind of guy that knows exactly where the nearest toilet is at all times ya know
THX Jay ... Sammy was indeed wheelin' and detain' and the restroom was well in sight.
Yes!
Another one.
I never saw him before, but he makes it look so easy, just like walking.
Oh man I had no clue ,so sad . I am a Hawks fan ,have been since 1975.I remember Tom well ,he was quite the player.
yes, a great Blackhawk ... thanks for you comment.
The blockbuster trade with the Black Hawks caught everybody by surprise. I wonder if the poor financial situation in Atlanta was the reason for the trade. Lysiak was one of the highest paid players in the league and attendance was falling. A a year later the team relocated to Calgary. With the retirement of Stan Mikita early in the 1979-80 season, he was a suitable replacement until a kid named Denis Savard arrived on the scene. I didn't know Atlanta negotiated a trade with Canadiens to pick Lysiak. I always learn something from your presentations. Thanks
Thanks again for he positive thoughts .... Tom was carrying a big salary but Russell was getting paid pretty well, too ... The Flames were unable to advance in the post-season and felt they needed a quality blueliner to get there ... Guy Chouinard had begun to establish himself and Boldirev was in the deal so Lysiak was somewhat expendable.
@@ProHockeyAlumni Thanks very much for the Tom Lysiak story. Guy Chouinard is another great one, very overlooked...
Fantastic video. No doubt Lysiak was one of the most underrated players of the last 50 years.
Thanks, Rich ... he reminds me a bit of my 'ol friend Ron Francis ... did a ton of things very well and his value was appreciated by coaches and teammates
@@ProHockeyAlumni great comparison. Francis scored at a higher rate, but he had better players around him, especially with Pittsburgh. I am a huge Flyers fan and always admired Tom Lysiak. He was a gifted, hard-working two way player with great leadership skills. Sounds a lot like Ron Francis. Great video. Keep up the good work.
I love seeing these old Newspaper articles in the video about the 1973 draft. I screenshot a couple of them and blew them up to read. It's funny Lysiak didn't wanna to go to Montreal because he didn't wanna spend a couple years with Montréal farm team in Nova Scotia. I wonder why he didn't wanna live in Nova Scotia, its a beautiful place from what I've heard? Going to Atlanta was great because he went right to the NHL AND DIDNT Have to play on any NHL farm teams
I almost forgot what a great player he was.I got to watch him play in the very 1st game between Flames & Islanders.It was an exhibition match in Oshawa,Ontario,Canada.
great piece of history -- thx for sharing!
I saw him in an exhibition game in Halifax between the Nova Scotia Voyageurs and the Atlanta Flames in the fall of 1973. Still have the photos...
Dennis Maruk was pretty underrated too!!! But yeah Tom Lysiak was an awesome rough player, goal scorer!!! Reminded me of Rick Tocchet, not the toughest guy , but not afraid of anyone!!
Dennis is indeed another (check out my podcast episode with him on this channel) ... Tom could do it all ... THX for watching!
Gotta love the article with him kicking back by the stereo and TV at 3:29
Super 70s!
I had no idea he died until I saw this. I am a Blackhawks fan & Tom Lysiak was an exceptional player...
RIP Tom Lysiak
Thanks for watching ... Tom was a classic!
tom will be missed. great player.
I played for the edmonton oilkings 72-76...first year as a 16 year old, Lysiak and Lanny McDonald were on the Tigers team....scored my first goal in the Hat...they had a great team but we kicked their butt in the regular season. We had 20 year old Darcy Rota and Johnny Rodgers, Keith Mackie, Gene Strait, a 18 year old Harold Snepts and Dave Inkpen and of course Soetaert and Hendricks....a fantastic duo in net...my first fight was against Bob Gassoff (RIP), he was 20....no match but I held on, it was tough rough hockey back then....funny how the hockey world is small...as 14 year old I went to Glen Sather hockey at Sunshine village with the rink in Banff....guess who was our bus driver..yep a 17 year old Lanny who said he was going to the Tigers camp after a stint with Lethbridge.small world
Geezus, Rock, you were just 16 in 72-73 ... guess you had to grow up quick ... Thanks for sharing these great memories -- what an experience to be part of a great program in an incredibly talented league ... Bob Gasoff is worth a documentary!
@@ProHockeyAlumni brothers Brad and Ken Gasoff were good to..Ken in the Hat and Brad in Kamloops...keep the stories coming...bring back good memories
WOW Rocky! Bob Gassoff is a legend! Darcy Rota went to Atlanta in the Lysiak trade and of course Lanny eventually ended up in Calgary in time to win the Cup. Thanks for the insider update! Blessings!
The good old days when good players didn't jump around like idiots after scoring.
I remember Watching Tom play for the blackhawks . He did seem to get it done when it needed to get done.. A true gentleman player
agreed. Tom was very well respected.
I would have loved to go the Canadiens at the time and playing with all those great players and winning cups.
Better off Mtl. Got Gainey
He was afraid that he'd get buried in MTL ... but Rejean Houle and Marc Tardif had just jumped leagues so he may have gotten some ice time.
@@ProHockeyAlumni Montreal had so much depth he wouldn't have gotten the ice time that he ended up getting in Atlanta.
Exactly. He wouldn’t have got much for ice time. Also, the Canadiens were mostly francophone players in those days and many anglophone Canadiens didn’t want to play for Montreal for that reason as well.
Not saying either one is the reason, but both reasons are probably why he didn’t want to go to Montreal.
@@oilersridersbluejays Turned out to be a good decision for Tom. As he became the face of the Atlanta Flames franchise.
@5:27
Audio: WJR 760 Detroit.
(Greg Stefan G Det.)
I remember when he came to Chicago. As a young hockey player, I was torn between wanting to be like him or Denis Savard...no, Stan Mikita, no wait, Keith Magnuson...
all great choices!
My favorite player growing up in Chicago was Ivan Boldirev…missed him after the trade - but that #12 jersey went to a hockey stud. Tom Lysiak.
I always liked Ivan Boldirev .. he could score, but didn't break a sweat defensively ... Tom was indeed a "stud"
@@ProHockeyAlumni Boldirev?….or Kane?? 😏
Blessings!
As as teenager I saw him many a time at Madison Sq. Garden when tickets were still affordable. He did possess physicality, speed with the ability to deke on attack.
7:58 ‘Give Lysiak a break’ headline. Unrelated to hockey but the first 6 lines of the article are prophetic