March 30

Doug Wickenheiser

March 30, 1961 – January 12, 1999

Doug Wickenheiser had survived almost 600 NHL battles, but on January 12, 1999 he lost the biggest battle of his life. The man affectionately known as Wick died of a rare form of cancer in his lungs. He was only 37 years old, leaving behind a wife and three young daughters.

It's hard to believe that it has been that long since the passing of Doug. Seems like it just happened but 12 years--wow.

He was selected first overall in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. He will always be included in the argument over whether you should select a big man over a smaller one when both have the same skills. Most Montreal fans wanted Denis Savard who was selected third by Chicago. He played junior in Montreal so he was the hometown favourite (and would eventually play for Montreal). Now I personally would select the big man when all things are equal. But I guess there are intangibles and thats what makes scouting an inexact science.

TTM blue ink signatures

The Blues set up the Wick 14 Fund (Wickenheiser wore #14 in St. Louis) just prior to his passing in 1998. It has been since renamed the  St. Louis Blues 14 Fund.