June 2-- Larry Robinson

Larry Robinson

Selected in second round by Montreal Canadiens, number 20 overall in the 1971 NHL Draft.

Known as "Big Bird," Robinson often dwarfed opposing players with his 6'4", 225-pound frame. Despite his imposing size, he was passed over three times by the Canadiens in the 1971 Amateur Draft. When they finally did take him as their fourth pick, he was only the 20th player selected overall. Ironically, two decades later, there were only two players from that draft active in the league - Robinson and Guy Lafleur - both Canadiens and both Hall of Famers.

Robinson played 17 seasons for the Canadiens and then three more for the L.A. Kings, from 1989 to 1992. He won the Norris Trophy twice as the league's best defenseman in the 1976-77 and 1979-80 seasons and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1977-78. Not only was Robinson a great defensive player, he was also very good with the puck. He held the NHL record for most playoff games at 227, until surpassed by Mark Messier, and the most consecutive years in the playoffs with 20. He also became a veritable regular in All-Star games, playing in 10 of them

CAREER NHL STATISTICS Years Teams GP G A TP PIM 1973-1992 Montreal, Los Angeles 1,384 208 750 958 793

CAREER NHL PLAYOFF STATISTICS Years Teams GP G A TP PIM 1973-1992 Montreal, Los Angeles 227 28 116 144 211

Received these IP at NHL Slo-Pitch tourney in Niagara Falls. Two different years as they are signed both in blue ink and black sharpie.