You Talkin' to Me? The changing face of hockey

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Memory Lane

As the series shifts back to Chicago, I thought Bernie might regale us with some memories of what it was like to play against the Blackhawks. And if either of you have good off-ice stories that happened in the Windy City, pass those along, too.

From: Parent, Bernie

To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Memory Lane

Wow! We're talking in 1965 I played my first NHL game against the Blackhawks in Chicago.  There where 20,000 people at the game. I was excited but also scared. The game ended in a 2-2 tie. The veteran players knew I was a rookie, and I recall them shooting at my head.

After a few more shots, I took my stick and smacked it across the back of the legs of the first Blackhawk player in front of the net. They seemed to stop shooting at my head after that. I guess they got the message. Eh!

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Memory Lane

Good move by you to send a message. I'm gonna guess the goalie masks back then didn't protect your Bernie brain quite as well as some of the gear they have today.

From: Parent, Bernie

To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Memory Lane

No, the masks were nothing like they are today. Hey, sometimes you just need to make a statement.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Memory Lane

I give you guys credit, Bernie. Not only did you have to deal with the opposing players, but you had to be tough enough to stand in front of the puck with what amounted to no protection. Tough or crazy. Maybe a little of both.

From: Parent, Bernie

To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Memory Lane

Tough, crazy, same thing.

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Parent, Bernie; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Memory Lane

I'd love to see you in goal for this Flyers team, Bernie. You'd give Niemi a run for his money, not to mention you'd look mean in 2010 gear.