Let's Go Blues! Play Gloria!

[Jerry G]

Originally Posted by Writehooks

Nice collection of media guides, Jerry G.
I was honored to be friends for several years with Seth Martin, the goaltender pictured on the cover of the 1967-68 guide. He shared the Blues' first-year netminding duties with Glenn Hall after a stellar international career that saw him play in two Olympics and lead the Trail Smoke Eaters to the 1961 world championship. Seth's lone NHL shutout came on Christmas Day 1967, a 1-0 victory over the Minnesota North Stars. The man in the North Stars net was Cesare Maniago, a Trail native whom Martin had faced dozens of times in the amateur ranks.

I remember before that first season, that Seth Martin was the #1 hyped player coming in. As you stated, he had tremendous success as an amateur. The word was that he previously didn't want to give up amateur status and play in the minor leagues. With the Blues, he would instantly become an NHL starter. Didn't work out as planned. He only played 30 games. I don't remember why. Do you know, Murr?

[Jerry G]

Originally Posted by Jerry G

I remember before that first season, that Seth Martin was the #1 hyped player coming in. As you stated, he had tremendous success as an amateur. The word was that he previously didn't want to give up amateur status and play in the minor leagues. With the Blues, he would instantly become an NHL starter. Didn't work out as planned. He only played 30 games. I don't remember why. Do you know, Murr?

Maybe Seth had a change of heart when the Blues coaxed Jacques Plante out of retirement?

[HRBAKER]

[Jerry G]

Atta boy, Jeff!

[Writehooks]

You're right, Jerry -- Seth was much-heralded coming in as Glenn Hall's goaltending partner with the 67-68 Blues, and his performance in the backup role resulted in him being offered a contract to return to St. Louis the following season. But since the money the Blues were offering wasn't as much as he was making as a fireman at the massive Cominco lead smelter in Trail, British Columbia, he turned it down. Also, if he had continued in the NHL, Seth would have lost his union seniority at Cominco, which would have severely impacted the pension he collected after he retired. He felt beholden to the company, which for years had granted him time off with pay to play for the Canadian national team. After he informed the Blues of his decision, they signed the great Jacques Plante, who teamed with Hall to form a truly formidable tandem in the St. Louis net.

[Jerry G]

Originally Posted by Writehooks

You're right, Jerry -- Seth was much-heralded coming in as Glenn Hall's goaltending partner with the 67-68 Blues, and his performance in the backup role resulted in him being offered a contract to return to St. Louis the following season. But since the money the Blues were offering wasn't as much as he was making as a fireman at the massive Cominco lead smelter in Trail, British Columbia, he turned it down. Also, if he had continued in the NHL, Seth would have lost his union seniority at Cominco, which would have severely impacted the pension he collected after he retired. He felt beholden to the company, which for years had granted him time off with pay to play for the Canadian national team. After he informed the Blues of his decision, they signed the great Jacques Plante, who teamed with Hall to form a truly formidable tandem in the St. Louis net.

Great history, Murr! Thanks. Here is Martin's part of the page from that first press guide. Funny that he's on the cover but, only received a half page inside.

[commishbob]

Blues really took the fight to the Bruins last night. Great, crucial win for them.

And I thought we could use a hockey card in here.