#23 Mike Antonovich - WHA Star and Minnesota Hockey Legend

Episode 23 of the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast features Mike Antonovich, the talented Minnesota Hockey legend and a seven-year WHA star with the Minnesota Fighting Saints and New England Whalers.

After three standout seasons at the University of Minnesota, Mike became an original Fighting Saint in 1972.

His Pro Career blossomed in 1975 when he played LW on a line with veterans Dave Keon and John McKenzie with the Fighting Saints.  He was well on this way to a 40 Goal season until the team folded in February 1976.  That Saints team was a threat to win it all in the league that year and Mike still bristles at the fact they they were short-circuited by cash woes.

After a brief NHL sabbatical with the NHL North Stars, Mike returned to the WHA in 1976-77 and scored 40 goals playing for three WHA teams, the last of which was the New England Whalers.  Mike represented the Whalers in the 1977-78 WHA All Star game and remained with the team through their voyage to the NHL in 1979-80.

Mike concluded his playing career with the New Jersey Devils and eventually embarked on a long an successful stint as an NHL scout.  He is currently an amateur scout with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Always a friendly and affable guy, Mike enthusiastically shares his memories about WHA legends like Mike “Shakey” Walton, Gordie Gallant, Johnny McKenzie, Dave Keon, Gordie Howe, Glen Sonmor and many more.

Just a reminder to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating on iTunes.  It helps us share the stories of these legends with hockey fans throughout the world.  All places to listen and to contact us are available in the show notes.

Also, join us on social media, particularly Facebook, where you can follow our classic hockey sites:  The Pro Hockey Alumni, WHA Hockey, Whaler Nation and The official Boston Bruins Alumni site.

Now, let’s talk classic hockey with Mike Antonovich.

 

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Mark Willand