The Forgotten Hockey Players Of Broadway Podcast - Jim Neilson And Gilles Gratton - Episode # 42

The Forgotten Hockey Players of Broadway Podcast

A nostalgic look back at our favorite hockey hero's who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the 1960's,70's and 80's.

*In episode number 42 Tom, Rob and Mike discuss the Great Career of former Rangers defenseman Jimmy "Chief" Neilson number 15 who passed away earlier this month .The guys also touch on the brief career of the unique, interesting and very entertaining former goaltender for the Rangers Gilles Gratton.

* Jim Neilson was signed by the Rangers at the age of 18 in 1958 and started his 12 year career on the Rangers Blue line in 1962.

* The "Chief" was one of the fan favorites at MSG while he played for the Rangers and also for Oakland Seals/ Cleveland Barons and finally with the WHA Edmonton Oilers.

*Neilson grew up along with his two sisters in an orphanage and was one of the first aboriginal players to play in the NHL.

* Neilson was an extremely agile and physically tough player who played hard yet fair and was considered a gentleman on and off the ice. He was also known for his hard shot and strong passing ability especially when it came to his soft and quick outlet passes to his forwards.

* Scored a career high of 10 goals and 44 points during the 1968-69 season.

* Neilson earned NHL All-Star honors in 1967 and 71 while earning second team honors in 1967-68.

*Neilson was also a top 5 Norris Trophy finalist twice during his career with the Rangers.

* Neilson played alongside Hall of Famer Brad Park but was mostly remembered for teaming up with another outstanding Rangers defenseman Rod Seiling.

* Neilson finished his Rangers career at the completion of the 1974 season and finished with 60 goals, 238 assists for 298 points in 811 games on Broadway.

* Meanwhile Gilles Gratton number 33 played one season with the Rangers during the 1976-77 season backing up John Davidson.

* Known for his quirky demeanor Gratton is best known for his artistic and elaborate creation of the " Tiger mask" setting off an explosion of unique and flamboyant designs of goalie masks worn throughout the NHL.

* Tom, Rob and Mike fill you in on the rest of "Gratoony the Looney's " interesting and very amusing ideas and beliefs.