WCHA's Top 50 Players in 50 Years
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March 7, 2002
MADISON, Wisc. - The Western Collegiate Hockey Association and Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod today (March 7) announced the final group of 10 honorees in conjuction with the league's 50th anniversary promotion The Top 50 Players in 50 Years. In alphabetical order, they are: Neal Broten (F, University of Minnesota, 1978-81), Jack Brownschidle (D, University of Notre Dame, 1973-77), Dallas Gaume (F, University of Denver, 1982-86), Curt Giles (D, University of Minnesota-Duluth, 1975-79), Karl Goehring (G, University of North Dakota, 1997-2001), Tony Granato (F, University of Wisconsin, 1983-87), Bill 'Red' Hay (F, Colorado College, 1956-58), Jim Nahrgang (D, Michigan Tech University, 1970-74), Bill Reichart (F, University of North Dakota, 1954-57) and Bill Watson (F, University of Minnesota-Duluth, 1982-85).
"This season-long process of honoring the WCHA's Top 50 players in 50 Years has been a truly memorable one," said Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod, "And today's final group of 10 outstanding players are again recognized as some of the greatest names in the history of college hockey. It is with great pride that we call them WCHA alums."
All 10 of these players earned both All-American and all-conference acclaim during their collegiate careers. The group also includes two WCHA Most Valuable Players, two Hobey Baker Memorial Award winners, two members of the AHCA's (American Hockey Coaches Association) All-Time West Team (selected in 1997), four Olympians, and eight who have played in the National Hockey League.
The Top 50 Players in 50 Years has been part of the league's 50th anniversary season promotions that have included commemorative logos, team and referee uniform patches, in-arena banners and signage, a special edition 50th Anniversary men's yearbook, official merchandise, and video clips from conference alumni that will be shown during the 2002 Dodge WCHA Final Five at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, March 14-16. Final Five tickets are still available by phoning Ticketmaster at 651 989-5151 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. 50th Anniversary WCHA Yearbooks and merchandise are available through the league's on-line store at www.wcha.com.
Nominations for the Top 50 Players were made last summer by current and past member schools and include recommendations from a committee that was appointed by the Commissioner's office to select the 50 honorees. The first group of 10 (Nov.) were: Lou Angotti (F, Michigan Tech, 1959-62), Scott Beattie (F, Northern Michigan, 1989-92), Greg Johnson (F, North Dakota, 1989-93), Keith Magnuson (D, Denver, 1967-69), John Matchefts (F, Michigan, 1951-53), Craig Norwich (D, Wisconsin, 1974-77), Bill Nyrop (D, Notre Dame, 1971-74), Doug Palazzari (F, Colorado College, 1970-74), Mark Pavelich (F, Minnesota-Duluth, 1976-79), and Robb Stauber (G, Minnesota, 1986-89).
The second group of 10 (Dec.) were: Red Berenson (F, Michigan, 1959-62), Tony Esposito (G, Michigan Tech, 1964-67), Bret Hedican (D, St. Cloud State, 1988-91), Brett Hull (F, Minnesota-Duluth, 1984-86), Mark Johnson (F, Wisconsin, 1976-79), George Konik (D, Denver, 1958-61), Reg Morelli (F, North Dakota, 1957-60), Lou Nanne (D, Minnesota, 1959-63), Tom Ross (F, Michigan State, 1972-76), and Brian Swanson (F, Colorado College, 1995-99).
The third group of 10 (Jan.) were: Henry Akervall (D, Michigan Tech, 1959-62), Keith 'Huffer' Christiansen (F, Minnesota-Duluth, 1963-67), Dave Delich (F, Colorado College, 1975-79), Dallas Drake (F, Northern Michigan, 1988-92), Mike Eaves (F, Wisconsin, 1974-78), Ron Grahame (G, Denver, 1969-73), Tony Hrkac (F, North Dakota, 1984-87), Tom Kurvers (D, Minnesota-Duluth, 1980-84), John Mayasich (F, Minnesota, 1951-55), and Bill Steenson (D, North Dakota, 1956-59).
The fourth group of 10 (Feb.) were: Aaron Broten (F, Minnesota, 1980-81), Chris Chelios (D, Wisconsin, 1981-83), Curtis Joseph (G, Wisconsin, 1988-89), Norm Maciver (D, Minnesota-Duluth, 1982-86), Bill Masterton (F, Denver, 1958-61), Corey Millen (F, Minnesota, 1983-87), Eddie Mio (G, Colorado College, 1972-76), James Patrick (D, North Dakota, 1981-83), Mel Wakabayashi (F, Michigan, 1964-66) and Mike Zuke (F, Michigan Tech, 1972-76).
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