from Joe McDonald of ESPN,
Schmidt is the oldest living former NHLer. A native of Kitchener, Ontario, Schmidt began his pro hockey career with the Providence Reds of the AHL, in 1936-37. His time in the minors was brief. He was called up to the Bruins midway through the season and spent the next 15 seasons in the NHL, all with Boston....
McDonald: What do you think of today's game?
Schmidt: Well, I think that they're faster. I don't think they are near as rough as we were. Watching them pretty closely, they are a wee bit faster than we were. People don't realize we played without helmets, without mouth pieces, no head gear, and that goes for goaltenders as well, and we never had, for some reason or another, we didn't have as many concussions as they have today. I don't know why because our game was rough, plenty rough and I can't think of a reason why [concussions] are a lot [worse] than when we played.
McDonald: What was your greatest accomplishment in the game of hockey?
Schmidt: I can honestly say how good the game of hockey was to me. The National Hockey League is giving us something so we can go out and have a good time now and then, because they are looking after us to a certain extent. What more can I say, that the National Hockey League is treating us wonderfully.
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.