#sorry for retraumatizing people from Edmonton who happened to be reading this

[retrohockeyhell]

Wayne's postcard to Steve. (Image courtesy of the Steve Carlson's facebook page)

The fact that Steve Carlson roomed with Wayne Gretzky in his rookie (WHA) year is kind of amusing to me. Especially with the stories I have learnt about it.

Also apparently, Wayne left Steve notes on hotel stationery.

Gretzky's nickname was "Brinks" (because of his hefty signing bonus), Carlson's was "Hollywood" (because of his notorious role in the movie "Slapshot", which at the time, he wasn't all too thrilled with being associated with).

Since Wayne was a rather, let's say, "petite" forward, he often got caught in situations where older, bigger and more experienced players picked on him. (That boy was around 160 pounds and 5'11" at age 17, another one of his nicknames was "Pretzel" believe it or not.) He learned to weave in between players, using his small size to his advantage. As soon as Gretzky sensed someone approaching him, he would skate away, leaving his opponents wondering where the hell he has gone.

Interestingly enough, Steve Carlson, despite his reputation of being a "goon", was a finesse player, who avoided fights, and, as he mentions himself, was terrible at them. He often "turtled" most of the hits, bowing his head and covering himself with his arms, waiting for the assault to end. He was often benched because of his brothers' (Jack and Jeff's) infamous antics and the image which "Slap Shot" (1977) created for him.

They shared a season together (1978-79), with Gretzky continuing to play with the Oilers in NHL and Steve moving over to L.A. to Kings. Ironically, another team which Gretzky would be a part of in the future.

God I miss the violet gold Kings. Jesus Christ.