BEHIND THE MASKS - Super Seventies Saints Schedule

Going back again to last April to share the final item I picked up along with my Linden pamphlet and Linden program. This was a fun find that added a bit of value for the bundled price I paid.

As a goalie mask fan...especially the vintage fibreglass era, I'm a sucker for the nice, closeup photos where you can really appreciate the craftsmanship of the headgear. It's not just a slick paintjob that appeals to me...I love the unique shape that molds to the tender's face. The experimental airholes cut out all around (because did anyone REALLY know what they were doing back then??). The piercing eyes glaring at you from behind the cage...just daring you to take your best shot. I love it all.

But yeah, the paintjob is king. Some masks from the era are pretty crude (as expected) but each is completely unique to the player. No two masks are alike. You don't see individuality like this in any other sport.

This is such a slice of time in an era that many people no longer remember. The WHA was a league competing with the NHL back in the 70's and many of the top players found new life (and robust contracts) playing in the rival league. Names like Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Gerry Cheevers, Derek Sanderson took the league to a reputable level...but the chaos, turmoil and inexperience behind the scenes made this league a doomed venture from the start.

This pamphlet is from the upcoming 75/76 season for the Minnesota Fighting Saints. The Saints were one of the founding teams of the World Hockey Association (a 12-team startup that launched in 1972) but only managed to last 4 seasons before folding due to lack of funds.

This item represents that last season in the league for the Saints. But I didn't buy the pamphlet for that nugget of history...I bought it because of the cool mask.

So, who's the goalie? For people of a certain age in Canada, we know his name and voice more for his colour commentary that his goaltending. It's John Garrett.

Garrett had a 12-year career split between the WHA and NHL. He played for 7 teams in total including the Whalers, Nordiques and Canucks in the NHL. He always had a slick run of goalie masks but I must admit...this Saints offering isn't one that I remember well. So it's very cool to see it captured on a piece like this. The yellow on either side of the eyes represent wings and the band above is a halo. Very much pays homage to the log and team name. John had a second version of the mask with just white wings that covered more of the eyes.

Why weren't photos like this plastered on hockey cards back in the day??? Seriously...I'd have bought way more packs. :)

Let's take a look at the inside of the pamphlet...

If this doesn't scream 70's...I don't know what does. Absolutely fantastic.

There are no action shots of players or superstar endorsements. These cartoons represent a more family-friendly, simple gameday experience. That's a message we don't see often anymore.

But the real treat to this pamphlet - and a definite sign of the times....

Check out that arena layout. She's no oval. And those prices!! I love that they have per-seat savings listed by the cents. Crazy.

Forty games...that would be a solid season of sport.

And yeah...$300 for a prime seat, incredible. Seven bucks a game.

So while I pack this pamphlet away with my other collectibles in the closet, I can't help but reminisce of a great era in hockey...not too far gone. Affordable tickets, cool goalie masks. What's not to love?

Oh, and my lasting memory of John Garrett as a player?...that's easy. John played in the 1983 All-Star game. Not because he was having a great year (he was playing for the Canucks as a backup to Richard Brodeur) but because Brodeur was injured and Garrett replaced him as the only Vancouver representative in that season's classic.

Garrett stole the show that night and was voted MVP...that was before some kid named Wayne Gretzky scored 4 times in the final 10 minutes of the game. Officials held a re-vote and gave Gretzky the MVP and the new car awarded to the top player. Garrett was robbed.