John Ferguson Fights, Scores, and Shines in First Canadiens Game

When the Montreal Canadiens brought in John Ferguson, the mission was clear, protect Jean Beliveau and keep opponents honest. But on October 8, 1963, in his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins, Ferguson proved he was more than just muscle. He was a scoring threat.

Just 12 seconds into his first NHL game, Ferguson tangled with Boston’s Ted Green, earning a roughing minor and an early trip to the penalty box. It seemed the Canadiens had gotten the enforcer they wanted but then came the scoring.

Midway through the first period, Ferguson netted his first NHL goal, set up perfectly by none other than Jean Beliveau, and beat Bruins goalie Eddie Johnston. In the second period, Ferguson struck again, this time assisted by Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion and Jacques Laperriere. Moments later, he returned the favor, assisting on a Geoffrion goal for a remarkable three-point debut.

Before joining the NHL, Ferguson had shown his scoring chops with the AHL’s Cleveland Barons in 1962-63, finishing third in goals (38) and second in penalty minutes (179). That same mix of grit and scoring followed him to Montreal.

By the end of his rookie season, Ferguson had 18 goals and 45 points over 59 games while also racking up 125 penalty minutes (seventh most in the NHL that year). He finished second in voting for the Calder Trophy, behind teammate Jacques Laperriere. Fellow Hab Terry Harper finished third.

About John Ferguson

Between 1963-64 and 1970-71, John Ferguson played 500 regular season and 85 playoff games in the National Hockey League, all with the Montreal Canadiens. Despite playing just eight seasons in the NHL, Ferguson was a member of five Stanley Cup championship teams with the Habs.

Known for his toughness, John could provide offense, as well. Twice, he reached the 20 goal plateau, putting up a career best 29 in 1968-69. That number tied him with Jacques Lemaire for fourth on the team. That year, he finished third in the NHL with a career high 185 penalty minutes, 34 PIM behind leader Forbes Kennedy.

Thomas Gradin's Seamless Move from Sweden to NHL Success

Thomas Gradin, a skilled Swedish forward, was selected in the third round of the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. Rather than immediately heading to North America, Gradin chose to continue developing his game with Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Elite League. 

It wasn't until the Vancouver Canucks acquired his rights prior to the 1978-79 NHL season that he made the jump to the NHL.Transitioning from European hockey to the North American style, especially in the 1970s, was often a tough challenge. But for Gradin, the adjustment appeared effortless.

In his NHL debut on October 11, 1978, at the Pacific Coliseum, Gradin made an instant impact. The Vancouver Canucks dominated the Colorado Rockies with an 8-2 victory. Just 4:14 into the game, Gradin scored his first NHL goal against goaltender Doug Favell, assisted by veteran defenseman Dennis Kearns.

Gradin continued his stellar performance by opening the second period with another goal, this time assisted by Curt Fraser, and later assisted on a Fraser goal. He finished the game with two goals on two shots and one assist, totaling three points in a dream debut.

Two nights later, Gradin proved his performance was no fluke, netting two more goals in an 8-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues. After four games, he had already tallied five goals and three assists, averaging two points per game.

Though his torrid scoring pace eventually leveled out, Gradin’s rookie season remained impressive. He finished the year with 20 goals and 51 points, earning a tie for 7th place in Calder Trophy voting alongside Brad Marsh of the Atlanta Flames. Gradin’s early NHL success helped pave the way for more Swedish players to make the leap to the NHL, showing that European talent could thrive on North American ice.

About Thomas Gradin

Along with being drafted by Chicago in the third round of the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft, 45th overall, Thomas Gradin was a first round pick by the Winnipeg Jets that year in the 1976 WHA Amateur Draft. He played for neither. 

Between 1978-79 and 1986-87, Gradin played 677 regular season and 42 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins. He reached the 20 goal plateau in his first seven seasons and had a career best 37 with the Canucks in 1981-82.

In that 1981-82 NHL season, Thomas helped Vancouver reach the Stanley Cup final, contributing 19 points in 17 games. Vancouver was finally knocked out by the defending Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders.