NHL Alumni

For embodying Börje's lasting legacy of bravery, courage, and dedication both on and off the ice. The NHL Alumni Association is honoured to announce that Esa Tikkanen has been named the recipient of the fourth annual Börje Salming Courage Award.

Presented by @SAP

So, to recap... he lost his Visa, didn't have his equipment, and then?! 😲 Here's part 2 of Esa Tikkanen's road to playing his first NHL game! 🚨

The NHL Alumni Association is saddened to learn that Bobby Sheehan has passed away at the age of 77.

From Weymouth, Massachusetts, Bobby played junior hockey with the Halifax Junior Canadiens and the St. Catharines Black Hawks before being selected by the Montreal Canadiens in 1969.

Bobby began his professional hockey career the following season with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, and on January 3, 1970, Bobby made his NHL debut with the Canadiens at the Montreal Forum against the Oakland Seals, picking up an assist in his first career game. In his fourth career game on January 11, 1970, Bobby registered his first career NHL goal. At the conclusion of his second season, Bobby and the Canadiens captured the 1971 Stanley Cup.

Bobby joined the California Golden Seals during the 1971 offseason, later moving to the WHA, where he played from 1972 to 1975. Bobby returned to the NHL ahead of the 1975-76 season as a member of the Chicago Black Hawks, and would play for the Detroit Red Wings the following season.

After moving to the WHA for the 1977-78 season, Bobby rejoined the NHL with the New York Rangers for the 1979 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Bobby later played with the Colorado Rockies from 1979 to 1981 and the LA Kings for the 1981-82 campaign.

Internationally, Bobby proudly represented the United States at the 1981 Ice Hockey World Championships.

We send our deepest condolences to Bobby's family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time.

It wouldn't be an Esa Tikkanen story if it weren't a little wild and crazy! Here's part 1 of Esa Tikkanen's journey to playing his first NHL game 🏒

The NHL Alumni Association is honoured to celebrate Esa Tikkanen as the recipient of the 2026 Börje Salming Courage Award presented by @SAP

Can you Guess the Alumni? 👤