JOHN MAYASICH

He never played in the NHL, but John Mayasich is one of the greatest and most important American players in the history of hockey.

Consider his resume:

• His #8 is the only number to retired in the storied history of the University of Minnesota hockey program.
• Ranked #1 in the Star Tribune's list of the 100 Greatest High School Hockey Players in Minnesota History, ahead of the likes of Neal Broten, Phil Housley, and Henry Boucha.
• In four years at Eveleth High School, his team won four State Championships.  Oh... they also never lost a single game during his time there.  Four straight undefeated seasons.
• All-time leading scorer in Golden Gophers history.
• All-time leading scorer in Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament history.
• Gold medalist at the 1960 Olympics.
• Silver medalist at the 1956 Olympics.
• Many credit Mayasich with "inventing" the slapshot.

Note: this autograph request was sent to Mr. Mayasich before I decided to alter the design of these cards to show each player's uniform number and years played.  There may be a few more Gophers hockey cards like this one trickling in, but all future cards will have an updated design.