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In December/1976 Mike was on the world junior team that came home from Czechoslovakia with a silver medal. This was one of the highlights of Mike’s hockey career but did not go off without some “hitches”. Trying to leave the communist country proved to be a bit hectic when Mike forgot his passport in his luggage and was not allowed out until he found it. A little frightening when soldiers are all around watching your every move.
Mike played his minor hockey in the east end of Toronto and played in the Quebec International Peewee Tournament three times, winning a championship with Cedar Hills Colts at age 12. Anybody involved in hockey will know that is a very rare feat only accomplished by a very few. One is Guy Lafleur.
In 1973 Mike was taken in the Midget draft by the Hamilton Fincups. He scored 31 goals and earned 55 points and the team moved from last place to third in his first year. In the next season Mike had 42 goals and 79 points helping the Fincups finish first and ended up winning the Memorial Cup. After that victory the Fincups treated their players to an all-expense paid vacation to the Bahamas which I am sure Mike did not enjoy at all. After that season the Fincups moved to St. Catharines where Mike was the second highest scorer with the Fincups and ended up Eighth in the league with 112 points.
In the /77 draft he was selected by the New York Rangers, 26th overall. He was assigned to the AHL New Haven Nighthawks and suffered some injuries but managed one game in the NHL playing on a line with Phil Esposito against Marcel Dionne. In /78/79 he was with the Toledo Goaldiggers and had 53 points in 66 games. Mike was traded a couple of times and decided to retire in 1980 at the age of 23.
After returning to Toronto he landed a job with The Beer Store and is currently working out of Whitby DC. Mike has been a devout Union member and served on the local executive for many years. He enjoys coaching minor hockey teams and took one of his peewee teams to the Ontario final.
Mike’s 1977 world junior sweater hangs in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Quite an accomplishment Mike.
CONGRATULATIONS from your Union Brothers & Sisters.