Pete Stemkowski

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Pete Stemkowski
Stemkowski with the Toronto Maple Leafs c. 1965
Born (1943-08-25) August 25, 1943 (age 82)
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight196 lb (89 kg; 14 st 0 lb)
PositionCentre
ShotLeft
Played forToronto Maple Leafs
Detroit Red Wings
New York Rangers
Los Angeles Kings
Playing career1963–1979

Peter David Stemkowski (born August 25, 1943) is a former centre and forward in the National Hockey League. Over fifteen seasons, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Los Angeles Kings. Stemkowski is best remembered for his heroics in the 1970–71 Stanley Cup semifinals when he scored two overtime goals for the New York Rangers in an eventual series loss to the Chicago Black Hawks. He won the Stanley Cup in 1967 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Considered a textbook "two-way" centre, able to kill penalties and play defence as well as scoring goals, Stemkowski is also remembered as one of the top faceoff takers of the NHL.

Playing career

[edit]

Pete Stemkowski had a solid NHL career that lasted 14 years. A useful and aggressive forward, "Stemmer" always took a back seat of attention wherever he played.

Pete was a product of the Toronto Maple Leafs junior system. He played in his native Winnipeg before moving to Toronto at the age of 17 to play with the Ontario Hockey Association's Toronto Marlboros, the Leafs' junior team.

After splitting his first three professional seasons between the Leafs and their American Hockey League farm team in Rochester NY, Stemkowski finally made the Leafs squad in 1966–67. It was great timing as the Leafs won the Stanley Cup that year. Stemkowski, 24 at the time, was an important contributor with 12 points in 12 games. But the focus fell upon aging veterans like Terry Sawchuk, Johnny Bower, George Armstrong, Allan Stanley, Frank Mahovlich and Tim Horton.

He was part of a six-player blockbuster transaction in which he was traded along with Frank Mahovlich and Garry Unger from the Maple Leafs to the Red Wings for Norm Ullman, Paul Henderson and Floyd Smith on March 4, 1968. The Maple Leafs and Red Wings were in fifth and sixth place respectively at the bottom of the East Division standings at the time of the deal.[1] It was a good trade for Stemkowski though. It gave him a chance to play regularly and he responded well with two 20+ goal seasons in his two full seasons in Detroit.

Stemkowski was traded to the Rangers for Larry Brown on October 31, 1970.[2] This was partially a result of an incident in practice where Stemkowski disrespected new head coach Ned Harkness. Harkness had just come to Detroit from Cornell University. Stemkowski, a noted joker, was mockingly imitating a college cheer. Harkness made sure Stemkowski was gone shortly afterwards.[3]

The Rangers, after suffering through many lean years, were emerging as a powerhouse. A good mix of veterans like Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle and Ed Giacomin with enthusiastic help from young players such as Stemkowski, Brad Park, Steve Vickers and Walt Tkaczuk. Stemkowski especially was very popular with the Madison Square Gardens faithful.

Despite the Rangers losing a 1971 Stanley Cup semifinal series in seven games to the Chicago Black Hawks, Stemkowski scored game-winning overtime goals in each of two matches. The first occurred just 1:37 into overtime to decide a 2–1 Game 1 win at Chicago Stadium on April 18. With the Rangers facing elimination in Game 6, he scored the most famous goal of his playing career eleven nights later at 1:29 of the third overtime, after a total of 41:29 of extra time, in a 3–2 victory at Madison Square Garden that forced a deciding seventh game. The contest lasted 4 hours 23 minutes and ended two minutes before midnight ET.[4]

Stemkowski played six strong seasons in New York, during which he recorded three 20+ goal seasons.

In 1977–78, Stemkowski finished his career playing one season with the Los Angeles Kings. Speaking of the experience, he said, "I started my career in Toronto in the early 60's. The Leafs were a real powerhouse back then and all you heard was hockey 24 hours a day. When I came to the Kings the whole atmosphere changed. I'd go to the bank and the teller asked me what I did. I said I play for the Kings. The teller said, "who and what are the Kings?"

With Los Angeles, Stemkowski played with Dave Schultz and Marcel Dionne. "I remember a lot of traveling with the Kings and that I played with Dave "The Hammer" Schultz. I got to know the other side of the reigning "bad boy" in the NHL. He helped me find a place to live when I first arrived."

"Playing with Marcel Dionne was a treat. He was such a talent. Marcel and his family really did a lot to keep the team close. Every Sunday Marcel would invite the entire team over to his house for a barbecue and swim."[5]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

As of May 1982, Stemkowski was a morning disc jockey for WDJZ in Bridgeport, Connecticut.[6] He was also a freelance announcer for the Entertainment Sports Network.

He has served a stint as the television (1992–1996) and radio colour commentator (2000–2005) for the San Jose Sharks and now does so for the New York Rangers on a part-time basis. He was rumoured to be a candidate to become the Rangers' full-time radio analyst in 2006–07 but has retained his back-up role and makes appearances at Rangers events.

Hockey awards and achievements

[edit]

Career statistics

[edit]
Regular seasonPlayoffs
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPtsPIMGPGAPtsPIM
1960–61Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL3122163829—————
1961–62Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL403134651008371022
1962–63Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL56398—————
1962–63Toronto MarlborosOHA-Jr.2316274344117172426
1963–64Toronto MarlborosOHA-Jr.51426110389959148
1963–64Toronto Maple LeafsNHL10002—————
1963–64Toronto MarlborosMC—————121415296
1964–65Toronto Maple LeafsNHL36515203360337
1964–65Rochester AmericansAHL3517223952—————
1965–66Toronto Maple LeafsNHL564121655400026
1965–66Rochester AmericansAHL755108—————
1966–67Toronto Maple LeafsNHL681322357512571220
1967–68Toronto Maple LeafsNHL607152282—————
1967–68Detroit Red WingsNHL133694—————
1968–69Detroit Red WingsNHL7121315281—————
1969–70Detroit Red WingsNHL7625244911441126
1970–71Detroit Red WingsNHL102248—————
1970–71New York RangersNHL6816294561133256
1971–72New York RangersNHL591117285316481218
1972–73New York RangersNHL7822375971104266
1973–74New York RangersNHL782545707413661235
1974–75New York RangersNHL7724355963310110
1975–76New York RangersNHL7513284149—————
1976–77New York RangersNHL61213158—————
1977–78Los Angeles KingsNHL801318313321012
1978–79Springfield IndiansAHL24312158—————
NHL totals96720634955586683252954136

Conviction for criminal solicitation

[edit]

On May 7, 1982, Stemkowski pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count of criminal solicitation in Nassau County, New York. Stemkowski had lent $35,000 to a business associate, which had not been repaid along with $35,000 in interest. He offered $20,000 to an undercover Nassau County police officer to fly to California and break an ankle and wrist of the business associate. After making his guilty plea, Stemkowski expressed remorse for his actions, saying, "Something was rightfully owed to me. I felt I had to get it back. Foolishly and stupidly, I went about it the wrong way." By pleading guilty, Stemkowski avoided a charge of conspiracy.[9]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Mahovlich, Ullman Traded," The Edmonton Journal, Monday, March 4, 1968. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  2. ^ Halligan, John; Kreiser, John (2012). Game of My Life New York Rangers: Memorable Stories of Rangers Hockey. New York, NY: Sports Publishing. ISBN 9781613212059. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  3. ^ Grimm, George (2012). We Did Everything But Win: Former New York Rangers Remember the Emile Francis Era (1964–1976). New York, NY: Sports Publishing. ISBN 9781510722316. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  4. ^ Eskenazi, Gerald (30 April 1971). "Rangers Win in 3d Overtime, 3–2". The New York Times. p. 25. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  5. ^ Pelletier, Joe (2007). "Pete Stemkowski". GreatestHockeyLegends.com. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
  6. ^ Staff writers (11 May 1982). "Sports Briefing". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 12. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  7. ^ Cohen, Russ; Halligan, John; Raider, Adam (2009). 100 Ranger Greats: Superstars, Unsung Heroes and Colorful Characters. John Wiley & Sons. p. 104. ISBN 978-0470736197.
  8. ^ "Pete Stemkowski". National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame. 8 August 2002. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  9. ^ "Semiretired Unser may skip Indy 500". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 11 May 1982 – via Google News Archive Search.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pete_Stemkowski&oldid=1325365663"

    Pete Stemkowski
    Stemkowski with the Toronto Maple Leafs c. 1965
    Born (1943-08-25) August 25, 1943 (age 82)
    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
    Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
    Weight196 lb (89 kg; 14 st 0 lb)
    PositionCentre
    ShotLeft
    Played forToronto Maple Leafs
    Detroit Red Wings
    New York Rangers
    Los Angeles Kings
    Playing career1963–1979

    Peter David Stemkowski (born August 25, 1943) is a former centre and forward in the National Hockey League. Over fifteen seasons, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Los Angeles Kings. Stemkowski is best remembered for his heroics in the 1970–71 Stanley Cup semifinals when he scored two overtime goals for the New York Rangers in an eventual series loss to the Chicago Black Hawks. He won the Stanley Cup in 1967 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Considered a textbook "two-way" centre, able to kill penalties and play defence as well as scoring goals, Stemkowski is also remembered as one of the top faceoff takers of the NHL.

    Playing career

    Pete Stemkowski had a solid NHL career that lasted 14 years. A useful and aggressive forward, "Stemmer" always took a back seat of attention wherever he played.

    Pete was a product of the Toronto Maple Leafs junior system. He played in his native Winnipeg before moving to Toronto at the age of 17 to play with the Ontario Hockey Association's Toronto Marlboros, the Leafs' junior team.

    After splitting his first three professional seasons between the Leafs and their American Hockey League farm team in Rochester NY, Stemkowski finally made the Leafs squad in 1966–67. It was great timing as the Leafs won the Stanley Cup that year. Stemkowski, 24 at the time, was an important contributor with 12 points in 12 games. But the focus fell upon aging veterans like Terry Sawchuk, Johnny Bower, George Armstrong, Allan Stanley, Frank Mahovlich and Tim Horton.

    He was part of a six-player blockbuster transaction in which he was traded along with Frank Mahovlich and Garry Unger from the Maple Leafs to the Red Wings for Norm Ullman, Paul Henderson and Floyd Smith on March 4, 1968. The Maple Leafs and Red Wings were in fifth and sixth place respectively at the bottom of the East Division standings at the time of the deal.[1] It was a good trade for Stemkowski though. It gave him a chance to play regularly and he responded well with two 20+ goal seasons in his two full seasons in Detroit.

    Stemkowski was traded to the Rangers for Larry Brown on October 31, 1970.[2] This was partially a result of an incident in practice where Stemkowski disrespected new head coach Ned Harkness. Harkness had just come to Detroit from Cornell University. Stemkowski, a noted joker, was mockingly imitating a college cheer. Harkness made sure Stemkowski was gone shortly afterwards.[3]

    The Rangers, after suffering through many lean years, were emerging as a powerhouse. A good mix of veterans like Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle and Ed Giacomin with enthusiastic help from young players such as Stemkowski, Brad Park, Steve Vickers and Walt Tkaczuk. Stemkowski especially was very popular with the Madison Square Gardens faithful.

    Despite the Rangers losing a 1971 Stanley Cup semifinal series in seven games to the Chicago Black Hawks, Stemkowski scored game-winning overtime goals in each of two matches. The first occurred just 1:37 into overtime to decide a 2–1 Game 1 win at Chicago Stadium on April 18. With the Rangers facing elimination in Game 6, he scored the most famous goal of his playing career eleven nights later at 1:29 of the third overtime, after a total of 41:29 of extra time, in a 3–2 victory at Madison Square Garden that forced a deciding seventh game. The contest lasted 4 hours 23 minutes and ended two minutes before midnight ET.[4]

    Stemkowski played six strong seasons in New York, during which he recorded three 20+ goal seasons.

    In 1977–78, Stemkowski finished his career playing one season with the Los Angeles Kings. Speaking of the experience, he said, "I started my career in Toronto in the early 60's. The Leafs were a real powerhouse back then and all you heard was hockey 24 hours a day. When I came to the Kings the whole atmosphere changed. I'd go to the bank and the teller asked me what I did. I said I play for the Kings. The teller said, "who and what are the Kings?"

    With Los Angeles, Stemkowski played with Dave Schultz and Marcel Dionne. "I remember a lot of traveling with the Kings and that I played with Dave "The Hammer" Schultz. I got to know the other side of the reigning "bad boy" in the NHL. He helped me find a place to live when I first arrived."

    "Playing with Marcel Dionne was a treat. He was such a talent. Marcel and his family really did a lot to keep the team close. Every Sunday Marcel would invite the entire team over to his house for a barbecue and swim."[5]

    Broadcasting career

    As of May 1982, Stemkowski was a morning disc jockey for WDJZ in Bridgeport, Connecticut.[6] He was also a freelance announcer for the Entertainment Sports Network.

    He has served a stint as the television (1992–1996) and radio colour commentator (2000–2005) for the San Jose Sharks and now does so for the New York Rangers on a part-time basis. He was rumoured to be a candidate to become the Rangers' full-time radio analyst in 2006–07 but has retained his back-up role and makes appearances at Rangers events.

    Hockey awards and achievements

    Career statistics

    Regular seasonPlayoffs
    SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPtsPIMGPGAPtsPIM
    1960–61Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL3122163829—————
    1961–62Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL403134651008371022
    1962–63Winnipeg MonarchsMJHL56398—————
    1962–63Toronto MarlborosOHA-Jr.2316274344117172426
    1963–64Toronto MarlborosOHA-Jr.51426110389959148
    1963–64Toronto Maple LeafsNHL10002—————
    1963–64Toronto MarlborosMC—————121415296
    1964–65Toronto Maple LeafsNHL36515203360337
    1964–65Rochester AmericansAHL3517223952—————
    1965–66Toronto Maple LeafsNHL564121655400026
    1965–66Rochester AmericansAHL755108—————
    1966–67Toronto Maple LeafsNHL681322357512571220
    1967–68Toronto Maple LeafsNHL607152282—————
    1967–68Detroit Red WingsNHL133694—————
    1968–69Detroit Red WingsNHL7121315281—————
    1969–70Detroit Red WingsNHL7625244911441126
    1970–71Detroit Red WingsNHL102248—————
    1970–71New York RangersNHL6816294561133256
    1971–72New York RangersNHL591117285316481218
    1972–73New York RangersNHL7822375971104266
    1973–74New York RangersNHL782545707413661235
    1974–75New York RangersNHL7724355963310110
    1975–76New York RangersNHL7513284149—————
    1976–77New York RangersNHL61213158—————
    1977–78Los Angeles KingsNHL801318313321012
    1978–79Springfield IndiansAHL24312158—————
    NHL totals96720634955586683252954136

    Conviction for criminal solicitation

    On May 7, 1982, Stemkowski pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count of criminal solicitation in Nassau County, New York. Stemkowski had lent $35,000 to a business associate, which had not been repaid along with $35,000 in interest. He offered $20,000 to an undercover Nassau County police officer to fly to California and break an ankle and wrist of the business associate. After making his guilty plea, Stemkowski expressed remorse for his actions, saying, "Something was rightfully owed to me. I felt I had to get it back. Foolishly and stupidly, I went about it the wrong way." By pleading guilty, Stemkowski avoided a charge of conspiracy.[9]

    References

    1. ^ "Mahovlich, Ullman Traded," The Edmonton Journal, Monday, March 4, 1968. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
    2. ^ Halligan, John; Kreiser, John (2012). Game of My Life New York Rangers: Memorable Stories of Rangers Hockey. New York, NY: Sports Publishing. ISBN 9781613212059. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
    3. ^ Grimm, George (2012). We Did Everything But Win: Former New York Rangers Remember the Emile Francis Era (1964–1976). New York, NY: Sports Publishing. ISBN 9781510722316. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
    4. ^ Eskenazi, Gerald (30 April 1971). "Rangers Win in 3d Overtime, 3–2". The New York Times. p. 25. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
    5. ^ Pelletier, Joe (2007). "Pete Stemkowski". GreatestHockeyLegends.com. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
    6. ^ Staff writers (11 May 1982). "Sports Briefing". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 12. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
    7. ^ Cohen, Russ; Halligan, John; Raider, Adam (2009). 100 Ranger Greats: Superstars, Unsung Heroes and Colorful Characters. John Wiley & Sons. p. 104. ISBN 978-0470736197.
    8. ^ "Pete Stemkowski". National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame. 8 August 2002. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
    9. ^ "Semiretired Unser may skip Indy 500". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 11 May 1982 – via Google News Archive Search.
    • Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
    Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pete_Stemkowski&oldid=1325365663"