Finally!

1989 was the first year I really had an interest in world politics and news. I was finishing up 8th grade in June of that year when the NHL held it's draft. While the Minnesota North Stars picked future Hall of Famer Mike Mordano 1st overall, in my little corner of the world in Western NY the big new was who the Sabres had drafted. It wasn't even who the Sabres drafted in that first round, or their next pick, or even the one after that. In the 5th round the Sabres took a chance on a young Russian player named Alexander Mogilny. 

 

It was a fascinating pick, because at that time there had never been an NHL player from the Soviet Union and nobody knew if he would even leave Russia. That summer was full of  cold war intrigue as the Buffalo Sabres helped Molgilny defect, leaving his family, his teammates, and his country. There were stories of how they had to constantly move to avoid the KGB as he made his way from a game in Sweden to the US. Although he played hockey, technically he was in the Russian military, which made him a deserter as well. If caught, he could have ended up in a gulag in Siberia!

 

1990-91 Pro Set
#26 Alexander Mogilny (RC)

It all worked out, and Alexander made his debut in Buffalo that season. He would be a great offensive force in Buffalo for the next 6 seasons, capped by an amazing 76 goals (in 77 games!) during the 1992-93 season.

 

He spent 16 years in the NHL, scoring over 1,000 points. His journey paved the way for future players from the Soviet Union to showcase their skill and talent in the NHL.

 

It's remarkable that it took 17 years to get the call, but earlier this week Alexander Mogilny officially got selected to join the greats in the NHL Hall of Fame.

 

Congrats to you, Alexander Mogilny!  

 

1992-93 Stadium Club #320 Alexander Mogilny