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Today in Hockey History: New York Rangers Sign Rod Gilbert

Hockey is finally back, but we at Last Word on Hockey are still going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for August 1st, featuring Rod Gilbert.

Today in Hockey History

Rod Gilbert Signs With Rangers

1961: The New York Rangers sign the Montreal native to his first professional contract. He signs after finishing his fourth season with the Guelph Royals of the OHA. Gilbert earns a game-tying assist in his debut on Nov. 27, 1960 in a game versus the Chicago Blackhawks. He misses much of the 1961-62 season due to back surgery.

Gilbert earns a spot in the lineup after Ken Schinkel is injured and scores twice in Game 3 of the semifinals. He puts up five points in four games and becomes a full-time player the next season. The forward retires in November 1988 and is still the Rangers’ all-time leader in goals (406) and points (1,021).

Other Notable Events

1988: The Rangers deal Walt Poddubny, Jari Gronstrand and Bruce Bell to the Quebec Nordiques. Norm Rochefort and Jason Lafreniere come to New York in return.

1991: The Calgary Flames sign free-agent defenceman Kevin Dahl from Bowling Green of the NCAA. He plays parts of five seasons in two different stints with the Flames.

1994: The Detroit Red Wings sign veteran forward Mike Krushelnyski to a deal. He plays 20 games with the team before ending his career with stints in the AHL and Italy.

The Florida Panthers name Bryan Murray as their new general manager. He replaces Bobby Clarke, who went back to the Philadelphia Flyers organization.

1997: The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim sign free-agent forward Tomas Sandstrom. He lasts two seasons with the team before finishing his career in Sweden.

The Flames ink veteran free agent forward Jim Dowd to a deal. Dowd bounces between AHL Saint John and Calgary during his tenure.

2000: The Ottawa Senators hire Roger Neilson as an assistant coach. He does coach the last two games of the 2001-02 season to reach 1,000 games coached.

Calgary hires Don Hay as the team’s new head coach. He replaces Brian Sutter, who was fired at the end of the previous season. Hay lasts only 68 games before he’s fired.