Part of the extravaganza that was the Winter Classic in Michigan was the alumni games at Comerica Park in Detroit.
Former Wheat King and Beulah product Bill Derlago was one of players who suited up for the Toronto Maple Leafs alumni against their Detroit Red Wings’ counterparts.
"It was really good, actually. The Leafs’ alumni treated us very well, the rink was fabulous, the ice was good," said Derlago on CKLQ’s Monday Sports Talk this week, "We went there for a couple of days and it was good to see all the guys. There were about 50 ex-Leafs there. It was a great weekend and perfect, actually."
Derlago played with the Leafs from 1979 to 1985 while also spending time in the NHL with Vancouver, Boston, Quebec and the Winnipeg Jets.
However, it was with Toronto where he had his most success, scoring 30 or more goals in four of the five full seasons he spent wearing the Blue and White.
"When I came to Toronto, Rick Vaive and myself got a chance to play. Punch Imach told us that you’re going to get a chance to play and he was true to his word," said Derlago, "We got lots of ice time, which is what any player wants."
Derlago finished his NHL career with 189 goals and 416 points in 555 career games.
Here’s Tyler Crayston and Lanny Stewart’s full discussion with Derlago from this week’s Monday Sports Talk on CKLQ.
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