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Red Wings Daily: Longtime Detroit Trainer Olesevich A Hall Of Famer

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1979-80 Detroit Red Wings
The 1979-80 Detroit Red Wings. Assistant Trainer Dan Olesevich is standing on the far left of the second row.

Dan Olesevich was a member of the Detroit Red Wings organization for parts of four decades. His only NHL game action, however, came against the Red Wings.

Olesevich assumed the role of assistant trainer and practice goalie for the Red Wings in 1959. He remained in the former position until his July 15, 1983 death in a car accident in Tilbury, Ontario. He and Red Wings trainer Lefty Wilson served as the training staff for the Wales Conference in the 1980 NHL All-Star Game at Joe Louis Arena. Olesevich also served as treasurer for the National Hockey League’s Trainers’ Association.

Olesevich made his NHL debut as an emergency replacement for New York Rangers goalie Gump Worsley during an Oct. 21, 1961 game at Olympia Stadium. A shot from Detroit forward Ed Litzenberger ended up striking Worsley in the head, knocking him unconscious. After taking him to hospital, the diagnosis was that Worsley was suffering from a concussion.

Suiting up against his employers, Olesevich allowed two goals in 29 minutes. He got the decision as the Rangers and Red Wings tied 4-4. Olesevich stopped 15 of 17 shots. Gordie Howe and Al Johnson scored Detroit goals against the club’s assistant trainer.

On Thursday, Olesevich, a junior, senior and minor pro hockey player along with his one-game NHL stint, was given posthumous induction into his hometown sports hall of fame in Port Colborne, Ontario.

High Praise For Red Wings Prospect Johansson

Writing for the Swedish media website Aftonbladet, hockey columnist Mats Wennerholm is predicting that Färjestad will take the SHL final over Luleå in six games. Wennerholm also was offering high praise to Färjestad defenseman and Red Wings draft pick Albert Johansson.

“He’s playing like he’s ready for the NHL,” Wennerstrom wrote.

Griffins Fall In Chicago

The Grand Rapids Griffins were defeated 6-3 by the Chicago Wolves in an AHL road game on Thursday but it wasn’t all bad news.

Rookie Jonatan Berggren pushed his point streak to 10 games (5-12-17) with two helpers in the contest and now has 62 points (20-42-62) this season. Riley Barber extended his AHL-leading and career-high point streak to 16 games (15-7-22), tallying his 25th goal of the campaign.

Dominik Shine notched his third shorthanded tally of the season. Samuel Dove-McFalls recorded his first AHL goal of his career in his 10th game as a pro.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

From Kevin Allen: Eight reasons why the Red Wings season went wrong.

Red Wings draft pick Theodor Niederbach is leaving Frolunda and is expected to join Rogle next season.

National Hockey Network

Vancouver: Alex Ovechkin told Vancouver Canucks forward Vasily Podkozlin that coach Bruce Boudreau would help his career . . . and he was right.

Montreal: The 2022 NHL entry draft with be held in Montreal and it’s the Montreal Canadiens who hold the highest odds of picking first overall.

Calgary: Nearing the playoffs, the Calgary Flames are trying the manage the minutes played by goalie Jacob Markstrom.

Vegas: A look at the myriad of reasons why the Vegas Golden Knights missed the playoffs.

San Jose: Noah Gregor scored two goals 26 seconds apart for the San Jose Sharks . . . and they still lost.

Florida: For the first time in franchise history, the Florida Panthers are Presidents’ Trophy champions.

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Washington: Captain Alex Ovechkin (upper body injury) took part in the morning skate for Thursday’s Washington Capitals game with the New York Islanders but didn’t play.

Philadelphia: Over their championship years, the Broad Street Bullies left many both shaken and stirred. And they’ll be doing it again. Members of the 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cup champion Philadelphia Flyers are serving as guest bartenders for a charity event in the city.

Boston: Linus Ullmark posted his first shutout of the season as the Boston Bruins blanked Buffalo.

Pittsburgh: To no one’s surprise, captain Sidney Crosby was named MVP of the Pittsburgh Penguins.