John Tonelli will be honored by the New York Islanders on February 21st at the Coliseum. The banner-raising and "retirement" of his number 27 not only will be hailed by the organization that launched his NHL career, but by Isles fans and virtually anyone who reveres a hockey player's hockey player.
And a swell guy, to boot. (By the way, I know all of the above from personal experience.)
My memories of this grit guy are many, varied, glorious and, at least in one instance, somewhat humorous. So let's get to the funny one first since it also took place in a rather I-Spy kind of way.
It was the summer of 1978 and -- with my wife, Shirley -- was running the New York bureau for the Toronto Star newspaper. I was in Canada to meet with my editors.
Staying at Toronto's Royal York Hotel, I was sipping a drink in the lounge when four gentlemen walked in and sat down just four tables away. At first I paid no attention to them but, finally looked up and guess who I saw? There was none other than Bill Torrey sitting with Jim Devellano, Gus Badali and a good player I had remembered from the World Hockey Association.
Bow Tie Bill and his ever- efficient chief scout, Jimmy D, were accompanied by Wayne Gretzky's agent (Badali) and John Tonelli who previously had starred for the WHA's Houston Aeros.
Torrey recognized me -- Bill knew I had fallen on a hot story -- and, with secrecy in mind put his index finger to his lips and half-whispered "Shhhh," just loud enough for me to hear. Meanwhile, Jimmy did a "No-No" head-shake. I got the message and assured them I'd keep this story in my head and not in print or on the airwaves.
"We didn't want anyone to know we were signing John," Bill later told me. "It had to be a secret until I cleared it with ownership."