Maven's Memories: My Mike Bossy Moments

The first time I met Mike Bossy -- one on one -- he got a good laugh and I was embarrassed.
It was a few weeks into Mike's rookie season and he already had established himself as a genuine candidate for the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year.
With that in mind, one of the Canadian networks asked me to interview Bossy for use on one of the Hockey Night In Canada programs.

All things considered, the Canadian producers made a big deal about it. The interview was to be done at center ice of the Coliseum after the Islanders morning practice.
Not surprisingly, I was nervous about the prospect of doing a feature with Mike; but not so much about my competency, but the fact that everything I'd read about him was that the Montreal-born ace was French-speaking.
My francophone abilities were limited to three years of the language at Brooklyn College with very modest grades. Parlay vous?
So now practice is over and I'm camped at the center ice face-off circle, anxiously awaiting my esteemed subject's arrival. Alas -- right on time -- he skated out and shook my hand.
Before he could say a word -- I had expected something like Merci Monsieur -- I apologized. "Mike; I don't speak French very well, so you'll have to excuse me."
Remembering Mike Bossy
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Players Tribute: Bossy's Letter to His Younger Self
Isles Share Bossy Memories
How Bossy Fell to the Islanders
Bossy's Road to the Islanders
Bossy Takes Flight in 1982
Bossy Scores 50 in 50
Bossy Scores 50 in Rookie Year
Bossy vs the Bullies
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Bossy and Trottier Light It Up
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Bossy laughed. Then a pause: "Stan, you have nothing to worry about. While I do speak French fluently, I'm not a French-Canadian and my English is just fine."
I finally exhaled in delight and enjoyed a wonderful first interview with what would be one of the greatest -- if not the greatest -- scorers of all time in National Hockey League history. Comparable to the immortal Canadiens, Maurice (Rocket) Richard.
"The Rocket was my idol," Mike went on to explain. "It was natural since I grew up in Montreal and Richard -- Maurice and Henri -- were heroes to a young hockey player like me."
From that first interview on, Bossy was an Islander for me to watch, study and, of course, interview as often as possible.
In those halcyon days of the late 1970's Mike flanked center Bryan Trottier and Clark Gillies on what was to become one of the legendary units in hockey history.
It ranked in quality alongside such esteemed trios as Montreal's famed Punch Line (Maurice Richard, Toe Blake, Elmer Lach) and Boston's Uke Line comprised of Johnny Bucyk, Bronco Horvath and Vic Stasiuk.
The Isles version had an assortment of handles but the one I liked best was Trio Grande.
"Al (Arbour) put us together early in training camp," Mike told me, "and we clicked pretty quick. Our styles meshed. Trots could do just about anything at center -- score and set me up for goals -- and Clarkie was as good a corner man anyone could wish for; and a good friend to boot."
Mike pointed out to me that it was the instant friendship with Trottier that helped dissolve any freshman nervousness he may have harbored. It was clear to me that they were more than just linemates but would become lifetime buddies.
"Before I even settled in as a rookie," Bossy remembered, "Trots had me over to his house and made me feel right at home. At that time -- when I was just feeling my way about the Island and the team, Bryan's friendship meant the world to me."

The pair would -- in good time -- become among the funnier team members and leading pranksters. But never -- ever -- Mike take his hockey lightly.
I learned that early on in my role as SportsChannel's pregame, between-periods and postgame host and interviewer. Typically, I'd also host a "Player Of The Game" chat with whomever was the Islanders star on any particular night.
Since Bossy was a star from the starting gate, he was a frequent choice to gab with me post-game. And what I learned pretty darn quick was that Mike's mind moved as quickly as his shot.; He was candid, concise and, occasionally comical.
He was so astute and articulate I recall that at one point -- while he was out with an injury -- my producer asked me to put Mike on between the first and second periods; and then between the second and third.
And since that particular playoff game extended into overtime; we brought Mike back for a hat trick of one-game interviews.
What bothered me -- as print and broadcast journalist -- was newsmen's failure to give Bossy the credit he deserved in terms of tv, radio and newspaper coverage.
Remember that Mike's most shining hours coincided with the rise of what some have labelled "Hockey Greatest Star," Wayne Gretzky.
Too often Gretz got the top billing when it should have been Bossy who captured the headlines. And, sensitive superstar that he was, Mike took it personally.
I know this firsthand because at one point a rare coolness existed between us. At the time I was writing a weekly column for The Hockey News and eventually discovered that my weekly THN piece was the cause of our discomfort.
For weeks, I said nothing and then we met at a charity benefit dinner hosted by Islanders forward Bob Bourne. I waited until it was over and invited Mike to an empty table and put it simply: "What's gone wrong with us?"

His answer was as candid as could be: "You've been covering the Islanders for years and obviously you like our team; and I presume you like the way I play the game. Then how come just about every other player gets into your Hockey News column and not Mike Bossy?"
It was a perfectly good question. I replied a bit sheepishly, that he was putting me on the spot. My answer was as true as true could be: "My editors know that I cover you guys and root for you guys. With that in mind, I've deliberately avoided writing about you. I didn't want them to appear that I was plugging you because I broadcast Islanders games."
I also added that, in fact, he made a good point. From that moment on, the Isles -- and Mike, in particular -- got a good play in my column and we became pals again forever.
Needless to say there were odd times when I was not doing an Isles broadcast and Mike thoroughly thrilled me.
The first that comes to mind was Game One of the 1982 Cup Final against Vancouver. Since that was a network broadcast, I became a spectator and watched the game from an end arena seat at the Coliseum with my older son, Ben.
To our surprise and keen disappointment the Canucks carried the play and seemed very close to winning the match, which would have been a disastrous result for a home game of the two-time champs.
But Mike came through with the late tying goal and then won it on a brilliant interception and red light.
In that same series, Boss delivered one of the most spectacular goals in playoff annals. He scored while whipping the puck home while in the air.
Those are among dozens of other spectacular efforts including the four-game playoff sweep of the Rangers which Mike practically won that series singlehandedly.

I might add that Mike's autobiography, Boss -- co-authored with Barry Meisel -- ranks among the best of hockey books and one which I'd recommend to any Islanders fan.
Unfortunately, back injuries prematurely ended Bossy's brilliant career, but he never forgot the team for which he starred for so long.
Mike was a frequent Coliseum visitor and became a splendid analyst for MSG Networks. I recall telling him during one of our many conversations: "Mike: I learn something about hockey every time you're on the air. And also, every time we chat."
He thanked me and added, "Any time, pal."
When I think of Mike Bossy, Islanders hero, I'm reminded of a song title that expresses my feelings about the outstanding Islanders.
"The Music Stopped, But The Melody Lingers On."