MORE MOMENTS
1980: In a day that changes the game and helps open the NHL to the world, brothers
Peter Stastny
and
Anton Stastny
defect while playing for their Czechoslovakian team in Innsbruck, Austria. Quebec Nordiques owner Marcel Aubut and director of player personnel Gilles Leger arrange an escape to Vienna after a game against the Soviet Union; one night later, Peter, Anton and Peter's wife Darina land in Montreal. The brothers sign with the Nordiques and enjoy instant success: Peter has 39 goals and 109 points in his first NHL season and wins the
Calder Trophy
as the League's top rookie, Anton also scores 39 goals and finishes with 85 points. Older brother
Marian Stastny
stays behind and is removed from the national team, but is able to come to North America and join the Nordiques for the 1981-82 season.