Veteran Keke shows the kids how it's done, transcribed article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-22).jpg
Dublin Core
Title
Veteran Keke shows the kids how it's done, transcribed article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-22).jpg
Description
Monday, March 22, 1976
Veteran Keke Shows the Kids How
By PETER DRUMSTA
Even under the pressure of playoffs, Keke Mortson was clearly enjoying himself.
Because, after a hockey career spanning three decades, the colorful Mortson — who will turn 42 years old a week from today — is finishing it up with a flourish as a Buffalo Norseman.
It was his guile that sparked the Norsemen to a 5-1 victory over the defending Lockhart Cup champion Johnstown Jets Sunday afternoon before 4041 in Memorial Auditorium, giving Buffalo a 1-0 lead in their North American Hockey League quarter-final playoff series.
The series continues with games tonight and Wednesday at Johnstown. The fourth game is set for Thursday in the Tonawanda Sports Center, with a fifth game, if necessary, in Johnstown.
The Jets, who finished 36 points ahead of the Norsemen in the NAHL West, didn’t look the part Sunday.
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MORTSON AND his young mates quickly took advantage.
He popped in a short shot at the 6-minute, 40-second mark of the first period, with assists from defenseman Wayne Morin and Larry Gould. Gould scored later in the period with a crisp pass from Reggie Lahey for a 2-0 lead.
In the second, Lahey and Gould assisted on another close-in drive by Mortson for his second goal midway through the period.
The goal that flattened the Jets came less than a minute later, when Jim Stanfield scooped up a pass from Dave Given, deked his way in on goalie Ron Docken, and popped the puck past him for a 4-0 lead.
Billy Steele added a short-handed goal in the third period for Buffalo. Johnstown’s Jean Tetreault spoiled what would have been Buffalo’s first shutout of the season, scoring with less than 4 minutes left.
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MORTSON, who joined the team after receiving a call from Norseman General Manager Willie Marshall, vows a permanent retirement after this season with a vehement “you better believe it.”
“My wife is after me to quit,” said the smiling Mortson after his smooth-skating performance. “Last time I went home I had six stitches in me. That was the only way she knew I was playing hockey — I don’t fight in bars.”
He rates his current occupation far ahead of his other job, with the North Bay, Ont. sewage department. But he hasn’t looked near retirement with the Norsemen. In his 13 games he’s scored 10 goals with nine assists.
Lahey, who has improved throughout the season, appreciates the experience Mortson adds to the club, comprised mainly of players half Keke’s age.
“He’s amazing,” said Lahey. “He says, ‘You put it there and I’ll BE there.’”
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JIM MAKEY was sharp in the Buffalo nets as the Norsemen outshot the Jets, 41-33. It was the first time in 3 months that Buffalo held the opposition to one goal.
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PLAYER-COACH Guy Trottier of the Norsemen did not play due to a back injury. His status is uncertain for the upcoming games in Johnstown.
Veteran Keke Shows the Kids How
By PETER DRUMSTA
Even under the pressure of playoffs, Keke Mortson was clearly enjoying himself.
Because, after a hockey career spanning three decades, the colorful Mortson — who will turn 42 years old a week from today — is finishing it up with a flourish as a Buffalo Norseman.
It was his guile that sparked the Norsemen to a 5-1 victory over the defending Lockhart Cup champion Johnstown Jets Sunday afternoon before 4041 in Memorial Auditorium, giving Buffalo a 1-0 lead in their North American Hockey League quarter-final playoff series.
The series continues with games tonight and Wednesday at Johnstown. The fourth game is set for Thursday in the Tonawanda Sports Center, with a fifth game, if necessary, in Johnstown.
The Jets, who finished 36 points ahead of the Norsemen in the NAHL West, didn’t look the part Sunday.
---
MORTSON AND his young mates quickly took advantage.
He popped in a short shot at the 6-minute, 40-second mark of the first period, with assists from defenseman Wayne Morin and Larry Gould. Gould scored later in the period with a crisp pass from Reggie Lahey for a 2-0 lead.
In the second, Lahey and Gould assisted on another close-in drive by Mortson for his second goal midway through the period.
The goal that flattened the Jets came less than a minute later, when Jim Stanfield scooped up a pass from Dave Given, deked his way in on goalie Ron Docken, and popped the puck past him for a 4-0 lead.
Billy Steele added a short-handed goal in the third period for Buffalo. Johnstown’s Jean Tetreault spoiled what would have been Buffalo’s first shutout of the season, scoring with less than 4 minutes left.
---
MORTSON, who joined the team after receiving a call from Norseman General Manager Willie Marshall, vows a permanent retirement after this season with a vehement “you better believe it.”
“My wife is after me to quit,” said the smiling Mortson after his smooth-skating performance. “Last time I went home I had six stitches in me. That was the only way she knew I was playing hockey — I don’t fight in bars.”
He rates his current occupation far ahead of his other job, with the North Bay, Ont. sewage department. But he hasn’t looked near retirement with the Norsemen. In his 13 games he’s scored 10 goals with nine assists.
Lahey, who has improved throughout the season, appreciates the experience Mortson adds to the club, comprised mainly of players half Keke’s age.
“He’s amazing,” said Lahey. “He says, ‘You put it there and I’ll BE there.’”
---
JIM MAKEY was sharp in the Buffalo nets as the Norsemen outshot the Jets, 41-33. It was the first time in 3 months that Buffalo held the opposition to one goal.
---
PLAYER-COACH Guy Trottier of the Norsemen did not play due to a back injury. His status is uncertain for the upcoming games in Johnstown.
Date
1976-03-22
Collection
Citation
“Veteran Keke shows the kids how it's done, transcribed article (The Buffalo News, 1976-03-22).jpg,” North Tonawanda History, accessed April 9, 2026, https://nthistory.com/items/show/4891.