Hollywood often follows a script in which the one-time enemy changes his character and attitude to become the hero.
According to script, the hero wasn't really a bad guy, just misunderstood. When treated with respect and given a chance to get out of his poor environment, the bad guy becomes a good guy.
Sports can work out in that same manner. Nearly three decades ago, no player was more hated in Boston than Brad Park of the New York Rangers. An excellent defenseman, Park was probably the second-best player at his position in the NHL. But Bobby Orr of the Bruins was the best.
Early on in the season, the Rangers and the Bruins were in need of a change in 1975. The Rangers decided they could part with Park and star center Jean Ratelle, while the Bruins decided that record-setting center Phil Esposito was no longer untouchable.
Emile Francis and Harry Sinden worked a blockbuster trade that saw Park and Ratelle, along with another defender, Joe Zanussi, go to Boston in exchange for Esposito and defenseman Carol Vadnais.
Park was not only despised by the Bruins' fans, but loathed by Bruins' players. All for naught, however, as ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Steve Silverman
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