Ode to a Good Saskatchewan Kid

Ranked among the top 30 unrestricted free agents to sign during the 2007 Offseason, Sk-born product Scott Hartnell was a type of player that was in high demand throughout the league. His rough, agressive, and hard-working attitude, not to mention a strong asset on the scoresheet, particularly in powerplay and clutch situations, Scotty is one of Saskatchewan's best hockey exports.

Scott played his junior hockey in Prince Albert, SK. with the Raiders, along side teammate, and now Minnesota defenseman (also from SK), Nick Shultz. In 3 seasons with the Raiders, Hartnell tallied 37 goals, and 90 assists, and 230 minutes in the sin-bin. His third and final season was a career junior season for Scott, earning the captaincy of the Raiders, and a prospect rating of #1 overall in Canada, going into the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. The still "fresh-face" expansion franchise, the Nashville Predators selected Hartnell 6th overall in 2000. (Among the top 5 were Rick Dipietro, Dany Heatley, and Marian Gaborik just to give you an idea of the talent that was in this draft) A side note--NYR superstar goaltender Henrik Lundqvist went 205th overall in this draft. Scott played 6 seasons with the Predators, and before free agency, Scott was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers along with teammate Kimmo Timonen, and continued his style of play, helping the Flyers all the way to the Eastern Conference final.

We could go on about how Hartnell is a great, tough player from Saskatchewan, or we could mention how Toppings is actually a cousin of Hartnell, but we won't bore you with that.

Recently, Scotty has made headlines across the league for his antics during a game vs the Eastern basement dwelling Tampa Bay Lightning. Ryan Malone, of the Lightning was on a breakaway, and Hartnell, without a stick, chased down Malone and in an act of desperation, threw his glove at Malone, forcing him to miss on the breakaway. Malone was rewarded a penalty shot in the dying seconds of the 3rd period that could have broken the tie, but missed on the penalty shot in a stop by Marty Biron. Ironically enough, Malone ended up taking a penalty in Overtime, and Mike Richards scored the game winner for the Flyers.

To honor Scotty for his act of desperation, and perhaps stupidity if the Flyers had lost the game, the Flyers' AHL Affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms will be designating their December 14th game as "Scott Hartnell Glove and Mitten Toss" Night, in which fans will have the opportunity to bring winter clothing to toss onto the ice for charity.


Great job Scotty, you make the PrairiePuck proud.


If you happened to miss the game, check out the video: