Torrie Robertson

Torrie Robertson was born in Victoria British Columbia on August 2, 1961. He went on to play 3 seasons with the hometown Victoria Cougars of the WHL. He played welll there, combining his rough style of play with some decent offensive capabilities. He impressed the Washington Capitals enough to take him with their 3rd choice, 55th overall in the 1980 Entry Draft.

Robertson had trouble sticking with the Caps in his 2 years in that organization. He had the ability to fight and do the rough stuff, but his skating and puck abilities were below average for an NHL player. The Caps decided to trade him away to Hartford in the summer of 1983. The caps got Greg C. Adams in return.

It was a good move for Robertson as he became a regular in Hartford for the next 5 1/2 seasons. He was primarily the team's goon, but showed a little promise in 1984-85 (11 goals, 30 assists, 337 PIM) and 1985-86 (13 goals, 24 assists, 358 PIM). However injuries limited him to just 20 games in 1986-87. By the time he returned to the lineup full time in 1987-88, his only role was as 4th line tough guy.

Robertson was traded to Detroit in exchange for Jim Pavese. In Detroit he joined names like Bob Probert and Joey Kocur, who were cult figures in Hockeytown, USA. Robertson's days were pretty much numbered since day one in Michigan. He did play in 54 games in 1 1/2 seasons before being sent to the minor leagues where he finished his career.

Robertson played in 442 NHL games before he hung up his skates. Had he been able to stick in the NHL a little while longer I have no doubt he would have become a 50 goal scorer - as it turned out he retired with 49 career goals. He also had 99 assists for 148 points to go with his 1751 PIM.