1976-77 O-Pee-Chee WHA 38 Terry Ruskowski Hockey Card (Front)
1976-77 O-Pee-Chee WHA 38 Terry Ruskowski Hockey Card (Back)
1976-77 O-Pee-Chee WHA Checklist
Card Notes
Terry picked up the nickname “Jackhammer” after being involved in a fight in game vs. Mariners, 1974-75. He scored four goals in WHA playoffs as a rookie including the game-winner in the second game of the finals against Quebec. Terry played three seasons with the Swift Current Broncos of the WCHL.
En Français
Terry reçut le surnom de “Brise-Béton” après une échauffourée durant un match contre les Mariners en 1974-75. Comme recrue, il marqua quatre buts durant les éliminatoires de l’AMH, y compris le but gagnant de la deuxième joute des finales contre Québec. Terry joua pendant trois saisons pour les Broncos de Swift Current.
Details
In the third of his three seasons in the WHL with the Swift Current Broncos, 1973-74, Terry Ruskowski made his mark, setting a single season assist record that still stands today. Terry’s 93 assists remain the most by a member of the Swift Current Broncos. That year, Ruskowski totaled 133 points playing alongside the likes of Bryan Trottier and Dave “Tiger” Williams. That placed him fifth in the league scoring race, 29 points behind leader Ron Chipperfield of the Brandon Wheat Kings.
His playmaking ability would shine during his World Hockey Assocation career, as well. In his final three years in the league, Ruskowski averaged around 60 assists per season. He topped out with 66 during the 1978-79 campaign, playing for the Winnipeg Jets.
That playmaking strength continued into his first two years in the NHL, contributing more than 50 assists in 1979-80 and 1980-81 with the Chicago Blackhawks. His National Hockey League career lasted through 1988-89 season, playing for the Hawks, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota North Stars.