A move that changed hockey forever is celebrating a special anniversary.
It was 30 years ago while playing for the University of Michigan, that Mike Legg, who is an assistant coach with the Ridge Meadows Flames, pulled a move to score against the University of Minnesota, that shocked the entire hockey community.
Legg scored by picking up the puck with his stick behind the net, in a lacrosse-style move, before performing a quick wrap around, putting the puck behind the goal tender in the top corner.
The move was reverently called, “The Michigan.”
Originally from London, ON, Legg attributed the move to pro player Billy Armstrong. Legg was fascinated when he saw Armstrong make the move and decided to emulate the play.
His goal boosted his team that night, who were down 2-0, until that point, in addition to being out-shot.
The Michigan Wolverines went on to win the game, and then took the NCAA championship title in the 1996 tournament.
It was selected the goal of the year by “Inside Hockey”, and Legg’s stick was donated to the Hockey Hall of Fame.