Morris Lukowich

Morris Lukowich put in three outstanding seasons of junior hockey with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WCJHL, making the league's all-star team in 1976 on the strength of his 142 points in 72 games.

Both the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Houston Aeros of the WHA secured his rights in their respective drafts. Both clubs offered Lukowich about the same money. But a week spent with Gordie, Marty, and Mark Howe in Houston salted the deal in favour of the Aeros. Lukowich was impressed with the family and figured he'd learn a great deal while getting plenty of ice time.

The move paid off as he became a prolific goal scorer during his two seasons in Houston and his final WHA campaign with the Winnipeg Jets. Lukowich remained with the Jets as they drifted into the NHL in 1979. The Penguins attempted to exercise their rights to the talented winger, but the Jets played their priority selection card to retain his services.

In the NHL, Lukowich remained a potent goal scorer and playmaker. He appeared in the NHL All-Star Games of 1980 and 1981. He also played for Team Canada at the 1981 World Championships.

He reached the peak of his career in 1982-83, scoring 92 points in 77 games. Lukowich lasted two more years with the Jets before his numbers fell into decline as he made stops in Boston and Los Angeles where he rounded out his NHL days in 1987.

Lukowich noted that he felt his departure from the NHL was premature. He cited posturing by an ineffective agent for having put him out of favour with the league. As an alternative, he went to play hockey in Switzerland and Italy for a few years.