Morris Titanic, Canadian ice hockey player and coach
Morris Steven Titanic, born on January 7, 1953, is a notable Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Primarily known as a left winger, his career trajectory provides an interesting insight into the professional hockey landscape of the 1970s, particularly the intense rivalry between the established National Hockey League (NHL) and the burgeoning World Hockey Association (WHA).
Early Career and the 1973 Drafts
Titanic's potential as a promising young talent was widely recognized, leading to him being a highly sought-after prospect in 1973. This was a pivotal year for him as he was drafted by two different major professional leagues:
- NHL Entry Draft: The Buffalo Sabres selected Morris Titanic as the 12th overall pick in the 1973 NHL Entry Draft. This high draft position underscored his perceived value and skill set at the time, indicating he was considered one of the top prospects globally. The Sabres, an NHL franchise established just three years prior in 1970, were actively building their roster with future stars, and Titanic was expected to be a key part of their development.
- WHA Draft: In the same year, the Quebec Nordiques of the World Hockey Association also drafted him in the 2nd round, 17th overall, in the 1973 WHA Draft. The WHA, which operated from 1972 to 1979, was a significant rival to the NHL, often competing for top players by offering lucrative contracts. Despite being drafted by the Nordiques, Morris Titanic ultimately chose to pursue his career exclusively within the NHL, never playing a single game in the WHA. This decision was common for many players who opted for the NHL's more established structure and historical prestige.
NHL Professional Career with the Buffalo Sabres
Morris Titanic's entire professional ice hockey career was spent with the Buffalo Sabres. He played for the team from the 1973-74 season through the 1978-79 season. Over his six seasons in the NHL, all with the Sabres, he participated in 203 regular-season games. During this tenure, Titanic recorded 22 goals, 36 assists, accumulating a total of 58 points. He also amassed 163 penalty minutes, reflecting the physical nature of his play as a left winger in that era. His time with the Sabres contributed to the team's developing identity during the mid-to-late 1970s, a period that saw the franchise establish itself firmly within the league.
FAQs about Morris Steven Titanic's Career
- What position did Morris Titanic play?
- Morris Titanic played as a left winger throughout his professional ice hockey career.
- Which teams did Morris Titanic play for in the NHL?
- Morris Titanic played his entire NHL career with a single team, the Buffalo Sabres, from 1973 to 1979.
- Why was Morris Titanic drafted by two different leagues in 1973?
- He was drafted by both the NHL (Buffalo Sabres) and the WHA (Quebec Nordiques) because the two leagues were competing rivals at the time, each holding their own drafts to secure talent. Players often had the choice of which league to join, and Titanic chose the NHL.
- Did Morris Titanic ever play for the Quebec Nordiques?
- No, despite being drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the WHA, Morris Titanic never played for them or in the World Hockey Association. He opted to play exclusively in the National Hockey League.