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By Brad Lee
In the paper edition of Game Time, we've started running a new feature where we revist some of the past Blues players that we fondly remember. To allow our commenters with long memories to fondly recant some of the classic stories for some of the younger fans, we'll run some of those here on the blog.
Harold Snepsts
Defenseman
Born Oct. 24, 1954
Played for the Blues during part of the 1989-90 season, all of 1990-91
Even though he played just a total of 61 regular season games, the mustachioed, helmetless and balding defenseman was a fan favorite during his brief time in St. Louis. Known more for his vicious hip checks and being a tough old bastard to play against, Snepsts totaled 233 points in 1,033 career games over 17 seasons. He became just the 70th NHL player to appear in 1,000 games. Fans at the old Arena on Oakland used to serenade him with chants of "Hairrrrrr-old" after some of his bone-jarring hits.
Sneptst followed the tradition of other rugged Blues defensemen who wore the No. 5 including Bob Plager and Rob Ramage. A team doctor once told Snepsts that if he didn't wear a helmet, he could suffer brain damage in an accident during the game. Snepsts reportedly responded, "Don't worry about that Doc. If that happens, I can always come back as a forward."
After retiring from hockey in 1991, Snepsts coached the Blues farm team in Peoria for a season and then spent one year behind the St. Louis bench as an assistant before he moved on to other coaching jobs. After five years as a a scout for Central Scouting, Snepsts joined the scouting staff in Vancouver where he earned a cult following during his 12 seasons as a Canuck.