Fred Speck

Speck was signed by the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL after a scout noticed his skills while playing junior hockey in Ontario. He was signed quickly and began play with the Hamilton Red Wings of the Ontario Hockey Association for a single game in 1963. He received more ice time the following season and began to produce offensively, scoring eight points in his first 17 games. His coaches saw promise and his ice time was again increased for the 1964–65 season. He took advantage and earned a permanent spot on the team by scoring 34 points in 41 games. Speck took on a larger role with Hamilton for three more seasons, each time increasing his point totals. He scored 197 points between 1965–66 and 1967–68, including 85 points in his final season. He formed a great counterpoint to Danny Lawson and the pair finished with a combined 175 points in the 1967–68 season. He even helped fill a hole for…