Legendary hockey reporter Stan Fischler writes a weekly scrapbook for NHL.com. Fischler, also known as "The Hockey Maven," brings his wit and insight to viewers every Wednesday. This week reveals how Hockey Hall of Famer Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion helped plant NHL seeds in Atlanta 53 years ago. The interview that follows originated in Geoffrion's autobiography, "Boom Boom, The Life and Times of Bernard Geoffrion," first published Jan. 1, 1997.

What made you come to Georgia in the first place?

"I wasn't happy with my job as assistant general manager of the (New York) Rangers when I got a call from Cliff Fletcher, who was putting together the Atlanta Flames, one of the two new (1972) NHL franchises; the other being the (New York) Islanders. He said, 'How would you like to be our coach?'

See Full Page