Bobby Bob's Lasting Legacy

[animal74 1,855]

#24 Bobby Bob

 

The trade of Toronto Legion star defenseman and captain Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer to the rival Calgary Wranglers marked the end of an era for the Legion as Bob was the last of the four foundational first-rounders selected by GM Moon (who recently stated S96 was to be his last season at the helm) to spark one of the Legion’s longest runs of playoff success in franchise history. At the S86 Draft, Toronto would select goaltender Joel Castle 13^th overall. Armed with the 1^st and 3^rd overall picks in S87, centers Mac Atlas and Jimi Jaks were taken. Then Bobby Bob was selected with the 3^rd overall pick in the S88 Draft.

 

It would take three seasons of growing pains before the young core four would taste the playoffs. With the off-season additions of veteran stars and Cup-winners Ronan Lavelle, Tomas Sogaard, and Siyan Yasilievich prior to S90, the burgeoning Legion roster was finally ready to take the next step. From S90-S95, the Legion would record 45+ wins five times, make the playoffs six consecutive seasons, play 81 playoff games, win 10 playoff series, play in the Continental Cup Final three times and win the Cup once in S91. Bobby Bob was there for all of it. Every time he scored at a point-per-game pace, the Legion reached the Cup Final.

 

Bob scored at least 10 goals and 50 assists in each of those six playoff-bound seasons while becoming the only recorded player to lead the Legion in assists for five consecutive seasons (and was leading the Legion again this season in assists with 45 at the time of the trade). He also led the league with a career-high 92 assists in S94 and lead all defensemen with 111 points which was 13 more points than the next defenseman and tied him for 7^th in the VHL. He was awarded the Beketov Trophy as the league’s assist leader during his amazing year but many feel he was FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY for the Valiq Trophy as well.

 

One of the most productive offensive defensemen of his generation, he has a chance to increase his playoff legacy with Calgary as he currently sits in the Top-20 all-time in playoff shot blocks and Top-30 in playoff assists. A long run with the Wranglers would certainly see him move up those lists.

 

A testament to his importance in the locker room, Bobby Bob was voted as the Legion’s captain for S96 after many years wearing an A. He leaves Toronto as the Legion franchise’s all-time career leader in regular season assists (466), playoff assists (61), playoff shot blocks (175), and playoff power play goals (10) and tied for playoff games played (81). Among Legion defensemen, he is the all-time career leader in regular season points (563), playoff points (77), playoff plus-minus (27) and second in regular season shot blocks (1027). This all proves that his consistency on the backend, sublime passing, gifted offensive vision, and commitment to defense was the backbone of one of the most successful periods of Legion history. After his retirement, it’s guaranteed that his #24 will be raised to the rafters to hang with his former teammates and the other Toronto legends, many that he surpassed, during an amazing career.

 

Spoiler

Mentions: @v.2  @ke1vi @Moon @badcolethetitan @Arce @Brandon @animal74

 

Edited November 20 by animal74

[Baby Boomer 753]

Wow, what a great tribute to Bobby Bob!! It was truly an honor to be part of this team for all these seasons and to have such great teammates and players in the locker room. I will definitly always remember my time in Toronto and I hope to see you all again in the VHL!!