Edited from a NYRA releaseHe was one of the most feared enforcers of his time, but on Saturday, Aug. 2, former Philadelphia Flyers tough guy Dave "The Hammer" Schultz will prove the pen is mightier than the sword during a free autograph signing session at Saratoga Race Course. Schultz will be joined by dozens of other hockey greats, including former Rensselaer star Adam Oates and hall of fame players Bobby Hull and Marcel Dionne, for the second annual NHL Day at Saratoga Race Course.
These NHL stars, past and present, will sign autographs in front of the jockey silks room between 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Merchandise and photos will be available for purchase to benefit Senior Services of Albany. The day will also include a visit from the Hanson Brothers of "Slap Shot" fame.
Schultz began his NHL career in 1972 as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers organization. During his eight-year career, Schultz terrorized the league with an arsenal of body checks, fists and the occasional head butt, setting the NHL single season penalty minute record of 472, a record that still stands today. For his efforts, Schultz earned the nickname, "The Hammer," and contributed to two Stanley Cup championships with the Flyers before rounding out his playing days with the Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres.
The Hammer later went on to become commissioner of the ACHL, as well as a general manager and head coach in both the ECHL and UHL. Schultz currently resides in Macungie, Penn., where he is president/CEO of Hammer Enterprises, Inc. a diverse corporation specializing in motivational speaking; the development, production and marketing of sports memorabilia and collectibles; and event coordination. Schultz is also the president of the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Association.
Joining Schultz on Saturday at Saratoga will be former RPI standout Adam Oates, who led the Engineers to the national title in 1985. Oates, an 18-year NHL veteran and five-time All-Star, guided the surprising Anaheim Mighty Ducks to the Western Conference championship last year. The Ducks fell (waddled) just shy of their first Stanley Cup when they lost to the New Jersey Devils in game seven of the finals.
The 40-year-old Oates is currently a free agent heading into the 2003-04 season in a career that will undoubtedly culminate with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
In addition to Oates, several other hockey greats will be available for autographs during NHL Day at the Spa, including:
---Marcel Dionne, fourth on the NHL's all-time scoring list, spent most of his 18-year career with the Los Angeles Kings, tallying at least 50 goals in a season six different times. Dionne also played for the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers during his Hall of Fame career.
---Bobby Hull, whose Hall of Fame career spanned 16 seasons, 15 of them with the Chicago Blackhawks. Hull led the NHL in goals in each of seven seasons.
---The Hanson Brothers, from the hit "Slap Shot" movie series. Hockey fans throughout Canada and the U.S love this trio's large-budget hockey comedies.
In addition to NHL Day, Saturday is Whitney Day at the Spa with the running of the $750,000 Whitney Handicap. The grade I race will feature a battle between 2002 Travers winner Medaglia d'Oro and 2002 Breeders' Cup champion Volponi.
On Sunday, August 3, all fans with their paid admission to Saratoga Race Course take home a free T-shirt (while supplies last) honoring Native Dancer, who won 21 of his 22 career starts and was twice voted horse of the year--in 1952 and 1954. The Native Dancer t-shirt is the third of the Spa 's popular giveaways.
The jam-packed weekend culminates in a Jim Dandy of a race on Sunday as Empire Maker seeks to make it two in a row after capturing the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of racing's Triple Crown. Empire Maker will use the Jim Dandy as a tune-up for the Travers Stakes on August 23, when he is expected to face arch rival Funny Cide in a showdown of legendary proportions.
