Tuesday, February 4, 2003

Kelowna - Hockey fans in Kelowna will get a chance to meet a hockey legend at the Kelowna Rockets hockey game on February 5th, thanks to Canada Post.

Mike Bossy, the former New York Islanders goal-scoring sensation, will be in Kelowna to promote the launch of the fourth set of stamps recognizing hockey's greatest players.

This year's series features Mike Bossy, ex-Canadien and Maple Leaf Frank Mahovlich, Boston Bruin defensive stalwart Raymond Bourque, Canadien goalie and Toronto native Bill Durnan, Chicago Blackhawk perpetual All-Star Stan Mikita and Canadien blueliner and Montreal native Serge Savard. The stamps were available as of January 18th.

Mike Bossy will autograph Canada Post product during the first and second period intermissions of the Rockets game. As part of a 25-city tour, Mike Bossy will be visiting hockey rinks and post offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge over the next week.

Drafted in 1977, Mike Bossy rewarded the New York Islanders by scoring 53 goals and winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. He scored fifty or more goals in each of the next eight seasons, a feat unmatched by any other player before or since. Bossy played an integral role in the Islanders dynasty during the early eighties, when the team won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983. Forced to retire at 30 after just ten seasons due to persistent back problems, Mike Bossy was the first New York Islander to score 500 goals and record 1,000 points. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.

In addition to stamps, souvenir sheets and First Day Covers there are several unique gift items available, including hockey coasters, limited-edition lithographs, an NHL heritage stamp and jersey set, and an All-Star commemorative set consisting of stamps and medallions.