For the first time since launching the podcast, this interview is split into two parts — a reflection of the extraordinary career of Garry Unger. Part 1 focuses on his legendary NHL years.
Garry discusses his first NHL game and the surreal experience of lining up alongside icons Gordie Howe and Frank Mahovlich in Detroit. We explore the reasons behind his trade from the Detroit Red Wings to the St Louis Blues, a move that saw Garry become a franchise superstar.
Across an incredible NHL career, Garry played 1,105 games and set a then-record Iron Man streak of 914 consecutive games, achieved without ever wearing a helmet. He starred for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, St Louis Blues and Atlanta Flames, before later spells with the Los Angeles Kings and his hometown Edmonton Oilers.
Garry also reflects on his three seasons in Edmonton, playing alongside a young core that would go on to define an era — Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri, Glenn Anderson and Grant Fuhr.
The episode closes with the story of how, after retiring in 1983, Garry was persuaded to come out of retirement by Dundee Rockets owner Tom Stewart — setting the scene for Part 2: The Heineken Years.
