Walt McKechnie

Walter Thomas John McKechnie, born June 19, 1947, is a Canadian former professional hockey centre. Over a 17-year professional career he played for nine teams in the National Hockey League and four minor professional teams. Drafted sixth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1963 NHL amateur draft of 16-year-old players, he was the franchise's first ever draft pick. He played junior hockey with the London Nationals from 1965 to 1967 before turning professional with the Phoenix Roadrunners of the Western Hockey League in the 1967–68 season, where he was named the league's rookie of the year. In February 1968 he was acquired by the expansion Minnesota North Stars, appearing in four regular-season games followed by nine playoff games. For the next three years he split his time between the North Stars and their minor league affiliates. In May 1971 he was traded to the California Golden Seals, where he received considerable ice time over three years, scoring 23 goals and 52 points in the 1973–74 season.