Incredible But True Blueshirt Tales: The Rangers At Offbeat Summer Jobs

Back in the immediate post-World War II days, NHL players' salaries were relatively low. In 1948, for example, Edgar Laprade, the Blueshirts top center, earned about $15,000 for his season.

As a result when their ice campaigns were over in the spring, the Rangers worked at assorted jobs; some very interesting. Try these on for size.

EDGAR LAPRADE: He ran a sports goods shop in Port Arthur Ontario, specializing in fishing supplies.

BILL JUZDA: The tough defenseman was a fireman on steam locomotives for the Canadian Pacific Railroad out of Winnipeg.

CHUCK RAYNER AND SUGAR JIM HENRY: The two Rangers goalies were partners in a fishing lodge, Hockey Haven, in Kenora, Ontario.

PENTTI LUND: He was sports editor for a newspaper in the Port Arthur-Fort William twin cities in Ontario.

LOU FONTINATO: The burly defenseman kept in shape by lugging heavy cement bags for a contractor in Guelph, Ontario.

ANDY BATHGATE: New York's superstar right wing was an avid golfer who ran a driving range near Toronto.

When Bob Plager was on defense for the Blueshirts, he was interviewed by reporter Sandy Padwe. The newsman was doing a piece on off-season jobs.

"I word for Ontario province," said Plager. "I'm a 'taster' on beer trucks. I open a can out of every six-pack to see if it tastes right."

The beer may have "tasted right" but the story didn't. Once Plager's tale made print, the Ontario Liquor Control Board didn't think it was right either.

Furthermore they pointed out that there was no such job as a "beer taster" on any beer truck.

Conclusion: That's why the term "prank" was invented. Also, Plager, who never refused a free beer, thought it was funny. Not Padwe!