Larry Robinson wasn't one to mess with

For me, the biggest disappointment of the Winter Classic was Larry Robinson pulling out of the Alumni game. Though I am too young to have enjoyed the privilege of watching him play for the Canadiens, he is easily one of my favourite players of all time. Throughout the 1970's, he was a mainstay on the Canadiens blueline, and a fearsome presence at that.

In the 70's, hockey was a little different. You had the "Big Bad Bruins," the "Broad Street Bullies," and much of the league was heavily populated by players with a penchant for fisticuffs. There were a lot of pure fighters - goons if you will - employed seemingly for the sole purpose of punching other players in the face. Then you had guys…