Today in Sports History: March 17

In 1983, Canadian hockey player, Mike Bossy scored his 70th hat trick in his New York Islander playing history. The Islanders won against the New Jersey Devils, 9-5 as Bossy accomplished this incredible record within the organization’s history. 

As the first-round 15th pick in the NHL draft, Bossy played with the Islanders from 1977 until 1987. Throughout his ten seasons, Bossy played in 752 games, scored 573 goals, had 553 assists, and 1,126 penalties. He won four back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships with the Islanders from 1980-to 1983. He was awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for outstanding sportsmanship in 1983, 1984, and 1986. He was also awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy in 1978 as Rookie of the Year and the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP in 1982. 

Bossy was named to the Second All-Star team in 1978, 1979, and 1985, was named to the first All-Star team in 1981-84 and 1986, and named to the Canada Cup All-Star team in 1981. 

Bossy also played for Team Canada into the Canda Cup and won. Later after his playing career, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991 and named as one of the top 100 greatest NHL players.