Top 5 Captains In St. Louis Blues History
By Austin Oakes
#3 – Barclay Plager
The St. Louis Blues acquired the rights of AHL player Barclay Plager from the New York Rangers in addition to offensive star Red Berenson in 1967 for Ron Stewart and Ron Attwell in return. The trade worked out very well for the Blues, as Berenson proved to be the first prolific scorer in the newly-created West Division. Plager proved to be an crucial part of the team’s sturdy defense, and the Blues went to three straight Stanley Cup Finals.
]In 1970, Plager was named co-captain of the St. Louis Blues, along with Garry Unger, brother Bob Plager, and Frank St. Marseille. Two years later, Plager became the permanent captain, and held the position for four years.
Plager’s physical play was very popular in St. Louis. Although his offensive abilities were also surprisingly good for a defenseman back then, Plager proved to be a strong defensive force on the Blues roster, in large part due to his fierce style of play. Even at 5’10, Plager was ferocious, being “the guy” on the team that opposing team members had to answer to if they laid out a nasty hit on one of Plager’s teammates, along with brother Bob.
After Plager’s retirement, he continued to play a part in the Blues system. He was named a player-coach for Blues’ CHL farm team in 1977, leading the team into the finals. After which, he completely retired as a player, and became the head coach of the St. Louis Blues.
Unfortunately, Plager’s ability as a player, player-coach and a captain did not transition into pure coaching, and the Blues had their worst season in franchise history. Plager was then relieved of his position.
Shortly after, Plager began experiencing dizzy spells, and, after further inspection, a brain tumor was found. His famous number 8 was retired, and Plager became the assistant coach of the team until his death in 1988. Three days later the All-Star Game, a moment of silence was held in the St. Louis Arena.
In his time with the Blues, Plager played a huge role in the city– fans loved him, players loved him, and the organization loved him. Scotty Bowman, the head coach of the Blues at the time loved Plager’s style of play, and always commended his hitting ability.
Along with players like Al Arbour, Bob Plager, and Red Berenson, Plager was able to bring the St. Louis Blues to the forefront of the hockey world almost immediately, and because of this, hockey came to St. Louis with a bang that has not yet dissipated.
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