Jim Neilson

He goes on to become an All-Pro and championship player with the Baltimore Colts.

In 1962, Jim Neilson, Big River Cree, makes his National Hockey League debut for the New York Rangers against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden.

It is Neilson's first step onto the Rangers' blue line, where he will become a fixture for 12 seasons before his NHL career is finished.

In 1970, Reggie Leach, an Ojibwe winger, makes his NHL debut at Boston Garden, where the Boston Bruins beat the Detroit Red Wings 7-3.

Stargell singles in the eighth inning and scores on Jose Pagan's double.

The run becomes the championship-winning margin when Baltimore answers with one run in the bottom half.

Elsewhere in 1971, Big River Cree defenseman Jim Neilson contributes three assists as the New York Rangers defeat the Montreal Canadiens eight to four.

The performance helps show Neilson's value on the blue line as the Rangers build toward a Stanley Cup final appearance later that season.