Back Stories: Red Light Artie

"The power punch in Pittsburgh's offensive repertoire, Kevin Stevens is a master at his craft...scrapping for goals. A three-time NHL All-Star, Stevens has netted at least 40 biscuit tucks in each of the past four seasons, collecting 50-plus twice. The Penguins' power plant is a net crusher of the first degree, possessing a gunslinger quick release on his shot, Herculean strength for taking root where he stands and the tenacity to take multiple whacks at any rebound within his reach."

 

I could talk a lot about Kevin Stevens as he was one of my favorite players while he was on the team back then. The guy, some say, was a product of his environment, benefiting as many did from playing with Super Mario. It's hard not to look back on that and disagree, as his best years were in Pittsburgh where he put up 70 points or more five times with two seasons over 100 points. It's also interesting to note that in his 16 year NHL career, his seven trips to the playoffs were all with the Penguins (both stints).  

I won't bring up all the crazy stuff...or maybe I will. Like the time he almost ended his own career hitting Rich Pilon so hard that it knocked him unconscious and broke most of the bones in his face. He literally had to have his face and head peeled in order to reconstruct the bones and install metal plates. Or his time on Boston where he not only got demoted to third and fourth line duty but was even benched. Or the time he was caught doing crack with a prostitute in a St. Louis motel room. Or the conspiracy and possession charges for oxycodone. If you get a chance to watch the "Shattered" documentary that was on Sportsnet years ago, find it. It sheds some light on how athletes become addicts. 

But it's better to think about the good, like his two Stanley Cups (three if you count the one as a scout). Or his three All-Star selections. Or his second stint with the Penguins where he got to reunite with Jagr and Lemieux, scoring 23 points in 32 games. Or his membership in the Penguins Ring Of Honor. Or how about his time as talent scout for the Penguins from 2005-2012. Or his time as Special Assignment Scout in 2017. But nothing tops his most recent accolade, enshrinement into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024. 

So if you like cliches and over-blown sports writer prose, this is the card for you. It comes from 1994-95 Fleer Ultra and is an insert from the 10 card Red Light Specials set. Stevens is card number 10. 

 

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