From Joe Pelletier's Legends of Hockey Network: Mike Walton was selected by Los Angeles Sharks in the 1972 WHA general draft, his rights were then traded to the Minnesota Fighting Saints. Minnesota managed to lure Mike over to the WHA and he was an instant hit, leading the league with 117 pts (57+60). He also led the league in playoff scoring (10 goals), making the 2nd All-Star team. The next season he had 93 pts and once again scored the most goals in the playoffs (10 goals). As most WHA clubs Minnesota ran into financial problems and eventually folded in March 1976. Mike had scored 71 pts in 58 games for Minnesota until they folded.
"Shakey" was also quite the character. Hockey Night In Canada telecaster Harry Neale loves to tell the story of how once in Minnesota the Saints were waiting for the ice at a multi-purpose athletic facility. The Saints players waited in their equipment by a large window that overlooked a large swimming pool. Much to the surprise of everyone there, Shakey somehow managed to get into the pool area and to the top of the highest diving board. He then proceeded to jump into the water, wearing his full hockey equipment (minus the skates). Because the equipment soaked up so much water, Shakey had trouble getting back to the surface!
Mike scored 448 points (201 goals + 247 assists ) in 588 NHL games. He also had 210 points (105 goals + 105 assists) in 153 WHA games.
MyHockeyTV.com
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