Scoring on the big screen Posted By Whitney Fleming
When it comes to the topic of the World Hockey Association and the Indianapolis Racers, Tim Gassen knows that the true fanatic in himself comes out. Gassen’s passion for the team that survived less than five seasons that led him to produce a two-DVD set on the Racers, the launch of Wayne Gretzky’s pro career in 1978. The film, Gretzky, Indy and The WHA, features restored game footage of the Indianapolis Racers and Wayne Gretzky playing in his only game in Indy.
Gassen, a journalist of 25 years and a resident of Pheonix, Arizona, had an interest and driving fascination with the WHA and the coming and going of major league hockey in Indianapolis. Five years ago, Gassen made the decision to take his fascination to the next level by writing a book, making a film. He made a stop at Kingston’s Hockey Hall of Fame last weekend. Former WHA players Ron Plumb, Rick Smith, Jim Dorey and Fred O’Donnell attended the event. “I was there in Indianapolis for a lot of these games and when these events were happening in the world of hockey. I knew there were a couple of books on this topic but I wanted to write a book with a first- hand account,” says Gassen. Soon, Gassen found himself on the treasure hunt of a lifetime.
Through constant networking and persistence, Gassen was able to collect video footage of interviews and games, as well as meet various hockey icons along the way. “I felt like a kid every time I was able to meet a former hockey pro or find a new piece to add to the project.”
Gassen says the project wasn’t as simple as deciding to make a movie one day. The greatest struggle was finding the quality footage and players. “It was a lot of detective work. I found a guy who literally fished a videotape out of a dumpster that a studio had thrown away and I was lucky enough that it worked.” Gassen chose to make the trip to Kingston and share his work to help keep the hockey spirit alive in a place that clearly appreciates it.
“The hockey hall of fame in Kingston is a community museum,” he says. “It may not have all of the bells and whistles but it has spirit and this is a place where hockey has grown and continues to live.”
Ron Plumb, a Kingston native and former WHA player with the Philadelphia Blazers says the video brought back plenty of memories.
“Watching the video made me remember talking about Gretzky in the dressing room. I remembered hearing about this goal-scoring phenom,” says Plumb.
Gassen wanted to leave this little piece of history for the next generation.
“The video is full of these guys with big lamb chop sideburns and these crazy mustaches, it was just like Saturday night fever on steroids. These players had so much personality and character at this time in hockey. It’s something people should see,” says Gassen.
Gretzky, Indy and the WHA, debuted May 16 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and is expected to hit stores in September. To purchase the video or for more information visit www.whaRACERS.com.
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