Norm Beaudin was the first player to sign a contract with the Winnipeg Jets, though it was not publicly announced until the Jets had announced the signing of goaltenders Ernie Wakely and Joe Daley. The Jets waited to make the announcement public for fear of a public backlash against making a minor leaguer their first signing.
Beaudin had spent most of his ten-year pro career in the minor leagues, but he made the most of his opportunity when he was placed on the Jets' top line along with Bobby Hull and Christian Bordeleau. The trio that became known as the Luxury Line led the Jets to the Western Division championship and a berth in the AVCO Cup finals in 1972-1973. Beaudin recorded a team high 103 points during the regular season and led all WHA scorers in the 1973 playoffs. He also participated in the 1973 All-Star Game in January 1973.
In the following seasons, Beaudin's role evolved into a checker and penalty killer, but he remained a valuable member of the team and his work ethic was an inspiration to his teammates.
Beaudin was one of five original Jets remaining on the roster when the Jets won their first AVCO Cup in 1975-1976, his final season in a Jets' uniform. In the summer of 1976, Beaudin signed with SC Langnau in Switzerland and played two seasons there before retiring. |
