Rick Middleton Recalls Bruins G Jim "Seaweed" Pettie

Today we remember the life and career of the fun-loving Boston Bruins Goaltender Jim "Seaweed" Pettie, who passed away on August 31, 2019 at the age of 65.

A 9th round draft pick by the Bruins in 1973, Seaweed played in 118 games with the IHL Dayton Gems between the 1973-74 and 1975-76 seasons.

During the 1975-76 season, Pettie went 12-3 in the post season to lead the Gems to the Turner Cup championship.

As a goalie, Seaweed was rambunctious and combative as illustrated in that 75-76 campaign, when he amassed 145 minutes in penalties  --  the fifth-highest total on the team.  Teammate Steve Langdon recently said: “I would say he was probably the toughest goalie to ever play the game.”

The Bruins promoted Pettie in 1976-77 season, placing him with the AHL Rochester Americans, where he would play 43 games while posting an excellent record of 26-15-1.  During that year he also played one NHL game with the Bruins  — a victory over Bobby Orr and the Chicago Blackhawks.

At the start of 1977 training camp, Pettie was roomed with author George Plimpton, who was doing research for his upcoming book, "Open Net." Because of that, Pettie was often referenced in the book.

After another stint in Rochester, Pettie was up with the Bruins for most of the 1978-79 season, going 8-6-2 in 19 games as the back-up to Gilles Gilbert and Gerry Cheevers.  This would be Seaweed’s final tour in the NHL.

In retirement he remained in the Rochester area and was active with the Amerks Alumni.

Bruins legend and Alumni President Rick Middleton joins us today to recall Seaweed Pettie and his unlikely role in, what was almost,  one of the Bruins all-time most historic  goals.

Full Episode: Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast