Mike Robitaille

Michael James David Robitaille (born February 12, 1948) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and commentator.

He played in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks in a career that lasted from 1968 to 1977.

His career ended pre-maturely in 1977 when he was blind-sided by Dennis Owchar of the Pittsburgh Penguins, which caused nerve damage in his neck.

In February 2010, Robitaille was injured in a car accident suffering a spinal cord injury with neurological damage.

Robitaille’s injuries from the accident resulted in him missing broadcast duties for the remainder of the 2009-2010 NHL season.