Today in history: August 12

Better late than never ... 

Birthdays

Rosaire Paiement: Center who played the final two seasons -- and 128 games -- with the Racers from 1976-78. He had 18 goals and 25 assists in 1976-77, helping the Racers to their second straight postseason berth. He also had five assists in the playoffs as the Racers won their lone playoff series in their history. He totaled 24 goals and 49 assists in the regular season with the Racers. Paiement played in the NHL with the Flyers and Canucks from 1967-72, then jumped to the WHA in 1972-73 with the Chicago Cougars. He also played two years for the New England Whalers before joining the Racers in a trade for Gary McGregor. He had at least 25 goals in five of the six seasons between 1970-76 before joining the Racers, with a career high of 34 with the Canucks in 1970-71. He had a hat trick against Glenn Hall in his first playoff game in 1968, while playing for Philadelphia. Paiement's career was ended by injuries suffered from a scuffle with Edmonton's Dave Semenko. He played 645 NHL/WHA games with 194 goals and 273 assists. A native of Earlton, Ontario, he is 66, and owns a sports bar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

Dave Dornseif: Defenseman who played three games for the Racers in 1977-78, registering one assist. He joined the team after finishing a four-year career at Providence College. He primarily played the two subsequent pro seasons with Erie of the Eastern Hockey League -- although he suited up in one more WHA game for Cincinnati. His daughter Lindsey played soccer at the University of Texas. A native of Edina, Minn., he is 55. 

Paul Houck: Right wing who played the 1988-89 season with the Ice, scoring 22 goals and 37 assists in 81 games. He had a big career at the University of Wisconsin, where he scored 38 goals as a sophomore in 1982-83, and skated in 16 games with the North Stars from 1985-88. After his year with the Ice, he moved to Europe for two more years. A native of Vancouver, he is 48. 

Roch Belley: Goaltender who played 33 games for the Ice from 1991-94 -- primarily in 1991-92, when he suited up in 25 games. He split time with Ray LeBlanc, Jim Waite and Dominik Hasek with the Ice that season. He primarily played the 1992-94 seasons in the "AA" level Central and Colonial Hockey Leagues. A native of Hull, Quebec, he is 40.