Today in history: October 17

We're back. Life forced us to go into minimalist mode for a few weeks, but it's HOCKEY! season. Back with Today in History. 

October 17

1948: Ott Heller makes his debut as Capitals’ player-coach. He scores the team’s first goal in a 3-1 win over the St. Louis Flyers. Chosen because of his ability to work with young players, Heller would coach the Capitals for their final four seasons, including to the 1950 Calder Cup championship. 

1974: The Indianapolis Racers play their first regular-season game, losing to the Michigan Stags 4-2 in front of 12,837 at Market Square Arena. Bob Whitlock scores the first goal at 5:31 of the third period on the power play. 

Birthdays

Bob Roselle: Center who played one game for the Racers in 1975-76. It was the only career major pro game for Roselle, who played six seasons of minor-league hockey from 1970-76. 

Rusty Patenaude: Right wing for the Racers in 1977-78, where he had 23 goals and 19 assists in 76 games. Rusty, whose given name is Ed, played six seasons in the WHA, the first five with the Edmonton Oilers. He had 159 goals in 431 games. A native of Williams Lake, B.C., he is 62. 

Chris Stafne: Forward who played 22 games for the Ice in 2008-09, scoring six goals and three assists. He would later be dealt to Fargo that year, and then play the 2009-10 season with Des Moines. He had 24 goals and 21 assists in two USHL seasons.