Today in history: December 12

December 12 in Indianapolis hockey history

1942: Adam Brown has a six-point night, with two goals and four assists in an 8-4 victory over the Washington Lions. Brown's son, Andy, later played goal for the Racers. 

1943: Defenseman Vic Lynn scores twice in an 18-second span to give the Caps a 5-3 victory against Pittsburgh. 

Birthdays

Carl Wetzel: Goaltender for the Chiefs in 1960-61, where he had a 3.88 GAA in 52 starts. He would end up playing in eight playoff games for Fort Wayne that year, also. He was the most valuable goaltender in the 1967 World Championships, representing the United States. Wetzel also played seven NHL games and one WHA game in his career, suiting up for the Red Wings, North Stars and Minnesota Fighting Saints before retiring in 1973. A native of Detroit, he is 73. 

Mike Rucisnki: High-scoring forward for the Ice in 1989-90, helping lead them to a Turner Cup championship. He was second on the team in scoring that year, with 28 goals and 41 assists. He also had 11 points in 13 playoff games to help lead the Ice to a 11-2 postseason record that year and the championship. He had a 107-point season for the Saginaw Hawks the year before. Rucinski, who played three games for the Chicago Blackhawks, retired after his Ice season. A native of Wheeling, Ill., he is 48. 

Nick Bailen: A defenseman who has appeared in more games for the Indiana Ice than anyone. He played from 2005-08, then returned to the team after a year in college for the 2009-10 season. In those four years, he played 221 games, scored 29 goals, dished 56 assists and spent 420 minutes in the penalty box. Bailen also had six playoff points. He is currently a junior at RPI, where he was a First Team All-ECAC player in 2011. A native of Fredonia, N.Y., he is 22.