#5 was worn by longtime St. Louis Blues favorite Bobby Plager. Plager joined the club in its expansion year in 1967 and played at the old barn on Oakland Avenue for eleven years. He was a defenseman best known for his hard hitting defense and an occasional goal or assist. After retiring from the team Plager worked in the front office in a host of capacities until his retirement in 1992.
Mr. Plager died on Wednesday on an interstate highway in the city of St. Louis. Initial reports blamed his death on an automobile accident, but medical officials now believe the accident was the result of a coronary event which caused his death. He was 78 years old. Plager was preceded in death by his brothers Barclay and Billy, who also played for the Blues.
I was fortunate to see Mr. Plager and his brothers play for
the Blues when I was in high school and college. He never backed down from a fight and took on
some of the toughest enforcers in the National Hockey League. He wasn't the best
player on those teams by any means, but he was always a huge fan favorite
because of his hustle and hard hitting style.
Rest in Peace Mr. Plager.
