In high school, Robbie Ftorek was All-State in soccer but it was hockey for which he was best known. He broke the state scoring record as a freshman, and then broke his own record every year until he graduated. Eschewing college hockey Ftorek was so talented that he was given the chance to play Junior A in Canada, a chance he accepted. After a year with the Halifax Atlantics, and his Olympic exposure, Ftorek was signed by the Detroit Red Wings. He played little for them in two years, spending most of his time with their minor league club. However, in 1974, he was signed by the Phoenix Roadrunners of the WHA, and it was in that league that Ftorek began to fulfill his potential. With Phoenix for three years, and the Cincinnati Stingers for two, he made all-WHA twice, second team all-WHA twice, was the league MVP in 1977, and voted the league’s Player of the Year by _The Sporting News__ _in 1979. When the WHA disbanded in 1979, Ftorek signed with the Quebec Nordiques and, after two years, was traded to the New York Rangers. He played in the NHL thru 1985, finishing his career with 77 goals and 227 points. After his playing career ended, he became a coach, and coached in the NHL from 1989 thru 2003.
United States