Roberts, "Gordy" (Gordon)
Hockey
b. Oct. 2, 1957, Detroit, MI
Named for Detroit Red Wing star Gordie Howe, Roberts was virtually brought up to be a hockey player, along with his three older brothers. He dropped out of high school to play for the Detroit Junior Red Wings in 1973 and two years later he joined the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder was the top scorer among WHA defensemen with 61 points in 1977-78 and 57 points in 1978-79. The team moved into the NHL after the WHA folded in 1979 and became known as the Hartford Whalers. Hartford traded him to the Minnesota North Stars during the 1980-81 season.
A strong skater and excellent puck-handler, Roberts was also frequently penalized for his aggressive defensive play. He was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers and then to the St. Louis Blues during the 1987-88 season. The Blues sent him to the minor leagues for three games in 1990-91, called him back briefly, then traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played for Stanley Cup champions in 1991 and 1992.
Roberts signed with the Boston Bruins as a free agent in 1992. Released after two seasons with the Bruins, he finished his professional career with the Chicago Wolves and Minneapolis Moose of the International Hockey League.
Roberts was the first U. S.-born player to log more than 1,000 games in the NHL.
