Over the course of my many years reporting on the Islanders, I consistently had a journalistic inclination to give equal attention to the so-called “Unsung Heroes” alongside the superstars.

Just to clarify, I have always stayed committed to working with legends like Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier. Additionally, I had the privilege of ghostwriting Denis Potvin’s autobiography titled “Power On Ice.”

However, what truly excited me was interviewing players like Bob Bourne, Garry Howatt, and other lesser-known but vital contributors to the Islanders team.

This is where Dave Langevin comes into the picture.

I remember when he arrived in Uniondale just in time for the 1979-80 season. Unlike Denis Potvin’s debut six years prior, there was no grand celebration or excitement.

In reality, he was simply another player from the World Hockey Association who had not yet shown that he was ready for the challenge in the major league. I can’t even remember if he had been given the nickname “Bammer” when he first played on the Coliseum ice.

According to General Manager Bill Torrey, “Dave proved to be an invaluable addition to our team, one of the best I’ve made. While not one to seek attention, Bammer was an exceptional defenseman who excelled at protecting our own zone.”

Considering that, I made the choice to reconnect with Dave. Below are his perspectives on a variety of subjects.

COMPARISON OF THE FOUR CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS: 

Every club had its own distinctiveness that made it special. Being on a Stanley Cup-winning team for the first time was an incredible experience, solely because it was the very first one.

However, the significance of the following victory was even greater. As is often the case, critics tend to criticize, and in this particular situation, there were those who believed that our initial triumph was merely a stroke of luck. Therefore, when we returned in 1981 and emerged victorious against the North Stars, any doubts regarding the team’s greatness were completely erased.

It is crucial to recall that Bill Torrey consistently strengthened the lineup.

His goal was for us to continually improve. By 1982, we had surpassed the previous two teams and become an even stronger team. There was no doubt that we were far superior to any other team in the league.

Winning three consecutive games is considered a remarkable achievement in the NHL, known as a ‘Dynasty’. Few players can claim to have been part of such a dominant team. Therefore, one may question what more we needed to demonstrate, and this is where the significance of the fourth Cup arises. However, what made the fourth Cup truly special was the presence of my Mom and Dad, who were there to share in the celebration. I still cherish a photograph of my Dad and me, toasting with the Cup.

If it weren’t for that initial Stanley Cup win, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the amazing experiences that followed with the subsequent three Cups.

GETTING NICKNAMED BAMMER:

I participated in the Edmonton Oilers (then part of the World Hockey Association) rookie camp in 1976. During one practice, a man named Gene Peacosh remarked, “You hit like BAM BAM.” His words stayed with me even after I joined the Islanders. However, when Bobby Nystrom expressed his inability to call me “Bammer,” I suggested he call me Dave instead. Surprisingly, by Christmas of my rookie year, even Nystrom referred to me as Bammer. Considering it came from a tough individual like Nystrom, I felt that I had rightfully earned the nickname “Bammer.”

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THE AL ARBOUR EFFECT:

The presence of Radar created an environment where success thrived. Our impeccable system of play was a result of the players’ discipline and strong work ethic. While many teams prioritize offense, victorious teams prioritize the defensive aspect of the game.

Frequently, I come across remarks like, “If only we had achieved the major goal.” Undoubtedly, that is significant. However, I rarely hear coaches expressing the need for a crucial defensive play to secure the victory. A strong defense lays the foundation for offensive success. It seems like the remarkable achievements of our Islanders team have been overlooked or misunderstood. Alternatively, it could be simpler to disregard our history rather than strive to replicate it.

DAVE’S GAME HE’LL NEVER FORGET:

In 1982, we were aiming for our third consecutive Cup victory, but the Rangers presented a formidable obstacle. The pivotal moment arrived during a crucial series, tied in the third period. Positioned on the left side in the Rangers zone, Wayne Merrick took charge as our center at that face-off. Merrick successfully won the draw, causing the puck to bounce off the boards. Seizing the opportunity, Bobby Nystrom blocked Ron Duguay of the Rangers, allowing me to swiftly execute a powerful slap shot as the puck approached me.

The puck found its way to the upper right corner of the net, securing the victory for our team in the series. It was an incredibly gratifying moment, made even more delightful by the fact that we accomplished it against our rivals, the detested Rangers.

SPECIAL MEANING FOR THE FOURTH CUP:

The Edmonton Oilers had earned a reputation as one of the most formidable teams in sports. With the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and a multitude of other talented players, defeating them required our team to bring their A-game. Our journey began with Billy Smith’s exceptional performance in goal, securing a victory in the first game in Edmonton. Billy’s impressive skills not only frustrated the Oilers by stopping every shot they took, but also unnerved them with his strategic slashes around the net.

THE BILL SMITH EFFECT:

“Smitty was exceptional for me. I excelled in a physical style of play and took pride in blocking shots. Billy allowed me to showcase my strengths and was always there to support me when I needed him. Our connection was unique because he understood my actions in specific situations, just as I understood his. After the game, my wife Deb would compliment Billy, saying, ‘Great game, Billy.’ And in response, Smitty would humbly declare, ‘I couldn’t have achieved it without Bammer guarding the front. In my opinion, the bond formed between a goalie and a defenseman is truly extraordinary.'”

LOOKING AT HIMSELF IN THE MIRROR:

According to some individuals, I have been considered one of the “most underrated players amongst the champion Islanders.” Personally, I am aware that over time, the contributions of players like myself often fade into obscurity. It is more effortless for people to recall those players who excel in scoring goals. While I may have managed to score a few goals, I cannot be classified as a prolific “goal-scorer.”

I am the proud parent of three children and four grandchildren. Throughout my life, I have continuously attempted to convey my contributions to the Islanders. However, my family only comprehends the significance of goals, assists, and penalty minutes in hockey. Unfortunately, I did not excel in any of those three areas. Nevertheless, my close friend and teammate Jean Potvin once acknowledged, “Dave introduced a unique blend of toughness and a renewed sense of camaraderie to our team.” It was my indomitable spirit that set me apart from other players.

The leader of the Islanders’ Fan Club approached me in 1981 and expressed, “Due to your unwavering dedication and effort throughout every game and shift, we found it necessary to establish a brand new accolade – ‘The Player Hustle And Fan Appreciation Award’.”

ISLANDERS FANS: 

The love I have for the fans of Long Island cannot be overstated. They played a significant role in our success and made the exhilaration of winning those Cups even more memorable. The incredible feeling we experienced when we won those Cups will always be cherished, just like the memories of our talented Cup players.

LEARNING FROM CUP WINS:

The crucial factor, spanning four years, is to maintain unwavering perseverance. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, one must stay concentrated and acknowledge the necessity of doing the less glamorous tasks. Our ability to emerge victorious in nineteen consecutive playoff series was a result of our willingness to make sacrifices, including playing through pain and refusing to surrender!