How Often Do You Meet Legendary Film Stars?

Okay, they were in two movies. Okay, they weren't actors. But they're among the best-known characters in film history. Dave Hanson, Jeff Carlson and Steve Carlson starred as "The Hanson Brothers" in the 1977 classic "Slapshot".

They were in town last night for an appearance at the Rivermen game to do a little on-ice schtick and sign autographs. Almost 30 years after the movie came out, they're still dressing up to to the "Hanson Brother" thing, and the people love it! Cool guys, too, the Carlson's are Minnesota Iron Range boys, and were legendary players in my home state. Jeff spent many years in the IHL after the movie, and also played a few games in the WHA with the Minnesota Fighting Saints, Steve did most of his pro time in the AHL in the 80's, and also appeared with the Saints, and their brother Jack, who did not appear in the movie, was actually the most successful pro in the family, playing over 600 games in the WHA and NHL.

Dave Hanson, at 6-2 and 200 the SMALLEST of the three, grew up in Wisconsin and played in about every league, from the AHL to the IHL to the NHL to the WHA, and met Jeff Carlson while playing for the old Johnstown Jets. It was in Johnstown that "Slapshot" was filmed, and the team was called the "Johnstown Chiefs". Due to the popularity of the movie, the pro team in Johnstown, PA is now called the Chiefs, and played against the Rivermen in the ECHL from 1996 to last season.

I'm not much of an autograph hound, but I had to ask those three guys to sign a Riv cap. You just don't get to meet stars of the silver screen too often, especially those whose short movie career has become legendary in it's own way. What a neat thing for a couple of Iron Range things to do...make one movie, carry on the act for 30 years. That's cool.