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NHL·June 13, 2026 04:04 PM ET

Former NHLer Bob Barlow reflects on 1969 record debut and 67-year marriage

1969 record-holder calls family his greatest achievement.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 131 min read
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What happened: Former professional hockey player Bob Barlow recently shared the story behind his 1969 NHL debut, where he set a record for the fastest goal by a player in his first game. Barlow, who reached the league at age 34 after 14 years in the minors, scored just six seconds into his first shift, a feat he now places second to his 67-year marriage to his late wife, Marilyn.

Why it matters: Barlow's historic debut remains a significant milestone in NHL expansion-era history. The retrospective highlights the perspective of long-time veterans on their professional accomplishments versus their personal lives, following the recent passing of his wife, a gold-medal-winning figure skater.

By the numbers: Barlow scored his first goal 6 seconds into his first shift. He debuted at age 34 after 14 minor league seasons.

What to watch: The feature serves as a tribute to the human element of the sport's history and the lasting impact of its record-holders.

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