Ralph Klassen - Amateur Draft

Amateur Draft

A highly skilled player who possessed explosive skating ability, Klassen was touted by pro scouts as one of the top North American players in 1975, and was appropriately selected high in the two amateur drafts; 3rd overall in the first round by the now defunct National Hockey League's (NHL) California Golden Seals and 5th overall by the World Hockey Association's Cleveland Crusaders in the first round of the draft. Interestingly, the first seven players selected in round one of the 1975 NHL draft were all major junior players from the Western Canada Hockey League (now WHL) as Klassen was. It is noted however, that 1975 NHL Amateur Draft was reported by many scouts of the day as a relatively weak field of draft eligible amateur players, many who had questionable ability to perform to the high standard in the pro ranks. The only standout was Mel Bridgman who had played with the WHL's Victoria Cougars (drafted number one overall by the Philadelphia Flyers) performing reasonably well in his career related to his draft status, in comparison to other draftees. In all, the 1975 amateur draft did not produce many, if any, stellar professional players. When many drafted players of that year were signing unusually large contracts and opting to begin their careers in the fledgling World Hockey Association, Klassen chose a more traditional route, and to go to the established National Hockey League, where he signed his first pro contract with the California Golden Seals (at that time located in Oakland, California) for $70,000 per season. In his first professional year in 1975-'76, Ralph Klassen, after a solid NHL training camp, commenced his professional hockey career with the Central Hockey League's Salt Lake Golden Eagles in the minor pro ranks. However, he played only four games in the minors before he was rapidly called up to the National Hockey League, where he was to begin showcasing his big league talent, which was the foundation for his high amateur draft status.