Orest
Michael Kindrachuk (born
September 14, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played ten
seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL)
for the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. Born
in Nanton, Alberta, Canada, his parents were Ukrainian immigrants and his
first language was Ukrainian. Kindrachuk
played his junior hockey for the Saskatoon Blades. He was not drafted and instead joined
the San Diego Gulls after
signing as a free agent by the Philadelphia Flyers in
July 1971. He made his NHL debut in the 1972–73 season, and joined the Flyers
full-time in the 1973–74 season. Kindrachuk became an important part of the
Flyers team as he helped them to win Stanley Cups as a rookie in 1974 as well as 1975. "Little O"
Kindrachuk spent much of his time in Philadelphia centering Dave "The Hammer" Schultz and Don "Big Bird" Saleski on the team's third
line. He played for the Flyers for six seasons. Kindrachuk was traded to
the Pittsburgh Penguins prior
to the 1978–79 NHL season, where
he would play for three seasons as the team's captain. He signed with the Washington Capitals in 1981, but would only play
4 games before he was forced to retire due to injuries.