This week in 1981 (July 15), the Vancouver Canucks acquired the rights to Czech stars Jiri Bubla and Ivan Hlinka.

To acquire the pair, Vancouver gave up Brent Ashton and a fourth-round pick in what would be a three-team trade to bring the two to town.

Hlinka’s time in Vancouver was short — only two years — but the impact he left on the city was massive. He play for the Canucks between 1981-82 and 1982-83 where he scored 42 goals and 123 points in 137 games. In the playoffs, he chipped in another 13 points in 16 games.

In 1983, he left to finish his career in Europe.

Bubla lasted longer in Vancouver, however, playing five seasons for the Canucks. Between 1981-82 and his final year in 1985-86, Bubla scored 17 goals and 118 points in 256 games, but didn’t find the score sheet in six playoff games.

He retired after in 1986 from playing.

On Twitter: @zjlaing