Bob Perani was born in Italy, grew up in Canada, retired to Thailand, but make no mistake about it – Flint was his
home.
Perani was considered the first star player for the Flint Generals, who joined the International Hockey League in 1969-
70. Perani came to Flint that season, the first of five in which he played goaltender for the Generals.
When his hockey career ended, he remained in Flint and started a small hockey equipment business on Davison Road.
To help make his venture a bit more profitable, the store also doubled as a pet shop before moving to a larger location in
the Dort Mall.
