Future Slapshot members Steve Risteen, Mark McKay and Chris Lauria all knew each as they attended Malden High School together in the suburb of Malden outside of Boston. Being almost the only "Punk-type dudes" in town they all hung out together.

Chris Lauria and Steve Risteen, along with vocalist George "Yodis" Lambert and drummer Adam [last name unknown] formed a band together in 1984 called Terminally Ill [Mark McKay was their manager and later their drummer].

During Terminally Ill's brief history they did manage to record twice in the studio [however, no material was ever released] and play a few venues [one of which included playing with DYS, Jerry's Kids, and Last Rights].

Forming this band resulted in introductions to a lot of Boston Crew people. Dave Smalley [the vocalist of legendary Boston Straight Edge band DYS] and Curtis Casella [the future owner of Taang! Records] had a radio show on Boston College's radio station where many of the original Hardcore bands hung out at every week.

Future Slapshot member Jonathan Anastas [who was also in DYS] was actually the original co-host, but was thrown off by the management after some on-air stunts that were considered too controversial for the religious college. As Dave Smalley was a communications major at Boston College - and actually a student - he could not be removed from the air. Their show actually came right before Gerard Cosloy's show, who went on to found Homestead Records.

Steve Risteen also was a very good friend with Mike Gitter who published a zine called "xXx" and was starting to write for national music magazines.

Dave Smalley and Mike Gitter did a lot for the band. Dave introduced the guys in Terminally Ill to a lot of people and Mike Gitter would cover their local shows.

George Lambert left the band in 1984 to join the Navy and the band split up the same year.

George Lambert now lives in Connecticut.