Grant Fuhr
Encyclopedia
Grant Scott Fuhr is a Canadian
former ice hockey
goaltender
in the National Hockey League
and currently the goaltending coach for the Phoenix Coyotes
. In 2003, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame
. Fuhr was born to one black parent and one white parent but was adopted as a baby by a white family and raised in Spruce Grove
, Alberta
.
. After two stellar seasons in Victoria, which included the league championship and a trip to the Memorial Cup
in 1981, Fuhr was drafted 8th overall by the Edmonton Oilers
in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft
. He played for the Oilers for 10 seasons, where he teamed up first with Andy Moog
then Bill Ranford
to form one of the most formidable goaltending tandems in history, winning the Stanley Cup
four times in five seasons (1983-84 through '87-88). In addition to that he was involved with the infamous goal
where Steve Smith
scored on his own net to cost the Oilers the '86 playoffs
to the Calgary Flames
. He was the team's starting goaltender on the first four teams, but was injured and did not play in the 1990 playoffs, when the Oilers won for the fifth time. Fuhr played in the National Hockey League All-Star Game
in 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, and 1989. In 1987, he played in goal for the NHL All-Stars in both games of the Rendez-Vous '87
series against the Soviet National Team. In 1987-88, Fuhr backstopped Canada to a victory at the Canada Cup
, playing in all nine games, then played in 75 regular season and 19 playoff games. He won his only Vezina Trophy
as the NHL's top goaltender that year and finished second in voting for the Hart Memorial Trophy
as league MVP, behind Mario Lemieux
and ahead of teammate Wayne Gretzky
. He battled shoulder injuries and substance abuse
problems at the tail end of his career with Edmonton, and was suspended by the NHL for 59 games of the 1990–91 season.
in a seven-player deal. After a season and a half in Toronto, he was again traded, this time to the Buffalo Sabres
.
In Buffalo, he played a role in the Sabres' dramatic first-round playoff victory over the Boston Bruins
, helped instill a winning attitude in the organization, and mentored the young Dominik Hasek
. Fuhr then had a successful 1993–94
season with the Sabres, sharing time in goal with Hasek and winning the William M. Jennings Trophy
for the fewest goals scored against in the league with him. However, when Fuhr went down with multiple injuries, Hasek stepped into the starting role, and played well enough to hold onto the job.
With Hasek now ensconced in the Sabres' net, Fuhr was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings
, again playing with Gretzky. Out of shape and possibly past his prime, his career saw a resurgence when he signed as a free agent
with the St. Louis Blues
before the 1995–96
campaign. He played 79 games that season, 76 consecutively, both St. Louis franchise records. The 1996 playoff run for Fuhr ended prematurely as Maple Leafs forward Nick Kypreos
ran into him in the crease in the first round, causing him to tear several knee ligaments. Jon Casey
had to play the rest of the playoffs. They beat Toronto in the first round, but lost to Detroit in the next. Even though over the next three years he became one of the three winningest goaltenders in Blues history (along with Mike Liut
and Curtis Joseph
), he never fully recovered from injury. After the Blues signed Roman Turek
as their new number one goaltender in 1999, Fuhr was traded to the Calgary Flames
. He spent one season there being a mentor for Calgary's young goalies, including Fred Brathwaite
, and on October 22, 1999, he earned his 400th career win versus the Florida Panthers
. Before the 2000–01 season, he announced his retirement.
In 1990, Fuhr came forward about his drug use after spending two weeks in a counseling center in Florida. He admitted that he used "a substance"—he did not say cocaine—for some seven years, or most of the period that the Oilers rested at the top of the NHL. Details of Fuhr's drug use were supplied by the player's ex-wife, Corrine, who told the press in Edmonton that she often found cocaine hidden in his clothing and that she fielded numerous threatening telephone calls from drug dealers who had not been paid. These embarrassing details no doubt contributed to the one-year suspension handed down in September 1990 by NHL president John Ziegler, who called Fuhr's conduct "dishonorable and against the welfare of the league." Once Fuhr was re-instated, fans of opposing teams taunted him at games with bags of sugar.
In May 1993, while still a member of the Buffalo Sabres, Fuhr was denied membership in the neighbouring Transit Valley Country Club. At the time, rumours floated that the denial was based on race, as several of Fuhr's white teammates had been granted membership. Club officials denied they rejected Fuhr based on his race; rather, his application contained “incorrect and incomplete” information. Various acts of vandalism at the club occurred after news of Fuhr's rejection surfaced, including an incident where vandals burned a swastika onto one of the greens. In light of the negative publicity, the club reversed its position and offered Fuhr not only a membership, but an apology as well. Fuhr rejected the membership and joined nearby Lancaster Country Club. The club also temporarily suspended its membership committee and had an anti-bias policy written into its by-laws.
Fuhr was hired to be the Phoenix Coyotes
goaltending coach on July 22, 2004. Fuhr held the position until the end of the 2008-09 season, when he was replaced by Sean Burke
. He held a similar post with the Calgary Flames in the 2000–2001 and 2001–2002 seasons.
on November 2, 2003.
Wayne Gretzky has said on many occasions that he believes Fuhr is the greatest goaltender in NHL history. This is mentioned in an interview with Wayne Gretzky conducted by John Davidson as part of the 2003 DVD "Ultimate Gretzky".
Fuhr was also inducted in the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
team but saw limited action during the tournament. Fuhr was again selected to represent Canada for the 1987 Canada Cup. It was here that he cemented his reputation as one of the best goaltenders in the game. Playing against a tough Soviet Union squad, Fuhr turned away shot after shot during the three-game final. He also played for Canada at the 1989 IIHF World Championships.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
former ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
goaltender
Goaltender
In ice hockey, the goaltender is the player who defends his team's goal net by stopping shots of the puck from entering his team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring...
in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
and currently the goaltending coach for the Phoenix Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....
. In 2003, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
. Fuhr was born to one black parent and one white parent but was adopted as a baby by a white family and raised in Spruce Grove
Spruce Grove, Alberta
Spruce Grove is a city in the vicinity of Edmonton, Alberta. Like nearby Stony Plain it is surrounded by Parkland County.With a population of 24,646, Spruce Grove is the 11th largest city in Alberta. The Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre is the local theatre, and its TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre...
, Alberta
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
.
Edmonton Oilers (1981-1991)
In 1979, at the age of seventeen, Fuhr joined the Victoria Cougars of the WHLWestern Hockey League
The Western Hockey League is a major junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that constitute the Canadian Hockey League as the highest level of junior hockey in Canada...
. After two stellar seasons in Victoria, which included the league championship and a trip to the Memorial Cup
1981 Memorial Cup
The 1981 Memorial Cup occurred May 3-May 15 at the Windsor Arena in Windsor, Ontario. Participating teams were the winners of the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League which were the Kitchener Rangers, Cornwall Royals and Victoria Cougars...
in 1981, Fuhr was drafted 8th overall by the Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft
1981 NHL Entry Draft
The 1981 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec. The National Hockey League teams selected 211 players eligible for entry into professional ranks, in the reverse order of the 1980–81 NHL season and playoff standings. This is the list of those players...
. He played for the Oilers for 10 seasons, where he teamed up first with Andy Moog
Andy Moog
Donald Andrew Moog is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey goaltender. He is currently the goaltending coach for the NHL's Dallas Stars.Moog was previously the Dallas Stars' assistant coach...
then Bill Ranford
Bill Ranford
William Edward Ranford is a former professional ice hockey goaltender and current goaltending coach for the Los Angeles Kings. He graduated from New Westminster Secondary School in 1985. He was selected in the third round of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, 52nd overall, by the Boston Bruins...
to form one of the most formidable goaltending tandems in history, winning the Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
four times in five seasons (1983-84 through '87-88). In addition to that he was involved with the infamous goal
Goal
A goal is an objective, or a projected computation of affairs, that a person or a system plans or intends to achieve.Goal, GOAL or G.O.A.L may also refer to:Sport...
where Steve Smith
James Stephen Smith
James Stephen Smith , better known as Steve Smith, is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and current assistant coach of the Edmonton Oilers. He played in the National Hockey League from 1984–85 to 2000–01...
scored on his own net to cost the Oilers the '86 playoffs
1986 Stanley Cup playoffs
The 1986 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League began on April 9, after the conclusion of the 1985–86 NHL season...
to the Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
. He was the team's starting goaltender on the first four teams, but was injured and did not play in the 1990 playoffs, when the Oilers won for the fifth time. Fuhr played in the National Hockey League All-Star Game
National Hockey League All-Star Game
The National Hockey League All-Star Game is an exhibition ice hockey game that is traditionally held at the midway point of the regular season of the National Hockey League , with many of the league's star players playing against each other...
in 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, and 1989. In 1987, he played in goal for the NHL All-Stars in both games of the Rendez-Vous '87
Rendez-vous '87
Rendez-vous '87 was an international ice hockey series of games between the Soviet national ice hockey team and a team of All-Stars from the National Hockey League, held in Quebec City. It replaced the NHL's All-Star festivities for the 1986–87 NHL season...
series against the Soviet National Team. In 1987-88, Fuhr backstopped Canada to a victory at the Canada Cup
1987 Canada Cup
The 1987 Canada Cup was a professional international ice hockey tournament held from August 28 to September 15, 1987. The finals took place in Montreal on September 11 and Hamilton, Ontario, on September 13 and September 15, and were won by Team Canada....
, playing in all nine games, then played in 75 regular season and 19 playoff games. He won his only Vezina Trophy
Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's goaltender who is "adjudged to be the best at this position". At the end of each season, the 30 General Managers of the teams in the National Hockey League vote to determine the goaltender who was the most valuable to his team...
as the NHL's top goaltender that year and finished second in voting for the Hart Memorial Trophy
Hart Memorial Trophy
The Hart Memorial Trophy, originally known as the Hart Trophy, the "oldest and most prestigious individual award in hockey", is awarded annually to the "player adjudged most valuable to his team" in the National Hockey League . The Hart Memorial Trophy has been awarded 86 times to 53 different...
as league MVP, behind Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux, OC, CQ is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He is acknowledged to be one of the best players of all time. He played 17 seasons as a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League between 1984 and 2006...
and ahead of teammate Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Douglas Gretzky, CC is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. Nicknamed "The Great One", he is generally regarded as the best player in the history of the National Hockey League , and has been called "the greatest hockey player ever" by many sportswriters,...
. He battled shoulder injuries and substance abuse
Substance abuse
A substance-related disorder is an umbrella term used to describe several different conditions associated with several different substances .A substance related disorder is a condition in which an individual uses or abuses a...
problems at the tail end of his career with Edmonton, and was suspended by the NHL for 59 games of the 1990–91 season.
Post-Oilers (1991-present)
In 1991, Fuhr was traded to the Toronto Maple LeafsToronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
in a seven-player deal. After a season and a half in Toronto, he was again traded, this time to the Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
.
In Buffalo, he played a role in the Sabres' dramatic first-round playoff victory over the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
, helped instill a winning attitude in the organization, and mentored the young Dominik Hasek
Dominik Hašek
Dominik Hašek is a Czech ice hockey goaltender who is currently with HC Spartak Moscow of the KHL.In his 16-season National Hockey League career, he played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, and the Ottawa Senators. During his years in Buffalo, he became one of the...
. Fuhr then had a successful 1993–94
1993-94 NHL season
-Final:The Final pitted the New York Rangers, seeking to win their first Cup since 1940, versus the Vancouver Canucks, looking for their first-ever Cup win. The series was hard-fought and went the full seven games. The Rangers took a 3–1 series lead, but the Canucks won the next two to force a game...
season with the Sabres, sharing time in goal with Hasek and winning the William M. Jennings Trophy
William M. Jennings Trophy
The William M. Jennings Trophy is an annual National Hockey League award given to "the goalkeeper having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it. Winners are selected based on regular-season play." From 1946 until 1981, the Vezina Trophy had been awarded...
for the fewest goals scored against in the league with him. However, when Fuhr went down with multiple injuries, Hasek stepped into the starting role, and played well enough to hold onto the job.
With Hasek now ensconced in the Sabres' net, Fuhr was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
, again playing with Gretzky. Out of shape and possibly past his prime, his career saw a resurgence when he signed as a free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
with the St. Louis Blues
St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team is named after the famous W. C. Handy song "St. Louis Blues", and plays in the 19,150-seat Scottrade...
before the 1995–96
1995-96 NHL season
The 1995–96 NHL season was the 79th regular season of the National Hockey League. The Stanley Cup winners were the Colorado Avalanche, who, in their first year as the Avalanche, swept the Florida Panthers in four games.-League business:...
campaign. He played 79 games that season, 76 consecutively, both St. Louis franchise records. The 1996 playoff run for Fuhr ended prematurely as Maple Leafs forward Nick Kypreos
Nick Kypreos
Nikos Kypreos is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger of Greek descent. He played eight seasons in the National Hockey League for the Hartford Whalers, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs...
ran into him in the crease in the first round, causing him to tear several knee ligaments. Jon Casey
Jon Casey
Jonathan James Casey is a retired American ice hockey goaltender.Jon Casey was born in Grand Rapids Minnesota to James and Colleen Casey. He is the second of four children...
had to play the rest of the playoffs. They beat Toronto in the first round, but lost to Detroit in the next. Even though over the next three years he became one of the three winningest goaltenders in Blues history (along with Mike Liut
Mike Liut
Michael Dennis Liut is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender.Liut played for the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association from 1977 to 1979 and for the St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, and Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League from 1979 to 1992. He won...
and Curtis Joseph
Curtis Joseph
Curtis Shayne Joseph is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He last played for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League....
), he never fully recovered from injury. After the Blues signed Roman Turek
Roman Turek
Roman Turek is a retired Czech professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, and Calgary Flames in a 9-year National Hockey League career...
as their new number one goaltender in 1999, Fuhr was traded to the Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
. He spent one season there being a mentor for Calgary's young goalies, including Fred Brathwaite
Fred Brathwaite
Fredrick Brathwaite is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for Adler Mannheim of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. He previously played in the National Hockey League for the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets and Atlanta Thrashers...
, and on October 22, 1999, he earned his 400th career win versus the Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
. Before the 2000–01 season, he announced his retirement.
In 1990, Fuhr came forward about his drug use after spending two weeks in a counseling center in Florida. He admitted that he used "a substance"—he did not say cocaine—for some seven years, or most of the period that the Oilers rested at the top of the NHL. Details of Fuhr's drug use were supplied by the player's ex-wife, Corrine, who told the press in Edmonton that she often found cocaine hidden in his clothing and that she fielded numerous threatening telephone calls from drug dealers who had not been paid. These embarrassing details no doubt contributed to the one-year suspension handed down in September 1990 by NHL president John Ziegler, who called Fuhr's conduct "dishonorable and against the welfare of the league." Once Fuhr was re-instated, fans of opposing teams taunted him at games with bags of sugar.
In May 1993, while still a member of the Buffalo Sabres, Fuhr was denied membership in the neighbouring Transit Valley Country Club. At the time, rumours floated that the denial was based on race, as several of Fuhr's white teammates had been granted membership. Club officials denied they rejected Fuhr based on his race; rather, his application contained “incorrect and incomplete” information. Various acts of vandalism at the club occurred after news of Fuhr's rejection surfaced, including an incident where vandals burned a swastika onto one of the greens. In light of the negative publicity, the club reversed its position and offered Fuhr not only a membership, but an apology as well. Fuhr rejected the membership and joined nearby Lancaster Country Club. The club also temporarily suspended its membership committee and had an anti-bias policy written into its by-laws.
Fuhr was hired to be the Phoenix Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....
goaltending coach on July 22, 2004. Fuhr held the position until the end of the 2008-09 season, when he was replaced by Sean Burke
Sean Burke
Sean Burke is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League for the New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers, Phoenix Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles...
. He held a similar post with the Calgary Flames in the 2000–2001 and 2001–2002 seasons.
Hall of Fame induction
Fuhr was inducted into the Hockey Hall of FameHockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
on November 2, 2003.
Wayne Gretzky has said on many occasions that he believes Fuhr is the greatest goaltender in NHL history. This is mentioned in an interview with Wayne Gretzky conducted by John Davidson as part of the 2003 DVD "Ultimate Gretzky".
Fuhr was also inducted in the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
International play
Fuhr was named to the 1984 Canada Cup1984 Canada Cup
The 1984 Canada Cup was a professional international ice hockey tournament played during the first three weeks of September 1984. The best-of-three final took place between Canada and Sweden, with Canada winning two games to nil...
team but saw limited action during the tournament. Fuhr was again selected to represent Canada for the 1987 Canada Cup. It was here that he cemented his reputation as one of the best goaltenders in the game. Playing against a tough Soviet Union squad, Fuhr turned away shot after shot during the three-game final. He also played for Canada at the 1989 IIHF World Championships.
Awards and honors
- Named to NHL Second All-Star Team in 1982.
- Stanley Cup championships in 19841984 Stanley Cup FinalsThe 1984 Stanley Cup Final was held between the Edmonton Oilers and the then-defending champion New York Islanders. Edmonton was making their second-straight Finals appearance, and New York was making their fifth-straight...
, 19851985 Stanley Cup FinalsThe 1985 Stanley Cup Finals was played between the defending champion Edmonton Oilers in their third-straight Finals appearance and the Philadelphia Flyers. The Oilers would win the best-of-seven series four games to one, to win their second Stanley Cup. It was also the sixth straight Finals of...
, 19871987 Stanley Cup FinalsThe 1987 Stanley Cup Final was played between the Edmonton Oilers and the Philadelphia Flyers. The Oilers would win the series 4–3, for their third Stanley Cup victory.-Paths to the Final:...
, 19881988 Stanley Cup FinalsThe 1988 Stanley Cup Finals was between the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins. The Oilers would win the series 4–0 in five games; game four was abandoned due to a power failure at the Boston Garden with the score tied 3–3 and replayed.-Paths to the Final:...
, 19901990 Stanley Cup FinalsIn the 1990 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Boston Bruins four games to one. For the Oilers, it was their fifth Cup win in seven years, and the only one without Wayne Gretzky...
. - Canada Cup champion in 19841984 Canada CupThe 1984 Canada Cup was a professional international ice hockey tournament played during the first three weeks of September 1984. The best-of-three final took place between Canada and Sweden, with Canada winning two games to nil...
, 19871987 Canada CupThe 1987 Canada Cup was a professional international ice hockey tournament held from August 28 to September 15, 1987. The finals took place in Montreal on September 11 and Hamilton, Ontario, on September 13 and September 15, and were won by Team Canada....
. - Named to NHL First All-Star Team in 1988.
- Won Vezina TrophyVezina TrophyThe Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's goaltender who is "adjudged to be the best at this position". At the end of each season, the 30 General Managers of the teams in the National Hockey League vote to determine the goaltender who was the most valuable to his team...
in 1988. - Won William M. Jennings TrophyWilliam M. Jennings TrophyThe William M. Jennings Trophy is an annual National Hockey League award given to "the goalkeeper having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it. Winners are selected based on regular-season play." From 1946 until 1981, the Vezina Trophy had been awarded...
in 1994 (shared with Dominik HašekDominik HašekDominik Hašek is a Czech ice hockey goaltender who is currently with HC Spartak Moscow of the KHL.In his 16-season National Hockey League career, he played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, and the Ottawa Senators. During his years in Buffalo, he became one of the...
). - Played in 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989 NHL All-Star Games.
- In 1998, he was ranked number 70 on The Hockey News list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players.
- His #31 was retired by the Edmonton OilersEdmonton OilersThe Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
on October 6, 2001. - Inducted into the Hockey Hall of FameHockey Hall of FameThe Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
in 2003. - Inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
Records
- Holds NHLNational Hockey LeagueThe National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
record for longest undefeated streak by a goaltenderGoaltenderIn ice hockey, the goaltender is the player who defends his team's goal net by stopping shots of the puck from entering his team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring...
in his first NHL season - 23 in 19821981-82 NHL seasonThe 1981–82 NHL season was the 65th season of the National Hockey League. The William M. Jennings Trophy made its debut this year as the trophy for the goaltenders from the team with the fewest goals against...
. - Holds NHL record for most assists in a single season by a goaltender - 14 in 19841983-84 NHL seasonThe 1983–84 NHL season was the 67th season of the National Hockey League. The Edmonton Oilers de-throned the four-time defending Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders four games to one in the Cup finals.-League business:...
. - Shares NHL record for most wins in a single season postseason - 16 in 19881987-88 NHL season-NHL awards:-All-Star teams:-Scoring Leaders:Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points, PIM = Penalties in minutes, PPG = Powerplay Goals, SHG = Shorthanded Goals, GWG = Game Winning Goals-Leading goaltenders:...
. - Holds NHL record for most games played by a goaltender - 79 in 19961995-96 NHL seasonThe 1995–96 NHL season was the 79th regular season of the National Hockey League. The Stanley Cup winners were the Colorado Avalanche, who, in their first year as the Avalanche, swept the Florida Panthers in four games.-League business:...
. - Holds NHL record for most consecutive appearances in a single season by a goaltender - 76 in 1996.
Transactions
- Traded to Toronto by Edmonton with Glenn AndersonGlenn AndersonGlenn Christopher Anderson is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger in the National Hockey League who played for the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and St. Louis Blues...
and Craig BerubeCraig BerubeCraig "The Chief" Berube is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals and New York Islanders...
for Vincent DamphousseVincent DamphousseVincent Francois Damphousse is a retired Canadian professional hockey who played in the National Hockey League for eighteen seasons. He played centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks, winning a Stanley Cup championship with Montreal in 1993...
, Peter IngPeter IngPeter A. Ing is a former National Hockey League goaltender, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1989 to 1991. Ing was born in Toronto of mixed ancestry, his father was Chinese....
, Scott Thornton and Luke RichardsonLuke RichardsonLuke Glen Richardson is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former professional ice hockey player. Richardson played for 21 seasons in the National Hockey League...
, September 19, 1991. - TradeTradeTrade is the transfer of ownership of goods and services from one person or entity to another. Trade is sometimes loosely called commerce or financial transaction or barter. A network that allows trade is called a market. The original form of trade was barter, the direct exchange of goods and...
d to BuffaloBuffalo SabresThe Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
by Toronto with Toronto's 5th round choice (Kevin Popp) in 1995 Entry Draft for Dave AndreychukDave AndreychukDavid John Andreychuk is a former professional ice hockey left winger who played in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning...
, Daren PuppaDaren PuppaDaren James Puppa was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada and is a former professional ice hockey goaltender in the NHL...
and Buffalo's 1st round choice (Kenny JönssonKenny JönssonPer Anders Kenny Jönsson is a retired Swedish professional ice hockey player.- Playing career :Jönsson was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1st round as the 12th overall selection in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft...
) in 1993 Entry Draft, February 2, 1993. - Traded to Los Angeles by Buffalo with Philippe BoucherPhilippe BoucherPhilippe Boucher is a retired French Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League. He is currently the General Manager of the Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL.-Amateur:...
and Denis TsygurovDenis TsygurovDenis Tsygurov is a retired former professional ice hockey player. Tsygurov was drafted in the second round, 38th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft following two seasons with HC Lada Togliatti of the Russian Hockey Super League...
for Alexei ZhitnikAlexei ZhitnikOleksiy Mykolaiovych "Alexei" Zhitnik is a retired Ukrainian-Russian ice hockey defenceman. Zhitnik has played more games in the National Hockey League than any other Soviet-born defenceman. He has represented the Soviet Union, CIS, and Russia internationally, and Ukraine during two NHL All-Star...
, Robb StauberRobb StauberRobert Thomas Stauber is a retired American professional ice hockey goaltender who played 62 NHL regular season games between 1989 and 1995...
, Charlie HuddyCharlie HuddyCharles William Huddy is a former NHL defenceman and current assistant coach of the Winnipeg Jets. He is also one of only seven Edmonton Oilers to be a member of all 5 of the franchise's Stanley Cup-winning teams 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988,1990.His greatest success came with the Oilers with whom he...
and Los Angeles' 5th round choice (Marian Menhart) in 1995 Entry Draft, February 14, 1995. - Signed as a free agent by St. LouisSt. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
, July 14, 1995. - Traded to CalgaryCalgaryCalgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies...
by St. Louis for Calgary's 3rd round choice (Justin PapineauJustin PapineauJustin Papineau , is a professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for the Adler Mannheim of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany.- Draft :...
) in 2000 Entry Draft, September 4, 1999. - Officially announced retirement, September 6, 2000.
Regular season
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | W | L | T | MIN | GA | SO | GAA Goals against average Goals Against Average is a statistic used in ice hockey, water polo, lacrosse, and soccer that is the mean of goals allowed per game by a goaltender.... |
SV% Save percentage Save percentage is an ice hockey and lacrosse statistic that represents the percentage of shots on goal a goaltender stops... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979–80 | Victoria Cougars | WHL Western Hockey League The Western Hockey League is a major junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that constitute the Canadian Hockey League as the highest level of junior hockey in Canada... |
43 | 30 | 12 | 0 | 2488 | 130 | 3 | 3.14 | .911 |
| 1980–81 | Victoria Cougars | WHL | 59 | 48 | 9 | 1 | 3448 | 160 | 4 | 2.78 | .908 |
| 1981–82 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
NHL | 48 | 28 | 5 | 14 | 2847 | 157 | 0 | 3.31 | .899 |
| 1982–83 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 32 | 13 | 12 | 5 | 1803 | 129 | 0 | 4.29 | .868 |
| 1982–83 1982–83 AHL season The 1982–83 AHL season was the 47th season of the American Hockey League. Thirteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season, and won their fourth Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
Moncton Alpines Moncton Alpines Moncton Alpines could refer to:*Moncton Wildcats - the former name of a junior ice hockey team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League*Moncton Golden Flames - the former name of a defunct professional ice hockey team based in Moncton... |
AHL American Hockey League The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League... |
10 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 604 | 40 | 0 | 3.97 | — |
| 1983–84 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 45 | 30 | 10 | 4 | 2625 | 171 | 1 | 3.91 | .883 |
| 1984–85 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 46 | 26 | 8 | 7 | 2559 | 165 | 1 | 3.87 | .884 |
| 1985–86 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 40 | 29 | 8 | 0 | 2184 | 143 | 0 | 3.93 | .890 |
| 1986–87 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 44 | 22 | 13 | 3 | 2388 | 137 | 0 | 3.44 | .881 |
| 1987–88 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 75 | 40 | 24 | 9 | 4304 | 246 | 4 | 3.43 | .881 |
| 1988–89 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 59 | 23 | 26 | 6 | 3341 | 213 | 1 | 3.83 | .875 |
| 1989–90 1989–90 AHL season The 1989–90 AHL season was the 54th season of the American Hockey League.Fourteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Sherbrooke Canadiens repeated finishing first overall in the regular season... |
Cape Breton Oilers Cape Breton Oilers The Cape Breton Oilers were a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team relocated from Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1988 and was renamed for Cape Breton Island. Home games were played in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, at Centre 200... |
AHL | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 120 | 6 | 0 | 3.00 | .919 |
| 1989–90 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 21 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 1081 | 70 | 1 | 3.89 | .868 |
| 1990–91 1990–91 AHL season The 1990–91 AHL season was the 55th season of the American Hockey League. Fifteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season... |
Cape Breton Oilers | AHL | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 240 | 17 | 0 | 4.25 | .870 |
| 1990–91 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 13 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 778 | 39 | 1 | 3.01 | .897 |
| 1991–92 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL | 65 | 25 | 33 | 5 | 3774 | 230 | 2 | 3.66 | .881 |
| 1992–93 | Toronto Maple Leafs | NHL | 29 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 1665 | 87 | 1 | 3.14 | .895 |
| 1992–93 | Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... |
NHL | 29 | 11 | 15 | 2 | 1694 | 98 | 0 | 3.47 | .891 |
| 1993–94 1993–94 AHL season The 1993–94 AHL season was the 58th season of the American Hockey League. Sixteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The St. John's Maple Leafs finished first overall in the regular season... |
Rochester Americans Rochester Americans The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial... |
AHL | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 310 | 10 | 0 | 1.94 | .935 |
| 1993–94 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 32 | 13 | 12 | 3 | 1726 | 106 | 2 | 3.68 | .883 |
| 1994–95 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 180 | 12 | 0 | 4.00 | .859 |
| 1994–95 | Los Angeles Kings Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL | 14 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 698 | 47 | 0 | 4.04 | .876 |
| 1995–96 | St. Louis Blues St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team is named after the famous W. C. Handy song "St. Louis Blues", and plays in the 19,150-seat Scottrade... |
NHL | 79 | 30 | 28 | 16 | 4365 | 209 | 3 | 2.87 | .903 |
| 1996–97 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 73 | 33 | 27 | 11 | 4261 | 193 | 3 | 2.72 | .901 |
| 1997–98 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 58 | 29 | 21 | 6 | 3274 | 138 | 3 | 2.53 | .883 |
| 1998–99 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 39 | 16 | 11 | 8 | 2193 | 89 | 2 | 2.44 | .892 |
| 1999–00 1999–2000 AHL season The 1999–2000 AHL season was the 64th season of the American Hockey League. Nineteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hartford Wolf Pack finished first overall in the regular season, and won their first Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
Saint John Flames Saint John Flames The Saint John Flames were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League from 1993 to 2003 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. The Calgary Flames bought and relocated the Utica Devils, to be their AHL affiliate.... |
AHL | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 99 | 10 | 0 | 6.05 | .839 |
| 1999–00 | Calgary Flames Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the... |
NHL | 23 | 5 | 13 | 2 | 1205 | 77 | 0 | 3.83 | .856 |
| NHL totals | 868 | 403 | 295 | 114 | 48,945 | 2,756 | 25 | 3.38 | .887 | ||
Playoffs
| Season | Team | League | GP | W | L | MIN | GA | SO | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979–80 | Victoria Cougars | WHL | 8 | 5 | 3 | 465 | 22 | 0 | 2.84 | — |
| 1980–81 | Victoria Cougars | WHL | 15 | 12 | 3 | 899 | 45 | 1 | 3.00 | — |
| 1980–81 1981 Memorial Cup The 1981 Memorial Cup occurred May 3-May 15 at the Windsor Arena in Windsor, Ontario. Participating teams were the winners of the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League which were the Kitchener Rangers, Cornwall Royals and Victoria Cougars... |
Victoria Cougars | M-Cup Memorial Cup The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major... |
4 | 1 | 3 | 239 | 18 | 0 | 4.52 | — |
| 1981–82 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 5 | 2 | 3 | 309 | 26 | 0 | 5.05 | — |
| 1982–83 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .000 |
| 1983–84 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 16 | 11 | 4 | 882 | 44 | 1 | 3.00 | .910 |
| 1984–85 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 18 | 15 | 3 | 1057 | 55 | 0 | 3.12 | .895 |
| 1985–86 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 9 | 5 | 4 | 540 | 28 | 0 | 3.12 | .897 |
| 1986–87 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 19 | 14 | 5 | 1143 | 47 | 0 | 2.47 | .908 |
| 1987–88 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 19 | 16 | 2 | 1136 | 55 | 0 | 2.91 | .883 |
| 1988–89 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 7 | 3 | 4 | 417 | 24 | 1 | 3.45 | .894 |
| 1990–91 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 18 | 8 | 7 | 1019 | 51 | 0 | 3.00 | .895 |
| 1992–93 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 8 | 3 | 4 | 474 | 27 | 1 | 3.42 | .875 |
| 1995–96 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 2 | 1 | 0 | 69 | 1 | 0 | 0.87 | .978 |
| 1996–97 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 6 | 2 | 4 | 357 | 13 | 2 | 2.18 | .929 |
| 1998–99 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 13 | 6 | 6 | 780 | 31 | 1 | 2.35 | .898 |
| NHL totals | 150 | 92 | 50 | 8808 | 430 | 6 | 2.93 | — | ||
International
| Year | Team | Event | GP | W | L | T | MIN | GA | SO | GAA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 1984 Canada Cup The 1984 Canada Cup was a professional international ice hockey tournament played during the first three weeks of September 1984. The best-of-three final took place between Canada and Sweden, with Canada winning two games to nil... |
Canada | Can-Cup Canada Cup The Canada Cup refers to several types of professional sporting events held in Canada: It is also the previous name of the World Cup of Golf and the World Cup of Hockey.* Canada Cup for men's professional ice hockey* Canada Cup... |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 120 | 6 | 0 | 3.00 | |
| 1987 Rendez-vous '87 Rendez-vous '87 was an international ice hockey series of games between the Soviet national ice hockey team and a team of All-Stars from the National Hockey League, held in Quebec City. It replaced the NHL's All-Star festivities for the 1986–87 NHL season... |
NHL All-Stars | RV-87 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 120 | 8 | 0 | 4.00 | |
| 1987 1987 Canada Cup The 1987 Canada Cup was a professional international ice hockey tournament held from August 28 to September 15, 1987. The finals took place in Montreal on September 11 and Hamilton, Ontario, on September 13 and September 15, and were won by Team Canada.... |
Canada | Can-Cup | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 575 | 32 | 0 | 3.00 | |
| 1989 1989 World Ice Hockey Championships -Final Round:-Consolation Round:Poland was relegated to Group B.-World Championship Group B :Played in Oslo and Lillehammer March 30th to April 9th. The April 5th game between Norway and Austria was officially adjusted to 8-0 for Norway because of Siegfried Haberl's positive drug test... |
Canada | WC | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 298 | 18 | 1 | 3.62 | |
| Senior int'l totals | 18 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 1113 | 64 | 1 | 3.45 | |||